Spring Loaded

Rating: WI5
Length: 375 meters

Climb a pitch of ice and frozen ground to reach the thicker ice. From there expect short pillars and moderate ice to reach the top vertical pillars. The route ends at the canyon rim. The top pillar is visible from the highway.

FA: Bob O’Brien & Dan McCabe, March 1983

Anchor: A walk off exists to the right at the canyon rim.

Sheep Creek

The Sheep Creek drainage is approximately 18.5 miles from Valdez and is the second canyon on the left after driving out of Keystone Canyon towards Glennallen. Keep an eye out for Angel and Spring Loaded which can be seen from the highway on the east wall of the canyon. This canyon is also home to some first ascents by Japanese climbers that were hosted by the locals. Host to a number of moderate to hard routes of good length, this canyon is also very prone to extreme avalanches. Know the conditions before venturing into this area. Parking is not always apparent. A plowed pullout to Heiden View is approximately 200 yards east of the bridge. Wherever you park please be mindful of DOT plow trucks.

A portion of this area is documented in a handwritten guide found in a Canmore bookstore. forum link iconFrench Trip Sheep Creek Guide

Wowie Zowie

Rating: WI6
Length: 120 meters

The first pitch consists of a long section of overhanging ice that retreats in angle on the left side. A shorter section leads up to the base of the final crux pillar that continues to deliver more steep overhanging ice. First ascent party chopped out a belay to the right of the final pillar to allow access on to the final pillar.

FA: Andrew Embick & Carl Tobin, 1981

Anchor: Alders are available for a rappel.

alert icon ALERT: This route like most in the area exists is prone to avalanches. Pay attention to the snow conditions before accessing this route.

Peggy’s Mane

Rating: WI4
Length: 50 meters

This route consists of a wide curtain at the base that narrows towards the top. The last 25 meters is the crux, vertical pillar.

FA: Roman Dial & Steve Will, January 1981

Anchor: Alders are available for a rappel.

alert icon ALERT: This route like most in the area exists is prone to avalanches. Pay attention to the snow conditions before accessing this route.

Kayaker’s Delight

Rating: WI4
Length: 55 meters

This route usually consists of thin ice conditions over visible running water. As such, waiting to access this route until it is cold is good advice.

FA: Ken Leary & Mark Lockwood, 1985

Anchor: Alders are available for a rappel.

alert icon ALERT: This route like most in the area exists is prone to avalanches. Pay attention to the snow conditions before accessing this route.

Excalibur

Rating: WI5
Length: 65 meters

The first pitch consists of a steep ramp to an ice mushroom lying below the final pillar. A belay can be found in alders to the right for the next pitch which consists of a vertical to slightly overhanging 100 foot plus pillar. The route takes its name from a delicate tool removal by Embick on the first ascent.

FA: Andrew Embick & Martin Leonard, January 1985

Anchor: Alders are available for a rappel.

alert icon ALERT: This route like most in the area exists is prone to avalanches. Pay attention to the snow conditions before accessing this route.