Valhalla Traverse
Gimli Trailhead to Mulvey Lakes
This traverse of the Valhalla Range is not a leisurely traverse. The route is exhausting, with challenging route finding, difficult terrain, and dangerous snow crossings and at times dangerous steep traverses on rock and dirt. That said, the scenery is spectacular and the accomplishment is worth the effort. The route shown is the way in which we traversed. We did not have knowledge of the standard route and easier routes may exist avoiding the dangers we encountered.
Introduction:
Day One:
We drove to the Gimli Trailhead. Recent water bars across the road require the vehicle to have some high clearance to avoid issues. A vehicle was also left at New Denver, our exit. After a night at the trailhead, we began the trail hike up to the base of Gimli. This is a nice trail that takes you quickly to tree line. From the campsites at the base of Gimli, we scrambled up Gimli Peak. At the upper section of Gimli, the route is exposed class 3 for considerable time on ledges that by some miracle, reach the summit plateau. Back at the camp below Gimli, we grabbed our overnight packs and continued up to the Gimli-Nisleheim Pass. From there, a hidden ramp drops off the backside down to a snowfield. To make this easier, we lowered our packs by rope to make the ramp go easy. Some downclimbing on steep snow was required, then easy plunge stepping down to the Mulvey Lakes, our first nights camp.
Canada Hiking & Climbing
Porcupine trailhead protection
Goats at the Gimli high camp
Camping at the trailhead with Gimli Peak in the distance
Getting near the base of Gimli Peak
Views from the trail
Reaching treeline
Route down from the Gimli-Nisleheim Pass
Lowering packs at the Gimli-Nisleheim Pass.
Largest Mulvey Lake from near camp
Coming down from the pass
Camp at Mulvey Lakes with Gimli above
Asguard Peak from near camp
Midguard Peak from camp at Mulvey Lakes
Lower Mulvey Lakes
At the bottom of the ledge at Gimli-Nisleheim Pass, waiting for a turn to put on crampons before downclimbing. (photo by Stefan)
No pictures climbing Gimli, I forgot my camera!
