31.03.2019
Pika peak is a semi forested peak in the middle of the Burke Ridge between Dennett Peak (renamed from the one everyone considers Burke Peak South) and the true Burke Summit.
You get views of Burke, Widgeon, Golden Ears, Blanchards, Edge, Robie Ried, etc, etc...
I was trying for true Burke Peak, but it will have to wait for another trip since I spent too much time clearing blowdown on the up-track, gear changes, exploring the ridge/various lookouts, and futzing around on Pika Peak (the suggested trail to Burke actually traverses the eastern flank of Pika avoiding it altogether). Perhaps its the winter conditions that make it a more desirable at this time of year *shrugs*? I went up the ramp to the peak from the north side to avoid slide hazard of sun affected snow.
I did not see a single soul after the top of "Mow It Down" where I met a group of mountain bikers... but there are copious snowmobile tracks seemingly running in every possible direction. Luckily nobody was out ripping it up on Sunday ruining the solitude.
Snowshoes are recommended and traction devices for the Pika traverse, some 35%+ grades there to navigate on some crusty treeline snow.
Disclaimer:
I have provided my GPX track as a reference only, use at your own risk.. this would be considered the "Winter" track as it deviates from the summer route in a number of places as I followed snow mobile or animal tracks.
Suggestions:
- Take a gps track with you... there are many many many trails up here and its easy to lose your bearings and the snowmobile tracks can easily lead you astray.
- Wear bright colours and watch above you for mountain bikes at all times
- Try to do this in with snow above 900m since a good portion of this is road with loose rock/gravel which is a slog after a 20 km hike
Total Time: 8hr 39min
Moving Time: 6hr 17min
Distance: 24km
Cumulative Gain: 1350m
Average Grade: 10.3%
Be safe and have fun.
Regards,
Rex
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