{"id":44056,"date":"2023-02-22T08:10:53","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T15:10:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=44056"},"modified":"2025-02-05T22:53:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T05:53:20","slug":"mount-hyland-babine-mountains-british-columbia-canada-part-2-summit-pass-to-the-summit-8-5-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=44056","title":{"rendered":"Mount Hyland, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – Part 2: Summit Pass to the Summit! (8-5-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 7 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

Wee hours, 0.5 km W of Summit Pass<\/em> – A gentle paw woke SPHP from a sound sleep.\u00a0 Lupe wanted out.\u00a0 Unzipping the door to the tiny house, SPHP let her go.\u00a0 Shining the flashlight after her revealed only thick fog.\u00a0 Not good.<\/p>\n

Don’t get lost out there, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Started to rain shortly after the Carolina Dog left.\u00a0 She was soon back, her fur already quite damp.<\/p>\n

At least, I’m smart enough to come in out of the rain, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re a wise Dingo, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Not looking very good for our plan to climb Mount Hyland tomorrow, SPHP.\u00a0 Thought your forecast said it was going to be sunny?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I know.\u00a0 Maybe it’ll clear off?\u00a0 Might as well get some more shut-eye in the meantime.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe went out in the night once more later on.\u00a0 Still foggy, but the rain had ended, only a light mist remaining.<\/p>\n

7:31 AM, chilly<\/em> – What luck!\u00a0 Sunshine was on Mount Hyland’s massive SW ridge.\u00a0 No fog now!\u00a0 Only high, thin clouds sailed over the enormous valley the American Dingo was supposed to explore today.<\/p>\n

Get cracking, SPHP!\u00a0<\/em> Mount Hyland<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(7,477 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is a go!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland’s SW bowl<\/strong> from the tiny house. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe set out heading E to the McCabe Trail as if she intended to return to Summit Pass, which she’d visited yesterday evening.\u00a0 However, SPHP led her off-trail well before she got that far, turning NW across a level field of rich green grass.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo was in her element!\u00a0 Freshly rested and energetic, Lupe raced this way and that over the soft green carpet, sniffing madly, while marmots whistled all around.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Roaming Mount Hyland’s Dingo Paradise<\/strong>! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wonderful field soon led to a green bench that rose gradually as it wrapped around the SW corner of Mount Hyland’s gigantic S ridge.\u00a0 The bench ended before Lupe got too much farther.\u00a0 Suddenly, a view of rockier terrain appeared ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Entering rockier ground. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Climbed a bit too fast already, didn’t we, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

Story of our lives, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Still some greenery ahead.\u00a0 Descending 50 feet or so, Loopster got back to her kind of terrain.\u00a0 In high spirits, she wandered among a maze of rocks and tundra.\u00a0 Prime marmot territory!\u00a0 Before long she’d gone far enough NW.<\/p>\n

Think we can turn N now, Loop.\u00a0 Time to start climbing again!<\/em><\/p>\n

A final steep grassy slope, etched by rivulets pouring down from above, quickly led to a world of rock.\u00a0 To the NE, a ravine choked with big talus swept up along the base of Mount Hyland’s S ridge.\u00a0 Immediately ahead, the Carolina Dog faced a hill of exposed bedrock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ascending the last green slope. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ravine of talus below the S ridge<\/strong> (R). Bedrock hill<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Let’s avoid all that rock-hopping in this ravine if we can, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

With you on that, Looper, provided we can get over this hill.<\/em><\/p>\n

The bedrock hill was actually quite a fun climb, full of little benches and ramps.\u00a0 Once on top, another small rocky ridge was just ahead, barely any higher than this first hill.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Climbing the bedrock hill. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the bedrock hill, with another minor ridge ahead. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although Loopster was just getting started up Mount Hyland, looking back to the SSW, there was already quite a view.<\/p>\n

Lupe, look!\u00a0 See that mountain toward the L?\u00a0 You’ve been there!\u00a0 That’s got to be Astlais Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,037 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Really, SPHP?\u00a0 Astlais Mountain was fabulous!\u00a0 That must mean that lower triangle in shadow even farther L is the Big Onion<\/span><\/a> (5,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

No doubt about it, Loop!\u00a0 Awesome to see them again from here!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Big Onion Mountain<\/strong> (far L) in shadow, Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (L), NE part of Pyramid Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After climbing up and over the next little ridge, then wandering a region of exposed bedrock slabs beyond it, the central valley of the enormous bowl nestled between Mount Hyland’s massive S and SW ridges came into view.\u00a0 A wide river of talus swept down the middle of it.<\/p>\n

Holy schmoley, SPHP!\u00a0 That’s a lot of rock!<\/em><\/p>\n

Nothing too difficult, Looper, but will certainly be slow going for me.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A first snowbank on the way over the next ridge. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The river of talus in the central valley. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before taking on the talus, SPHP used the camera’s telephoto lens to scan the far upper end of the valley.\u00a0 Mount Hyland’s summit was somewhere beyond what could be seen from here, but starting to ponder what might be the easiest way to get up to it couldn’t hurt.\u00a0 Staying toward the E (R) once higher up looked like the thing to do.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Upper end of the central valley<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pressing on, Lupe descended to the river of talus.\u00a0 Snowbanks strong enough to provide support helped a little.\u00a0 Angling NNW across the talus, Lupe reached another bedrock ridge.\u00a0 Once up it, there was more talus.\u00a0 The American Dingo passed a beautiful shallow tarn.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head down into the talus. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the next bedrock ridge. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the shallow tarn. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the tarn, a steeper climb NW came next on a combination of mostly talus and some bedrock to get past a huge wall of rock extending W from the S ridge.\u00a0 This led to a flat region where Looper crossed a big snowfield.\u00a0 Turning N, and scrambling higher, the Carolina Dog reached a large, flat slab.\u00a0 This seemed like a good spot to take a break.<\/p>\n

Relaxing on the slab, Lupe now had a better view of the upper valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the snowfield after the steeper climb beyond the tarn. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The upper valley from the rest break slab. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still a ways to go, but it doesn’t look too bad from here, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I can’t decide if we should stick with the valley as far as possible, and head straight toward that high point at the upper end, or if we ought to scramble up onto the S ridge.\u00a0 Maybe there’s some tundra up there, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

That would sure speed things along compared to all this rock, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Break time over, Lupe headed NE among the talus, avoiding it whenever possible.\u00a0 Progress wasn’t too bad, and there were opportunities to cool off on snowbanks too steep to climb.\u00a0 Turning NNE, after a quite a steep ascent, to SPHP’s surprise, the American Dingo reached an oasis, a bench of soft, green moss that felt good on the paws, with a lovely little stream gurgling through it.\u00a0 Lupe was clearly delighted!<\/p>\n

So was SPHP.\u00a0 From the look of things, Loop was already getting pretty high on the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the unexpected green oasis. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is encouraging, Loop!\u00a0 Maybe we ought to scramble up to the S ridge right now?<\/em><\/p>\n

How much higher is it, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not sure, Looper, but probably only a few hundred feet.<\/em><\/p>\n

That wasn’t a bad estimate as it turned out, but it took a little persuading to convince Loopster to abandon her lovely oasis.\u00a0 She got into it, though, which was a good thing, because the rocky scramble was just plain steep for a good 150 feet, before getting somewhat easier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Scrambling up the S ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Results, unfortunately, were not as hoped.\u00a0 A glance in any direction was more than enough to shatter dreams of an easy stroll along the tundra.\u00a0 What tundra?\u00a0 The entire S ridge was an endless jumble of rock.\u00a0 A small, level, relatively rock-free patch of dirt with a few wisps of brown grass was as good as it got.<\/p>\n

Off to the N, though, a hill with a long snowbank below it was visible a bit beyond the junction of the S and SW ridges.<\/p>\n

Oh, my gosh, Loop!\u00a0 Is that Mount Hyland’s summit?\u00a0 Sure looks like it from here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Let’s hope so, SPHP.\u00a0 At least it doesn’t look too far away.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the “grassy” spot on the S ridge. SW ridge<\/strong> (L), summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the rocky terrain, which wasn’t too terrible since the rocks were mostly of modest size, SPHP was enthused.<\/p>\n

Hey, hey!\u00a0 We’re going to make it, Looper!\u00a0 That little hill is an easy climb!\u00a0 All we have to do is get to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Nearby to the N, a high point jutted out to the E.\u00a0 There seemed to be no reason to bother climbing it.\u00a0 Skirting along the W side turned out to be a good decision.\u00a0 Immediately beyond the E high point, Lupe came to a long snowbank.\u00a0 Afraid of what might lay beyond it, SPHP wouldn’t let her cool off on the snow.\u00a0 Another good decision!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the long snowbank. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
E high point along the S ridge<\/strong> (Center), Peak 7390<\/span><\/strong> (L), the dangerous snowbank<\/strong> (by Lupe). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Continuing N, a more flat-topped knob was ahead.\u00a0 This time, trying to go around the W side didn’t work.\u00a0 Too steep!\u00a0 Lupe had to scramble up onto the knob.\u00a0 Happily, this wasn’t too difficult, but upon reaching the top, a shock was in store.<\/p>\n

The small hill SPHP had taken for Mount Hyland’s true summit wasn’t the only high point ahead.\u00a0 Another one was now visible a few hundred feet farther NNE along what appeared to be an extremely narrow ridge.\u00a0 Worse yet, this second high point also appeared to be not only a little higher, but capped by a massive, vertical-sided boulder.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Original high point<\/strong> (L of Center), boulder high point<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yikes!\u00a0 That better not be Hyland’s true summit, Looper!\u00a0 I don’t think we can get up on that boulder, even if we manage to get over to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

There’s not much difference in elevation between those two high points, SPHP.\u00a0 Maybe it’s just an illusion that the boulder one is higher?<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe.\u00a0 Won’t know until we get closer, I guess.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Fortunately, there was a safe way to scramble down to the N from the E end of the knob Lupe was on.\u00a0 Losing roughly 50 feet of elevation, the Carolina Dog managed to reach the base of the knob.<\/p>\n

No further significant obstacles were visible on the broad rocky ridge leading toward the closest high point, but a new threat was developing.\u00a0 Although the weather had been mostly sunny this morning, now that it was mid-day, clouds were rapidly building.\u00a0 Fog sometimes boiled up from the SW valley Lupe had explored, and many big clouds were now streaming in from out of the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Clouds sweep in toward both high points (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We better get there while we can still see something, Looper!\u00a0 Onward!<\/em><\/p>\n

The trek N up the rocky slope was all relatively easy.\u00a0 SPHP couldn’t help staring over at that second high point farther NNE, hoping it wasn’t the true summit.\u00a0 Actually, it didn’t look like it was from here, so excitement was growing.\u00a0 Loopster was going to make it!\u00a0 SPHP hadn’t the least bit of doubt that she’d soon be at the first high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Suddenly, Lupe was nearly there!\u00a0 She’d reached the junction of Mount Hyland’s S and SW ridges.\u00a0 The first high point was now very close by, up a much narrower ridge.\u00a0 As anticipated, the American Dingo had plenty of room to get there without ever having to set paw on the steep snow.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Success in sight! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Skirting around W of the snow revealed the final simple romp to a cairn atop the first high point!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the summit! Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12:54 PM, 58\u00baF, Mount Hyland<\/span><\/a> (7,477 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – She’d done it!\u00a0 Fog swept in from out of the W, as Lupe stood proudly on the cairn at the first high point.\u00a0 A moment later, the only views remaining were to the E and S.\u00a0 Peak 7390<\/span><\/strong> was in sight out that way, and Lupe could also see both the knob she’d gone over along Hyland’s S ridge, as well as that initial high point that jutted out to the E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A mighty American Dingo atop the cairn on Mount Hyland<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 7390<\/span><\/strong> (L), the knob Lupe went over<\/strong> (R) with the E high point along Mount Hyland’s S ridge<\/strong> beyond it. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Congratulations, Loopster!\u00a0 Magnificent job!\u00a0 May I shake your paw?<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe meekly extended her paw.\u00a0 SPHP shook it, and the Carolina Dog came down off the cairn.<\/p>\n

It’s been a long, rocky climb, SPHP!\u00a0 Think I’ve earned a chocolate coconut bar by now, haven’t I?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes and no, Loop.\u00a0 We’ll have to talk about that.<\/em><\/p>\n

Talk about it?\u00a0 What do you mean by that, SPHP?\u00a0 Don’t tell me you didn’t even bring one!<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, of course I did, Looper.\u00a0 Have no fear!\u00a0 C’mon, let’s sit down.\u00a0 Guess what?\u00a0 I brought beef jerky, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

The American Dingo was more than happy to curl up on SPHP’s lap just below the cairn.\u00a0 A chocolate coconut bar, beef jerky, Taste of the Wild, and water feast ensued.\u00a0 SPHP munched on honey-roasted peanuts.<\/p>\n

Fog continued to stream by, the only views remaining to the E.\u00a0 Fulton Lake was visible far beyond Peak 7390<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Somewhat closer, Chapman Lake was off to the NE, also beyond the Babines.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fulton Lake<\/strong> (L & Center), Peak 7390<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Chapman Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks NE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, what’s there to talk about, SPHP?\u00a0 A shame we arrived too late to see much of anything.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, it is!\u00a0 Very disappointing!\u00a0 But I did get a glimpse around before we got here, and even while you first stood on the cairn.\u00a0 This isn’t Mount Hyland’s true summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 It isn’t, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sadly, no.\u00a0 That next high point with the boulder is definitely higher.\u00a0 Not by a lot, but maybe 10 feet, or so, plus or minus a bit.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are we going over there then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No!\u00a0 Not worth it, Loop.\u00a0 We could maybe get over to that big boulder, but even the narrow ridge leading to it looks kind of dicey.\u00a0 From what I saw, I’m highly doubtful we can safely get on top.\u00a0 Too risky to take the chance.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, I’m not going to get credit for climbing Mount Hyland, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

That’s what we need to discuss, Loopster.\u00a0 Maybe this is close enough for Dingo work?\u00a0 Technically, from a purist’s standpoint, we clearly can’t claim success, but the cairn is here.\u00a0 Probably a sign that few actually go on to the boulder.\u00a0 Most people that make it this far would likely say they climbed Mount Hyland, and hardly anyone would object.<\/em><\/p>\n

The earlier sense of elation when it looked like Lupe was about to tag the true summit as she leapt up onto the cairn was gone.\u00a0 Whether or not to call this good, fudging a bit to claim a successful ascent was something to ponder while watching the fog gradually spread.\u00a0 Even Mount Hyland’s S ridge was starting to disappear from view.\u00a0 Kind of concerning in this rugged territory.<\/p>\n

Time ticked away.\u00a0 The situation wasn’t getting any better.<\/p>\n

Well, what do you think, Loop?\u00a0 How long should we stay up here?\u00a0 Can’t see much.\u00a0 Been hoping the sky would clear, since the forecast was sunny, but it appears to be going the other way.<\/em><\/p>\n

It’s not cold or windy, SPHP.\u00a0 Can we stay my usual full summit hour, or at least until all the views are gone?\u00a0 Still sort of awesome just being here, isn’t it?\u00a0 Besides, I’m tired, and like resting on your lap.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, it is cool being here, Loopster, but it’s sure not all it could be due to the fog.\u00a0 Fair enough, though.\u00a0 We’ll stay your whole hour, if the views don’t completely vanish.<\/em><\/p>\n

40 minutes after arriving at the cairn, fog swept over the entire S ridge.\u00a0 Scarcely any views left now, only the lowlands to the E.<\/p>\n

Then suddenly everything changed!\u00a0 Mount Hyland’s SW ridge was in sight!\u00a0 Pyramid Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,273 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was beyond it.\u00a0 WSW, way over by Smithers, Hudson Bay Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,494 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in view.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland’s SW ridge<\/strong> (foreground), Pyramid Mountain<\/strong> (L) beyond it, Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The clouds weren’t departing; the ceiling was lifting.\u00a0 Mountains were popping into view all over the place!\u00a0 Mount Elmsted<\/span><\/a> (7,244 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Lagopus Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,982 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were to the NW, beyond Mount Hyland’s W ridge.\u00a0 A little farther N, The Galleon<\/span><\/a> (7,844 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was emerging, too!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lagopus Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), Mount Hyland’s W ridge<\/strong> (R) in the foreground with Mount Elmsted<\/strong> beyond. The Galleon<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Galleon<\/strong> (Center). Mount Hyland’s W ridge<\/strong> (L), Mount Elmsted<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Galleon<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon seeing Mount Hyland’s W ridge, SPHP was suddenly confused.<\/p>\n

Where are we, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

What?\u00a0 We’re on Mount Hyland<\/span><\/a> (7,477 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP!\u00a0 Are you OK?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but I thought that Mount Hyland’s W ridge connected directly to the summit, Loop, and it doesn’t.\u00a0 At least, it doesn’t connect to where we are.<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you sure that’s Mount Hyland’s W ridge, SPHP?\u00a0 Maybe you ought to check your topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>?<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP did.\u00a0 Yes, that was Mount Hyland’s W ridge, alright.\u00a0 Shaped like the map showed.\u00a0 As the clouds lifted to the N, a stunning revelation!<\/p>\n

Good grief, Loopster!\u00a0 We’re nowhere near Mount Hyland’s true summit!\u00a0 It’s way over there!<\/em><\/p>\n

0.5 km NNW, several more high points were linked not only to the W ridge, but also to the nearby boulder summit by another ridge that was clearly skilled mountaineer territory.\u00a0 The highest N points certainly did look a little higher than where Lupe was, higher even than the boulder summit.\u00a0 Beyond them Mount Cronin<\/span><\/a> (7,861 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was starting to emerge, confirming the diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Even Lupe felt dejected.<\/p>\n

We’ll never get over there, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland’s true summi<\/strong>t (L), the Boulder Summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland’s true summit<\/strong> (Center). Mount Cronin<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland’s true summit<\/strong> (L) with Mount Cronin<\/strong> in the background. Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That was it.\u00a0 Mount Hyland was a fail.\u00a0 No fudging this!\u00a0 The true summit wasn’t that much higher than the cairn Lupe stood on, maybe a mere 20 feet, but even for Dingo work, you can’t be 0.5 km away, and still claim a peakbagging success.\u00a0 A relatively near miss elevation-wise considering the size of the mountain, but such a distance was a killer.<\/p>\n

At least we didn’t break our necks trying to get to the boulder summit, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

No arguing that, Looper!\u00a0 Too scary by our standards.<\/em><\/p>\n

Coming to Mount Hyland may have been a peakbagging fail, but it was also a tremendous scenic success!\u00a0 Lupe had never been this high, or in such a rugged part of the Babine Mountains before.\u00a0 The views from up here near the heart of the range were awesome, and Lupe’s old friends Astlais Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,037 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Big Onion Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,840 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in sight, looking diminutive from such a lofty perch.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Big Onion Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) and Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Big Onion Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (R) beyond Ganokwa Basin<\/strong>. Photo looks S with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo lingered long after her traditional summit hour had come and gone.\u00a0 And why not?\u00a0 Conditions were near perfect, wasn’t that late yet, and the rugged beauty of the Babines was all around.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP both wandered about, gazing at this and that as whim and fancy directed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland’s SW ridge<\/strong> (foreground), Pyramid Mountain<\/strong> (L) and Harvey Mountain<\/strong> (Center) beyond it, Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland’s W ridge<\/strong> (Center) in the foreground, Lagopus Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Mount Elmsted<\/strong> (L), The Galleon<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:49 PM, Mount Hyland<\/span><\/a> (7,477 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Nearly 2 hours after arriving, Lupe stood on the cairn once hoped, and initially considered to be, the true summit for the last time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Galleon<\/strong> (L) Mount Hyland’s true summit<\/strong> (Center), Mount Cronin<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hyland’s true summit<\/strong> (L) in the foreground, Mount Cronin<\/strong> (L of Center), the boulder summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You still look a little tired, Loop.\u00a0 Are you feeling alright?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but just thinking about all the zillions of rocks we’ve got to hop on the way back makes me wish we were already down on the tundra with the marmots, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

At least it’s downhill, Loop.\u00a0 Take one more look at where we are, though!\u00a0 Can’t win ’em all, and for a fail, Mount Hyland has got to be one of our most magnificent ones ever, don’t you think?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, of course!\u00a0 Mount Hyland has been a glorious adventure, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

No matter how glorious, you can’t stay on the mountain forever.\u00a0 It was time.\u00a0 A final glance around, and Lupe left the cairn, starting the long journey back to her tiny house.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Soon headed down. E high point on Mount Hyland’s S ridge<\/strong> (far L), SW ridge<\/strong> (far R), Big Onion Mountain<\/strong> (R) and Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (far R) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the S ridge<\/strong> on the way back. Astlais Mountain<\/strong> (far L), Pyramid Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Harvey Mountain<\/strong> (R), Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views were spectacular, and the return went fine, at first.\u00a0 Then SPHP stayed up on the S ridge too long before attempting the descent to the central valley.\u00a0 Coming down S of the big wall that jutted out to the W, the terrain was so steep that Lupe got nervous, pawing the back of SPHP’s legs many times, seeking reassurance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At a safe spot during the scramble down to the central valley. Pyramid Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), Harvey Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center), Hudson Bay Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Took a long, cautious effort to reach the valley floor, but Lupe got there.\u00a0 The shallow tarn was now ahead.\u00a0 Still plenty of extremely rocky terrain beyond it, but the worst was over.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Down safely, approaching the shallow tarn. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At last, the Carolina Dog made it beyond the world of rock.\u00a0 As soon as the first big expanse of green appeared, she was off!\u00a0 Joyful, Lupe raced ahead, roaming freely through the Mount Hyland Dingo Paradise as marmots whistled once more.<\/p>\n

SPHP didn’t catch up until the end.\u00a0 The sun was nearly down as, tired and hungry, the American Dingo reached the tiny house.\u00a0 Lupe’s Mount Hyland adventure was over, but what a magnificent day it had been!<\/p>\n

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Mount Hyland<\/strong>, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada 8-5-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Babine Mountains Provincial Park Map<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Babine Mountains Provincial Park Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Mount Hyland, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – Part 1: The McCabe Trail from Driftwood Canyon to Summit Pass (8-4-22)<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Harvey Mountain, Babine Mountains Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada (9-9-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Little Onion, Astlais Mountain, & The Big Onion, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada (8-8-18)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo<\/span> Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 7 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! Wee hours, 0.5 km W of Summit Pass – A gentle paw woke SPHP from a sound sleep.\u00a0 Lupe wanted out.\u00a0 Unzipping the door to the tiny house, SPHP let her go.\u00a0 Shining the flashlight after her revealed only thick fog.\u00a0 … Continue reading Mount Hyland, Babine Mountains, British Columbia, Canada – Part 2: Summit Pass to the Summit! (8-5-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44050,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1585],"tags":[105,971,79,30,106,26,104,1612,973],"class_list":["post-44056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-american-dingo","tag-babine-mountains-provincial-park","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lupe","tag-mount-hyland","tag-smithers"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/IMG_5579-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44056","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=44056"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44056\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60506,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44056\/revisions\/60506"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/44050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=44056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=44056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=44056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}