3086m (10125ft.)
Located at the head of Merlin Valley and Corral Creek. Slate Range, Banff Park, Alberta
Latitude 51; 29; 40 Longitude 116; 07; 20, Topo map 82N/08
Can be seen from Highway 1
Named by James Hector in 1859. Richardson, Sir John (John Richardson was Surgeon and naturalist on Franklin's Arctic expeditions of 1819 and 1825.) Official name.
First ascended in 1911 by L.L. Delafield, guided by Edward Feuz jr.. Journal reference CAJ 4-142.
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| Photo: Looking southwest to Mount Richardson from Merlin Lake More photos |
Other Information
Photo: Looking east-northeast to Mount Richardson (left), Pika Peak, and Ptarmigan Peak from the Trans-Canada Highway near Kicking Horse PassTex "Vernon" Woods wrote in the 1939 Skyline Hikers Bulletien that he had packed for two mountaineers in 1910 into the Ptarmigan Valley. From there they had made the first ascent of Mount Richardson and, "returned to camp so enthusiastic with the possibilities of further exploring the many hidden valleys and unnamed lakes seen from the peak, that we remained longer than had originally been intended. In fact until the 'grub stake' became uncomforably slender." ("Skoki" by Kathryn Manry)
Arthur Coleman’s book, "The Canadian Rockies -New and Old Trails," was published in 1912 and includes a photo with the caption, “Looking up Pipestone Valley from Mount Richardson” in the chapter describing his 1907 travels. Perhaps Coleman climbed the mountain prior to L.L. Delafield and Edward Feuz jr.
| Easy/moderate scramble via scree on south aspect. Mount Richardson is the highest peak in the Skoki area, and is an enjoyable scramble with an option to traverse and descend by a different route. If camping at Hidden Lake, the mountain is right out your tent door. Map editions as late as 1980 erroneously indicate massive glaciation covering most of the peak and extending east to Pika and Ptarmigan Peak, but this is simply not so. An ice axe is recommended for the traverse toward Pika Peak. Try from July on. Kane, Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies page 250 |