Chirp Peak

Trip Date: Sunday, June 30 2019
Reference Trip: Three Passes Route
Quick ‘n Dirty Rating: Class 2- you fall, you sprain something.
Difficulty Notes: An easy scramble and hike from the Divide Pass meadows.
Technical Rating: OT4; RE4
GPS Track: Gaia
Map: Google Maps

Chirp Peak looks very impressive from the NE. When we crested Shale Pass we were surprised by the dramatic NE aspect of the mountain with its unique rock formations and many water courses running down its sides into Peters Creek far below. Now that we were over Divide Pass however, the peak looked far less impressive and much more benign. After dropping our heavy overnight packs in the meadows we continued ascending to the gentle south ridge by first tackling steeper grass / shale slopes on the SE end of the mountain.

As we gained the south ridge / plateau of the mountain the views once again impressed us. I enjoyed two tarns to the SE across Divide Pass meadows that looked like they would be pretty stellar hiking destinations. I was also duly impressed as we started gaining height and Boar Station’s 3039m summit became visible. We started noticing what could only be bison dung high up on the peak which was very ironic since we were outside the official bison closure area at this point. Clearly Banff bison need to get better reading skillz or Internet access so they know where they are and are not allowed to wander…

A pretty large herd of sheep ran away from us as we crested our fourth and final peak of the trip to some very sublime views down Peters Creek including Mount Peters, Condor Peak and Shale Pass. Mount Mamen figured prominently to the north as did the impressive east faces of Willingdon and Harris. To the west giants such as Douglas, St. Bride, McConnell and Cataract looked intimidating.

We sat down and enjoyed the moment before the predictable chills set in from the cool evening breezes. Descent was quick and easy and soon we were back at our packs and ready to sleep for the night.