Notes: Bypass route on ascent, standard route for descent.
Trip Report
2024 was our second trek up Cinquefoil Mountain. A spring snowstorm overnight removed most other objectives in the area from consideration. But, still itching to make a daytrip from the Edmonton area, and recalling our relatively simple trip in May 2018, we decided to try Cinquefoil. We assumed the crux gully would be snowbound this time around, but we were confident we could find Kane’s bypass route shown in Scrambles. The snow added enough variety to make this trip worthy of a repeat and the conditions only added 30 min to our day, compared to our previous ascent.
Kane describes the trail as starting from the Merlin Pass trailhead. That trail has long since been decommissioned; one still accesses Cinquefoil from this location but it is no longer known by this name. Most locals today would know this as the trailhead for Cinquefoil Climbing Crag. Another change is the traffic volume: this has become a popular objective! We passed around a dozen other groups, with one of them reaching the summit.
In 2018 we had to wade through a calf-deep creek a few minutes into the trail, but in 2024 the lake and creek were completely dry. The bridge which had fallen into disrepair in 2018 was fully collapsed and repurposed into beaver dam components by 2024.Past the lake, the obvious trail continues to a low spot where it is easiest to gain the ridge. A cairn might be spotted marking a trail to the right, leading to the climbing crag. To continue to the scramble route we kept straight.A little over an hour in, a series of cairns lead left into the trees. We recalled missing our turn on the way back out on the previous trip and bushwhacking our way back to the trail. So, we made particular note of the cairns this time around.Views to the right (south) are of the Colin Range, particularly eye-catching with fresh snow.Looking back as Dan navigates typical terrain along the ridge. A pair of hikers can be seen on the crest of the hump behind us.The last steep section comes into view ahead. The crux gully at center looks snow-filled and steep enough to avoid. We will instead take a bypass route skirting the right side.The timid sun finally peaked out from the clouds as we reached the top of the bypass. We had watched two groups head up the crux gully alongside us. Evidently one of them made it through, affording us an opportunity to exchange photos.The other group decided they’d had enough adventure in their day and chose to turn back here. Remembering the mellow terrain along the ridge from our last trip, we felt comfortable proceeding in the snow.Looking back over the Athabasca River. Esplanade Mountain and Gargoyle Mountain are hiding in clouds at center. The front toe of Roche de Smet, unofficially called Mount Greenock, can be seen at the right, with most of Roche de Smet hidden in clouds.The final push to the summit is a gentle hike along a broad ridge. We chatted with a solo scrambler here who mentioned he’d made it through the gully without difficulties and we said we’d try it on descent!Reaching the summit of Cinquefoil Mountain. The summit register had fewer entries than I expected based on the traffic lower down, but it looks like it sees several ascents a month.Dan stands at the peak with impressive Roche Jacques in the background (to the southeast)Riding with Leonardo. Nailed it.We returned the way we came.The view to the north of the ridge shows the highway (center) straddling Jasper Lake (left/center) and Talbot Lake (center, bright green). Above Jasper Lake stands Mount Greenock / Roche de Smet. Distant and to the right, the prominent cliff face of Roche Miette marks the front of the Miette Range.Looking back along the ridge on descent.We returned through the crux gully. Given the gained popularity of the route, keeping to this standard route provides a well-worn trail and easy travel, although a bit muddy with snowmelt on this day. Had it been snowbound as we had initially thought, however, this gully would still be too steep and potentially exposed to attempt.The lower cliffs of Cinquefoil Mountain have a good smelly sheep aroma that reminds me of playing at my cousins’ farm when we were children. The large flocks of sheep grazing Cinquefoil’s lower slopes (foreground) ensure the sheep-musk is maintained.We were treated to a visit from a handful of deer on our way out. They seemed unbothered by our passing, further attesting to the popularity of the trail.
Appendix
2018 May 26: We made the scenic drive to Jasper for a daytrip only to find that Dan’s hiking boots hadn’t joined us for the trip! Thankfully his loafers were up for the challenge of a moderate scramble.
The dried-up lake encountered about 10 min into the trail in 2024 was a proper lake in 2018. Depending on the year, this may better-represent conditions to be expected.The crux gully was virtually snow-and-mud-free in May 2018.Beyond the gully and starting along the snow-free ridge.Returning along the ridge with views across the Athabasca River of Chetamon Mountain, Esplanade Mountain, Gargoyle Mountain, and Mount Greenock / Roche de Smet.
Peak Bliss 