PYRAMID CREEK ROUTE
Information Sheet sent to Janice Strong by Don Drew Kimberley summer 2010. All information in this file is unedited by Janice and routes and trail details may change anytime.
The trail work was appoved by the MTCA (Ministry of Tourism, BC who now look after trails etc.)
Note The route has a rating of difficult, and only experienced, properly-equipped hikers should attempt the circuit. The overall length of the trail/route is about 15 km, and has an elevation gain of nearly 5,000 ft. Persons attempting the route should be in good physical condition, have sturdy footwear, carry bear spray/bangers, a first-aid kit, extra supplies, clothing and rain gear. There is no cellphone coverage in the area, so in case of an accident, help can be a long time in coming. It can take 7-8 hours to make the entire circuit, but, following the right fork into the basin under Matthew Col and returning the same way requires less time and elevation gain.
Detail The trailhead (with sign post) is located at kilometre 42.5 on the St. Mary Lake Road. At first, hikers follow a good trail that climbs steadily alongside the creek. After about 1 ½ hours, the trail crosses the creek – the crossing is difficult when water levels are high. Approximately one-half hour later, the trail splits into two forks. Following the right fork, the trail leaves the forest about one-half hour after the junction and climbs through an open area with some avalanche debris. The trail then crosses a creek and enters the forest, and passes by an old mining camp before heading uphill, parallel to a creek. The trail then opens into a basin and two options. By staying right, one can continue to the head of the basin, a large tarn, meadows, and even climb to Matthew Col (8,000 ft).
Alternatively, if continuing over Pyramid Col (8,000 ft) to the other fork, begin following the markings up to the left through some more difficult terrain. Once on the col, there is no set trail down a steep talus slope, and hikers need to aim left along the edge of the trees and alongside the rocks. Eventually, the route meets with the end of the cut trail, and then continues down to the junction.
There are several streams on the right fork and upper basin where water is available, but only one on the left fork.