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Alpine Lessons from the Canadian Rockies

Top climber Josh Wharton reflects on climbing some of Canada's classic mountain routes

Photo by: John Scurlock

In May 2012, in only a few weeks, Josh Wharton stormed the Canadian Rockies and climbed Wild Thing VI WI4 M7 on the northeast face of Mount Chephren with Chris Alstrin, the second ascent of Infinite Patience VI WI4 M5 on the Emperor Face of Mount Robson with Jon Walsh and The Greenwood/Locke V M6 on the north face of Mount Temple with Dylan Johnson and Mikey Schaefer.

“It was arguably one of the most successful 10-day periods of any alpine climber up there,” says Schaefer. Based in Estes Park, Colorado, Wharton is one of the world’s best all-rounders and has opted out of having a social media presence.

“We thought the route was absolutely amazing, and in perfect conditions,” Walsh said about their ascent of Infinite Patience. “It was a big two-day weekend!” Wharton is one of the few climbers to send V14, M14 and 5.14.

Seven Classic Hard Rockies Alpine Climbs

Grand Central Couloir V M6 WI5 on Mount Kitchener
Andromeda Strain V M5 on Mount Andromeda
The Greenwood/Locke V 5.10 on Mount Temple
North Face IV of Mount Bryce
Infinite Patience VI M6 WI5 on Emperor Face of Mount Robson
Wild Thing V M7 on Mount Chephren
North Face VI 5.10 of Mount Alberta

Lessons from the Rockies

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Lead photo: John Scurlock