Chester, Mount - S6 Scramble

""Mount Chester is located southeast of Chester Creek and northwest of Headwall Creek. It is a fairly large mountain which sits on its own above the gorgeous Chester Lake area, and the Headwall Lakes sit below the southeast aspect.

The mountain has a popular scramble on its southwest side. Once at the top of the gully, the scramble consists of slabs and scree."" - Bivouac.com

**Bear spray and rock helmet are mandatory!**

As usual all my hikes are weather dependent. We will turn back if the weather becomes dangerous/unsafe.

Trail Description:

1. https://www.explor8ion.com/2003/09/02/chester-mount/
2. https://hikingwithpar.com/2022/08/09/mount-chester/

Stats:
Cumulative Elevation: ~1200meters
Distance: ~14km
Time: 7-10hours + Driving + lunch
Pace: Moderate. The aim is to maintain at least a 2.5km/hr speed.
Difficulty: S6 or Class 3

BE READY for some hard work.

Proposed Route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/mount-chester

Weather:
https://www.windy.com/50.807/-115.262?waves,50.214,-115.263,8

Meeting/Carpooling Details:
Time: 6:03am
Location: Petro-Canada Highway 1 and 22 (Bottom of the gravel road close to the A&W) -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2RXHm9P4HdfiwqSCA

Trailhead:
Time: 7:30am approximately!
Trailhead Direction:
Chester Lake Trailhead -
https://maps.app.goo.gl/y34AnomYm83xcPCSA

Some Ground Rules:

1. Must remain with the group and be willing to turn back with the group
2. Must participate is route finding when necessary. MUST raise concerns if any
3. Absolutely no complaining. Prepare to work hard
4. We are out for the day. Don't rush the group because you have a birthday party to attend to in the evening or some other crap
5. No guests and kids
6. Be BEAR SMART
7. Leave no trace

Required gear:
- Bear Spray
- Rock Helmet
- headlamps
- Enough warm layers
- hiking boots, water (at least 2L), lunch / snacks, technical clothing (no cotton or jeans), hat/gloves for cold weather and wind
- first aid kit
- electronic or paper maps
- NO bear bells
Suggested gear:
- rain coat/windbreakers, scrambling gloves
- Microspikes (similar to Hillsound or Kahtoola trail crampons)
- bug spray, tick tweezers
- gaiters
- light pad to sit on, hiking poles
- sunscreen, sunglasses, toilet kit
- SOS sending device (Garmin, SPOT etc.)

Waitlist and RSVP rules:
It is NOT an inclusive event due to it's nature and safety. If I don't know you, then you must answer the questions. Preference will be given to those who I know is a good fit for the event as well as the group. I reserve the right deny anyone access to this event if necessary. I will make additional inquiries if I am not sure about your fitness or experience.

WAIVER:
You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip. You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the meetup location and/or the trailhead.
DISCLAIMER:
You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume ALL responsibility for your own safety and well-being. ALL participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable) for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
(Photo Credit: HikingWithPar)
(This event post is inspired by many organizers I have hiked with in this club - Mark & Terri, Lisa W, Atash, Wesley Cook, Mark S, Mark K, Michael K)