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The Bugaboos

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About The Bugaboos:

Definitions for 'bugaboo'

noun: an imaginary monster used to frighten children

noun: a source of concern

One look at the glaciated granite spires of the Bugaboos and you’ll agree that the definition is well fitting. So what’s there to be concerned about? For starters Bugaboo Provincial Park is no stranger to bad weather. Come prepared for rain and snow no matter the time of year or wether reports. When the sun does shine, you can find your self climbing from June until September with the best month being July. August can be host to great wether as well, but consecutive years of low snow packs have made the glaciated approaches to many of the spires treacherous, and come August the canvases are at their widest. Don't forget your helmet and ice axe

Once you arrive you can take your pick of any one of the many classic lines. The grade V5.10 Becky- Chouinard on Howser Tower and the grade III5.7 North East Ridge of Bugaboo Spire are among the celebrated “50 Classic Climbs of North America” The Bugaboos are also host to the West Ridge of Pigeon Spire, arguably the best 5.4 on earth.

Nearest town or city: Invermere
Directions: Go south on HWY 95 from Golden to Brisco. From there, go west on a gravel logging road, following signs to Bugaboo Glacier Provincial Park. At the parking lot, wrap your car in chicken-wire (provided) to keep it from being chewed on by animals.

Admission to the 33,720 acre park is free and more information can be obtained from British Columbia's Kootenay District Parks Office (250-422-4200; www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks

Lodging is available at the The Conrad Kain Hut, which is a stiff hike from the parking lot (3.5 miles with 2100 feet of elevation gain). It sleeps 40. and is managed by The Alpine Club of Canada There is also a primitive campsite just below the hut and one above it. Backcountry camping is not allowed.

Latitude, Longitude: 50.85104, -117.16370
Access Issues:
Camping: Pay
When to Climb:
Quantity of Climbs:

Forum Discussions (See all 20 posts )

  Subject Author Replies Last Post
No Replies bugs conditions? August 11th, 2010? gowser 0 Aug 11 2010, 1:40 AM
No Replies Bugaboos Conditions June 21 bigwhitej 0 Jun 22 2010, 3:26 AM
No Replies Mid june trip Bugaboos sshat 0 Jun 01 2010, 4:09 PM
With Replies Crampons in Bugaboos? SECRET 3 Aug 02 2007, 11:28 PM
No Replies Bugaboo road CLOSED due to mudslides as of July 19! powerandrubber 0 Jul 19 2007, 4:59 PM
With Replies bugs glacier/crevasse/snowpack info? superbum 1 Jul 18 2007, 7:57 PM
No Replies Bugaboos partner-late July 07 ascanio 0 May 17 2007, 9:09 PM
With Replies Bugaboos - Vowells Classic Traverse *thriller* 1 Jul 18 2006, 6:34 PM
With Replies Water at Applebeedome (The Bugaboos) waltereo 5 Apr 28 2006, 2:09 PM
With Replies Looking for Bugaboo's Partner slucarelli 2 Jul 05 2009, 10:29 PM
With Replies Bus / chartedred mininus / econoline to the Bugaboos waltereo 2 Mar 02 2006, 11:55 PM
With Replies Buggs end of sept begging of Oct lovesclimbing 4 Sep 15 2005, 12:24 AM
With Replies Tent for the bugs jer99 3 Aug 05 2005, 3:55 PM
No Replies bugaboo conditions vinnie 0 Jun 04 2005, 10:29 PM
With Replies Bugaboos trip creemore 7 Apr 23 2005, 9:11 PM