Piggy Plus + Prairie Lookout via Piggy Plus / Mount Burstall col - Aug 6, 2022 - Kananaskis, Alberta

Day 4 of 6-day scrambling vacation with ascents each day: Piggy Plus - Prairie Lookout

Piggy Plus to Prairie Lookout over the col between Piggy Plus and Mount Burstall was my route on day 4 of a 6-day impromptu scrambling vacation that I carved out of my schedule. I wasn't able to secure partners for this adventurous route, but given that both Piggy Plus and Prairie Lookout were considered difficult and long routes individually, it shouldn't come as a surprise that people were not jumping over each other at the opportunity - especially since I had only a photo of my planned descent route from Piggy Plus - Mount Burstall col, with no absolute guarantee that the route would work.

Andrew Nugara details the route up Piggy Plus very well, and suggests 2 possible ascent lines once a person gets to the high pass - one being easier than the other. I think I may have found a third ascent line that adds more spice to the mix.

I loved the Piggy Plus ascent, and the descent over the col went without a hitch. The ascent of Prairie Lookout was not nearly as enjoyable for me due to the quality of the scree bashing, and the myriad of options that a person could use to get to the summit ridge. The only redeeming quality of the Prairie Lookout ascent was the view. Since it is higher in elevation than even Mount Birdwood, and it has a beautiful perspective of Mount Smith-Dorrien and its glacier, the scree bashing perhaps was worth the effort.

For those that might consider the combined routes too long, recognize that I do not go at a terribly fast pace, and I spent a fair bit of time on both summits and took lots of photos... and video - yet I was only 13 hours on the trail for a 22 km / 2260 m elevation route. That speaks for itself! In fact, combining Piggy Plus and Mount Robertson, or Mount French also seem like plausible options for energetic parties!

I hope you enjoy the photos - this was my favourite day for photos on my 6-day adventure.

Next Day: Mount Warspite with Mike Mitchell and Carl Glaser

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