Castle Towers in a day is a right of passage for the hard-core. This can be anywhere from a 12-18hr day of travel with massive elevation gain. Breathtaking ridge lines, endless views of glaciers, and teal blue lakes, and spires - making this area one of the most visually stunning areas we have. Normally done as a two day trip, this hike is a test of fitness to accomplish in a single day.

37km and 3,000m (9,842ft) of vertical gain. Starting from the Cheakamus parking lot, connecting to Helm Ridge, down to Gentian Pass, up Polemonium, and scramble to the summit and then back!

Participants will meet at the Cheamakus Parking lot at 5am on Sept 12th.

This trip is going to be long so if you sign up, come physically and mentally prepared. No whiners please, only great attitude.

Gear

- Extra socks / shoes/ warm layers
- Light ice axe
- Hiking Poles will be your friends!
- Micro Spikes - With massive snow fall this year the summit area will likely be snow covered
- Water - 3L (there is no proper water source along the way, only snow melt and perhaps a stream just before the Polemonim ascent
- Blister stuff and basic first aid pack
- Serious calories for the effort (Do not skimp on REAL food, you'll need salts and proper nutrition to get through the day without cramping up your muscles. Go ahead bring that sardine can and drink the oil! Cough.)
- Headlamp

Bonus
There might be an opportunity to summit the true summit if people are comfortable with a summit block and harder scrambling (class 4). If not, we'll summit the slightly lower easy summit.

Other
- I will carry an InReach in case we need it
- The summit has cell phone reception when you want to Facebook or Twitter your victory to your mom
- Costumes and general silliness are always welcome
- Culinary delights are encouraged (our first summit had iced wine in proper glasses and Thomas Haas chocolates - no bad chocolate allowed)