Mulvey Basin Access

Version 2, changed by guest. 08/17/2008.   Show version history

Location: Bannock Burn, Slocan, Valhalla Park Time: 3-4 hr in Difficulty: Moderate - Difficult Distance: 3 km Elevation_Gain: 600 m Map: 82F/14 Slocan Entrance to Mulvey basin is steep, exposed and may require crampons and/or ice ax

Mulvey Basin is the heart of alpine rock climbing in the West Kootenays. A place of incredible majesty and elegance. Wildflowers, glaciers, beautiful lakes and steep granite rock faces attract the hiker and climber to this jewel hidden within a steep cirque. In 1995 road improvements and a new trail reduced access from a full day to a couple of hours. From Highway 6 at Slocan City follow signs indicating Valhalla Park on the Little Slocan Lakes Rd for 15 km until a right turn "Bannock Burn". The road is well marked although a 4WD or high clearance vehicle is recommended. After about 10 km the road splits and the Mulvey road heads back right and after another 2 km signposts and parking area indicates the start of the trail. The new trail crosses the creek and gains the Gimli ridge winding steeply through trees before breaking out in the alpine below the famous ridge on Gimli. The trail to Mulvey basin works around left below the west face of Gimli to the Midguard-Gimli Col. Steep cliffs block access into Mulvey Basin except for a narrow ledge, marked by a small cairn, that traverses onto the glacier. It is crucial to have an ice ax and possibly crampons as the snow can get very icy with steep slopes and cliffs below. A quick traverse off the glacier may be the best route - descending loose boulders well left and working down to the basin. Alternatively and more popular is to descend the snow slopes around the small cliff and then back right over icy patches and wet slabs. The exploration of Mulvey Basin can now begin.