Attempt date: September 16th, 2012
Start time: 7:45am
Completion time: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 1150m (3,772 ft)
Participants: Jimmy Quigley, Patrick Latter
Directions
Drive 60 km west on Highway 1 from Calgary. Turn south onto Highway 40 and drive roughly 50km. Turn right at the Kananaskis Lakes Trail and then right onto Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail. Then drive roughly 18km to the Chester Lake parking lot on the right.
Gear
- Food
- Water
- Warm fleece
- Hiking boots
- Thermal underwear
- Gaiters
- Gloves
Trail
As we pulled into the parking lot, the amazing morning light was just beginning to touch the tops of the nearby mountains.
Chester mountain is the same mountain that can be seen in my earlier Chester Lake snowshoe trail post. The trail to the base of the mountain roughly follows the very same snowshoe trail. As we made our way towards Chester Mountain, you could still see the morning frost on the now yellow leaves that covered the ground.
With no snow, we quickly reached the meadow that lay at the base of the gully that marked the beginning of the hike up. If you look at the photo of the snowshoe trail marker from my previous post you can see just how much snow there really was that day.
After making our way up the gully, we reached the col, which seemed to be about 1/3 of the way up. Then we followed the ridge left towards the peak. Looking back towards the col, there was a great view of the grassy meadow of the opposite peak.
With the summit of this mountain being at 3054m (10,017 ft) above sea level, we were feeling the affects of the altitude a bit more than normal for the last 5-10 minutes of the climb. We were happy to have some lunch and enjoy the sun when we finally made it to the top.
After having lunch we took a few photos of the incredible view before heading back down.
As we made our we back down the gully, the sun just started coming over the ridge of the mountain.
Fantastic photos. The B&W shots are my favourites.
this is awesome
Wow
you are very lucky to experience these treasures the earth holds.
Awesome photography!!! Looks so tranquil & I could use a little bit of tranquility at the moment!!
incredible shots – thanks for posting
Oh yeah, that’s a goodun.
Love the textures of #2. And the looming darkness of #4.
These photos are amazing!!… Makes me wish I stayed longer in Canada… 🙁
Oh those are absolutely magnificent. *smiling and nodding*
Stunning images. Bravo.
Simply breathtaking photos. Thanks for sharing them with us.
Your banner photo is amazing! Absolutely stunning pics!!! So inspired!
Beautiful photos.
Wonderful 🙂
Amazing!
Wonderful photography and adventures.
Breathtaking! thanks for sharing! God bless you!
Goodness me you make me miss Alberta. gorgeous.
Amazing! Great photos and what a cool landscape to climb.
Amazing! 🙂
Absolutely stunning. I seriously need to get out and see more of my own country. Just lovely.
Great shots. And as usual, the narrative helps imagine what it’s like to be there!
If you were trying to make people insanely jealous when you took these pictures…then they’re a complete success! LOL It’s beautiful
Awesome photos! I so enjoy seeing them. Thanks so much for posting them.
Reblogged this on sal9kshaw and commented:
Cool:-)
Really stunning images!
Absolutely stunning!
Love the morning light on the mountain tops in the first image.
Amazing shots! Keep up the good work 🙂
Fab. Do you do any mundane hikes? Wish I could tag along sometime. Not a mundane one, though. I get lots of those.
Oh my gosh, don’t you just love Kananaskis? I was out there Sunday too, and the weather was just perfect.
Wow! Well, you can’t be scared of heights to get up there!
Just stunning; my fave is the fourth, I think because of the clouds. Like the sky is moving at light speed, but those mountains will be there forever.
Fantastic photos of God’s amazing work! He has given you a gifted eye to see His beauty.
Beautiful Pics!
Amazing photos like usual. Real treat.
[…] Chester Mountain by Patrick Latter. […]
Your photos are stunning. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely breathtaking photos. Thank you so much for sharing!
Amazing photos, the one with the man and the sign is very intriguing. Your blog makes me want to explore the great outdoors more often.
Thank you for the like(s) on my blog posts.
I am awestruck at these photographs! Beautiful!
Breathtaking. Absolutely breathtaking. I feel as though I might be able to breathe in the mountain air in the meadow shot. Love those purples…
Breathtaking!
What a spectacular adventure you took us on…thank you! The photography is IMPRESSIVE WORK, incredibly beautiful and SPECTACULAR VISUALS ~ Very nice. Thank you ~
I am new to your style of photo shoots. They are refreshing. Calming and yet quite the story in each silent shot. Nice to be on board.
Wonderful! I used to do a lot of walking in the hills of Scotland before I left there (in 1960! long time ago). Of course your “hills” are a bit higher and pointier but nonetheless bring back memories for me.. As well as that, of course, your photography is just stunning and is exhilarating to look at. Oh for these days once more … sigh! Many thanks for the stories and pics! Keep at it!
Gosh darnitt I’m handsome! (nice shots)
Makes me wish I lived in Canada and not Australia. Australia seems boring by comparison 😉 Funny isn’t it, how far away places seem so much more exotic than the familiar 🙂
Hi Patrick, Loved your pics. The light and shade – the composition is fantastic. We don’t have such scenery in our part of the world.
beautiful!
Wonderful photos, Pat! I love the frosty field, and the black and white peaks. I always love your black and whites. You inspire me. Nice work on the crazy turnaround too 🙂 I also love that you’re offering prints now. Keep it up.
Thanks Ashley! I am super impressed with ‘SmugMug’ so far, I definitely recommend it if your looking to sell prints.
Wow.. and to think I could be doing this hike.. this weekend! I’ve done some cross country skiing at Chester, but never the hike. This must have been spectacular.. and challenging! Love, love your photos too!
Great pictures! Makes me sad my summer hiking season is winding down — although all of my mountain trips were far less impressive than this! ‘Course, maybe this just means I need to start planning a big hike for next summer!
Magnificent photography. Really, beyond excellent.
Holy cow Patrick! You climbed those mountains? I’m glad I live vicariously through your cllmb! I like all your photos and I’m glad you got such a great view from up there! Keep traveling safely!
Beautiful! These pictures actually inspire me to get out into nature more.
Wow, awesome! How long did that hike take? Thanks for sharing the spectacular photos!
Amazing photographs, must have been a great experience!
wow…lovely photographs!
Stunning photography; amazing scenery. You are both talented and fortunate. Thanks for visiting my blog and “Liking” it. I’m sure I will be revisiting hikingphoto for more inspiration and dreams.
Your photos are absolutely breathtaking! I’m so jealous of all your adventures!
What a wonderful pictures, really amazing!
Great pictures.
Ahhh, your Blog is a breath of fresh air… literally! Amazing pics, thanks for sharing!
Amazingly beautiful pictures you made! You are lucky you can experience such beautiful nature. And I like the Usain Bold pose haha ;).
Magnificent views. Thanks for posting your splendid photos; I really enjoyed . 🙂
ciao! thanks for (ad)dressing my blog. i checked yours and it’s just a luvFAB. INSPIRATION…
thebestdressup.
WOW, you have inspired me to go on one of those fantabulous hiking adventures. I have to put that on my list of things to do or should I say adventures to go on. 🙂
It really is a beutiful world!
Once again, your photo’s make me smile:)
This is completely amazing and inspiring – thank you. A wonderful way to start the day x
Very nice. I love one of the B&W especially as it has an Ansel Adams feel to it. Very cool.
Beautiful! 🙂
TAKE ME WITH YOU ^^ !!! 😀
Awesome… !
It looks like a great trip! I love the mountains in B&W! Fantastic shot.
Love the photos. Great job your an inspiration.
B&W are my favourites! really inspiring photos, would love to visit
Really enjoyed reading your blog and looking at the photos! The photos are so beautiful and inspiring, it definitely makes me want to go outdoor more often.
I’m not who normally goes hiking, but these views of Chester Peak are breathtaking. I just might reconsider!
Breathtaking photos!!! Thanks for the “like” 🙂
Great photos as always. Truly inspirational.
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous (again). I’m probably forever saying that every time I visit. Would be cool to put these against the same shot from the depth of winter.
Breathtaking! Thank you for following my blog! 😀
Reblogged this on nhicksbunao.
Nice climb! And corgeous pictures to prove it! Thanks
Amazing, as usual.
Great shots
Pretty breathtaking! It’s photos like these that make me realize I miss so much when I opt for a shopping trip rather than a camping trip. Amazing photos!
They are all beautiful, but I Love the B&W photos!
Wow! My heart jumped into my throat.
gorgeous!
Amazing pinks on some of those, very, very peaceful
Yes. We need to move. Stunning photos!
Absolutely incredible! Your black and white shots remind me of Ansel Adams photos. Fantastic!
Some journey you are having and what fantastic reminders you will have when it’s all over.
You have some amazing, amazing pictures here. I love it. Keep em coming, I’ll be following!
Your B&W shots are in the vain of Ansel Adams, a favorite of mine! I love the scenery but I know how cold that is! Thanks for bringing to to those of us that would rather stay warm!
I have to say, you make me quite excited about my proximity to Canada, even if I’m on the other coast!
énorme.
Thank you for checking out my blog! I love your images, they are amazing!!!
Your photography skills are amazing! Thank you for following!
The black and white shots are amazing. I like the picks of you on the summit.
Excellent as always! The scenery is beautiful, lucky you to live there. 🙂
How do you take such wonderful pictures??? Very lovely!
Holy Heck! That is gorgeous……
COOL!
amazing pictures! do you have any tips for landscape photography?
Holy WOW!
wow! really impressive!
Absolutely amazing pictures! Well done!
Oh, man, you’re not helping my itch to go hiking. These are so awesome! My mom is a photographer so I know some of the tricks to it, and I can see you’ve got amazing talent. Thanks for sharing!
That’s absolutely beautiful. So peaceful, almost like there’s nothing bad in the world.
Stunning Photography! Amazing that you follow something you love to take you to these places. Great share man
Absolutely beautiful. Its so peaceful, like there’s nothing bad in the world.
Fantastic mountains, one day maybe I’ll get there to see them for real.
Jim
Awesome photography! I went to Canada once when I was (very) little, but I wouldn’t mind going back if it means I could see scenery like this. Thanks for following!
Beautiful photos. I’ve always wanted to go to Canada, you’ve inspired me to finally do it!
as usual breath taking photos! =)
Wow! I’m sure many people have already told you how amazing you are and so are these photos! I love the picture of the guy lying on top of the mountain, it’s beautiful. Thank you for following me, it’s an honor =)
GREAT, GREAT shots. Especially love the one with the napper on the mountain peak.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Those have to be some of the most beautiful photographs I’ve ever laid my eyes on! Thank you so much for sharing these.
great photos. Waking up to nothing but sky – must do this.
Nice nap at the mountaintop – what a backdrop!
Thanks for sharing the adventure!
What lovely photos!
Thanks for following! These are incredible photos of some breathtaking views.
Love your work! And Thanks for the ‘Likes’ they are greatly appreciated!
You are so gifted and have such a wonderful eye! Beautiful photos…. You never cease to amaze me… 😀
DUDE! Nice work.
Beautiful landscape. Especially liked your panoramic shots – very breathtaking.
love the black and white ones….amazing
Absolutely stunning.
Your photos are always amazing and breath taking.
Amazing pics! Love them =)
So beautiful. Makes me miss hiking. Must plan more trips once the dog’s shoulder is better! Thanks for sharing 🙂
WOWWWWW….some of them are just beauuutifullll…. and great photography!!…
aaahhh so much fun if I cud just join u on those hikes!!…
Love your photos!
Hi Patrick. You don’t need someone else to tell you that these shots (and all the shots I’ve seen so far) are breathtaking. Your photography is inspirational, especially for me as a fantasy writer. Many thanks for sharing.
Awesome! 🙂
Beautiful 🙂
Hi Patrick! One word to say about to the photography. Wow. They make me and my point-and-shoot look like a fifty yr old couple with relationship issues (I hope you weren’t expecting master pieces when visiting my blog! I followed your link only to audibly gulp at the GORGEOUS photo splayed across you heading). I think the photos are amazing. While I may dream at night of blowing my entire yearly wage on a camera which doesnt blur, give my subjects red eye and captures the night sky, i must remain content to drool over other people’s photo (permission to drool, captain?). But enough of my rambling. Keep snapping!
Fantastic Photos, every one of them! 🙂
Gorgeous! The mountains are stunning…even without the snow. 🙂
Your photos are amazing. Great work
Jeez! Can you get any more awesome?! I could look at these photos all day.
Reblogged this on Netty's Blog and commented:
Wow…. Great shots!!
You make me wanna be a better photographer 🙂
Breathtaking!
I find myself a bit envious of the fantastic adventures you share. Your photos are stunning.
wonderful photos…….ours is nothing compared to yours…..
Brilliant! Your images make me want to hop on a plane and climb the next one with you! Thank you for sharing and enlivening my day! What a blessing!
A dream of mine have always been to do what you do. Majestic pictures taken all over the countries, and enjoying life. Nothing could be better. 🙂
Loving the Yussain Bolt pose in Chester Mountain! Inspiring blog and makes me want to go climb a mountain. Big thanks for following my blog. I’m recommending your site to some snapper mates of mine as I’m sure they’ll like it. Looking forward to spending more time on your site. Rob from Mr Oh.
I can’t wait to go on a trail again…!
Picture perfect.
Beautiful! I love the mountains!
You are brave! Beautiful!
The horizons are stunning. Some of your photographs are like paintings, you compose them masterfully. Thank you. I’ve rarely seen landscapes I like as well as yours.
Such amazing photography! Thank you for your drive and determination!
Wow! Amazingly beautiful!
Can you take me with you next time? Please? Fantastic fotos. H, out.
You have some incredible work!!
[…] studio shots to diaries of hikes and treks, Patrick’s images manage to be at once technically impressive and hauntingly […]
Your photography is gorgeous I love looking at it. The picture of you(?) under the sign always makes me smile 🙂 So cute.
Passed your link to my daughter, who works for an upcoming site called The Outdoor Journal. Hope she gets in touch. You seem made for each other (The sites, I mean. I’m not trying to set you up!)
I love the black and white of the summit. It looks very peaceful
These photos are beautiful and inspiring. I hope you take many more!
Thanks for liking “hitting the wall” at alykev.com. Having been to banff three times in my life – childhood family vacation, honeymoon, tenth anniversary – I am drawn to your work. Glad to follow. And again, thanks for the like.
It is just so amazing…..no words to describe the beautiful work…keep it up.
Wonderful stuff!
I love these photos… they are really beautiful and capture the serenity of being up in the mountains… I can “hear” the quietness, and feel the coolness of the breeze…. 🙂 Awesome….
Hi Patrick,
Thank for following my blog. Your pictures are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Azra
Thank you for following my blog. I wouldn’t have found your amazing blog otherwise. I’m awed by your skill as a photographer!
AWESOME!!!!!
These photographs are just wonderful !
Fantastic
I almost stop breathing when I look at the one of Chester Mountain from afar (with the sun just hitting the peak).
I am envious of this!
Your work is astoundingly beautiful. I feel like I’m standing inside each image.
Oh! Marvellous Views! I am simply spellbound! The words are too frail to describe the beauty of the photos! Any special Camera you used adn Hi Tech Resolution acmers!
Great photos! It makes me want to go to these places.
You could be sued for motivating folks beyond the “legal hiking age” if there is one, for setting out…
Beautiful! The sense of scale is incredible …