The Camel
| The Camel | Region | South Coast |
|---|---|---|
 Crown Mountain and the Camel |
Elevation | 1504 m (4934 ft) |
| Coordinates |
| |
| Quick Info | The Camel is a peak visible from most of Vancouver, and named for its resembelence to a camel. It is actually a sub-summit of Crown Mountain. In the past, it was a popular destination for cragging, since the rock is quite good. |
.
Approach
Either take the gondola (lame), or hike up the Grouse Grind or the Baden-Powell trail to the Grouse Mountain Chalet. Follow a road from the chalet towards the summit of Grouse Mountain, but turn left onto a gravel road just after the bears. Follow signs and descriptions, which will take you down towards Crown Pass. There is a set of chains here to help you through several muddy rock sections. From the top of Crown Pass, follow a steep trail to the northeast. The trail crosses through two sections of slabs, more forest, and a final enjoyable scramble to the summit of Crown Mountain. On the west side of Crown Mountain, there is an incredibly exposed but easy ledge to traverse. It doesn't appear to be difficult while traversing on it, but there is a huge vertical drop down to the valley below. Go down a 4th class chimney, with the help of a thick rope. Traverse the base of the Camel to its north side, towards a dead tree.
Climbs
Standard Route
From the dead tree on the east side, it is a 5.2 very exposed pitch to the Camel's back. This is essentially a scramble, with a short section of crack climbing. From the Camel's back, cross exposed slabs, and rappel off old webbings and slings (consider bringing new ones) into the Camel's neck. From the neck, it is 8m of 5.0 face climbing to the Camel's head. The anchor at the top is a rusty old piton, consider downclimbing from the top back to the neck. Rappel off a block and slings from the neck to the base of the Camel.
Gear notes: some nuts and tricams and slings
Other routes exists, such as an overhanging 5.9 fingercrack, and some offwidths. There is also a difficult multipitch route starting from Hanes Valley called the Widow Maker Arete. This route follows an impressive buttress to the top of the Camel.
