Mount Lawrence Grassi Scramble

Route
This is a 3400’+/- ascent day.   Park at the Goat Creek trailhead 8kms+/- south of
Canmore on the Spray Lakes Road. You are guaranteed mountain sheep on the
Spray Lakes Road.   Also watch for hazardous rock fall on the switchbacks above
Canmore.   At times this road will be closed due to rock and/or mud slides.   There
are restrooms at the trailhead. Ascend east to the reservoir (canal) and cross a
bridge to the east side and continue south for about 15 minutes or until you have the
peak sighted to you left.

The most challenging aspect of this scramble could be the route finding. I set my
compass and started the steep vertical hike through tree line. I enjoyed the
intermittent firm rock bands giving me a hands-on break from the tedious incline. I
kept to my compass reading and climbed several problems to the left until I reached
the ridge above tree line. You can avoid these rock bands by traversing further
east. Before I broke tree line, I came across a lone mountain lamb in sort of a
Mexican standoff.   Just a curiosity stare that lasted longer than normal.

Once on the ridge, Old Goat Mountain (with remnants of an old glacier) and Mount
Nester come into full view back over Spray Lake to the southwest.   You run into
occasional slabs as you near the summit and of course this is the better ground to
ascend versus talus.   After a few more hands on moves, nothing spectacular, you
reach the summit. From the summit you enjoy close up views of Mount Lougheed,
Three Sisters and of course the birds eye view of Canmore.   Return the same.

Essential Gear- Bear Spray; Alpine Ax and Gaiters if Snow Conditions Prevail

Trip Report
An Osprey circled above me, almost begging, on the way out. I ran head on into a
lone sheep up high, kind of a Mexican standoff. Very cool character. We gave each
other a little room and passed. Saw some very interesting caves and more sheep
east of the ravine.   This scramble could be classified as easy, except for route
finding perhaps. I enjoyed free climbing firm challenging rock bands, but these
could be avoided traversing further east if one wanted. There is a neat ridge at the
top and good views abound, Old Goat Mountain, etc.