This second climbing area was definitely easier than the first - the ice was more continuous and only the very bottom bit was at all vertical. The rest was fairly sloped.
Owing to the easier terrain, Roland decided to lead the first climb, knocking down a tremendous amount of loose snow before finally anchoring to a tree at the top. Jenn and I both then climbed the pitch (quite a bit easier than the first climbing area), before we decided to pack it in for the day: we had started fairly late and sunset was now fast approaching.
courtesy JInnes
Andrew, second climbing area
Jenn, second climbing area
Jenn, second climbing area
Jenn, second climbing area
Second Climbing area, Hidden Valley
Now with a clear and packed-out path and no exploring to do, we made short work of the hike back out of Hidden Valley and down the slopes of the escarpment to the farmland below. Even though the sun had by this time set, early twilight light was more than enough to guide us clearly across the open fields back to the car.
In short, Hidden Valley is a pleasant little nook of Gatineau Park that clearly doesn't get visited often for the purpose of ice climbing. Although the ice climbing opportunities are modest, you are likely to have it to yourself.
Interactive trackmap with photo points - Hidden Valley Ice Climbing - click map to view
Hidden Valley Ice Climbing - Hike Data
Start Time:
11:53a.m.
End Time:
6:09p.m.
Duration:
6h15m
Distance:
5.06 km
(3.14 mi)
Average Speed:
0.8 km/hr
(0.5 mph)
Start Elevation:
294ft
(90m)
*
Max Elevation:
1178ft
(359m)
*
Min Elevation:
294ft
(90m)
*
End Elevation:
351ft
(107m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Total Elevation Gain:
893ft
(272m)
*
Total Elevation Loss:
883ft
(269m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Elevation Graph
