Mount Cornwell Summit Traditional Cache

This small lock and lock container is located on the 2,998m summit of Mount Cornwell. Located along the Continental Divide, Mount Cornwell lies between Mount Aldridge to the west and Baril Peak to the east. To reach the summit and find this geocache, expect a challenging 3rd class (moderate) scramble, covering a minimum of 30 km of distance and 1,500 meters of elevation gain.

Likely the most reasonable approach to Mount Cornwell is via the Baril Creek trail from the north side. Hike or preferably bike 11 kilometers up the Baril Creek trail, which offers a nice biking route up a well maintained section of the GDT. The trail is generally quite good, with some rough sections, some steep sections and about 3 creek crossings (at least 2 of which are on decent bridges). After dropping your bike at a reasonable spot along the trail, descend down and cross over Baril Creek. Bushwhack up through the forest for about 30 minutes, then head right towards the drainage that leads to the Mount Cornwell - Mount Barnwell col.

Travel up the drainage is relatively straight-forward. Grovel up loose scree to the prominent col, with Barnwell to the east and Cornwell to the west. The east ridge of Cornwell offers some decent 3rd-4th class scrambling if you stick to the ridge, or keep it at moderate scrambling by heading climber's left (south) to avoid some more difficult cliff bands on the ridge. Be careful as the boulders in the scree fields are looser than they appear. Once on top, enjoy the views of the Continental Divide!

You may want to consider completing the full Baril Peak to Mount Cornwell traverse. This takes in two nearly 3,000 m peaks with a fun sub-summit in between. The connecting ridge follows the Continental Divide, and the views and moderate scrambling are very enjoyable. The biggest challenge in this traverse likely comes from the fact that it is an exceedingly long trip with significant elevation gain - perhaps best done with an overnight camp somewhere near Baril Creek. Don't underestimate the difficulty of the full traverse, it is a long day that covers a lot of ground!

Season: July-October
Trip Time: 6-10 hours for Mount Cornwell alone, 8-12 hours for the Baril-Cornwell traverse
Distance and Elevation: 30 km round trip with 1,500 m of elevation gain for Mount Cornwell alone, 34 km with 2,100 m gain for the Baril-Cornwell traverse
Difficulty: 3rd class (moderate) scrambling via the east ridge
First Ascent: 1915 Interprovincial Boundary Commission
Naming Note: Named in 1918 after "boy hero" John Cornwell, a sixteen-year-old crewman aboard HMS Chester, which was severely damaged in the Battle of Jutland. Cornwell was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the battle.