Outdoor Report: Mount Cory is a scrambler's hidden gem

Just slightly out of the way of Canmore and Banff'sfavourite scrambles lies alesser known butarguably more picturesque peak.

If you're one of the avid climbers who spends many a weekend atThe Three Sisters, Lady MacDonald orMount Rundle, you're likely all too familiar with the unavoidable crowds.

The proximity of thoseclassic scramblesto Calgary and iconic stature mean, more often than not, you'll have to contend withsome 50 oddother avid climbers for a view from the top.

"If you want a mountain practically all to yourself on a gorgeous day, and on a weekend, which is sort of unheard of ... I think Cory fits the bill," saidCalgary-based mountaineer Gizz Munoz.

Steep hike with quick payoff

Mount Cory,a peak just a few kilometres west of Banff, is anunrelenting, unwavering 1,400-metre climb thatis more of a steep hike than a scramblefor the first two-thirds.

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On a rainy day,the clay-like soil could quickly turn into a steep slip-and-slide when wet, but on a clear day,the panoramic views will hit you right from the start.

You'll want to snap a couple of the vistas ofCastle Mountain to the west, Mount Assiniboine to theeast, as well asPilot, Mount Rundle, Banff Village and the Bow Valley.

Mount Cory isn't an official Parks Canada trail, so there's just a small,unmarked pull-out where you'll start.

There are also numerous routes up Cory,some of which are much more difficult rock climbs,so consult a good guide book or trustedscrambling websitebefore heading up.