Southwest Couloir

Near the top of the horse trail leading into Cascade Cyn, just east of the stream that descends the couloir, turn north on a faint climbers trail that heads into the sumac. The trail ascends through the bushes and stays east of the stream to climb a cliff band at a dry waterfall. Follow the trail as it ascends ledges leftwards, eventually dropping to the stream and crossing it. Ascend beyond a fork in the couloir, using the ridgelet between the forks until near the Ice Point-Symmetry saddle. Follow the upper couloir as it veers NE to a saddle overlooking Hanging Canyon. Then climb the NW side of Symmetry on ledges and a boot trail to the summit. In early season, much of this route will be on snow. Beware of punching through the snow into the stream (several have died that way.) Remember the cliffs if glissading!

In late season, it is possible to reduce rockfall danger by climbing up ledges on the NW side of the upper couloir. This is a wise way to avoid problems, especially when descending (stay skier's right.)

This is the broad couloir, obvious from Jenny Lk, that ascends the south side of Symmetry Spire. It is the normal route of descent for most routes on the peak.

It's a nice snow climb, an ugly rubble-fest in August, but has spectacular flowers that stay blooming into Sept. The base of the couloir has a large patch of sumac that provides one of the better color splashes near Jenny Lk in Sept.

Ice axe (crampons?) when there is snow in the couloir.