Temple Col

Temple Col is the low point of a ridge line that connects Mount Temple, 6,276 ft, to another mountain peak called Blimit, 6,302 ft, in Arthur’s Pass National Park. The col itself sits at around 5,800 feet. You can reach the col by navigating a very steep trail through the Temple Basin Ski Area, followed by climbing an even steeper talus and loose scree field to the col. It’s supposed to be extremely difficult terrain to hike up, especially the loose rock and scree field where the trail ends, but the views from the col are rumored to be well worth the struggle!

Here’s a photo gallery from our hike to Temple Col …

The first leg of the hike to Temple Basin Ski Hut was quite steep, but on a very well maintained trail

Here’s a view of Phipps Peak from the Temple Basin Ski Hut. Mount Temple is just to the right of Phipps Peak.

As we pushed further up the maintained trail, the views over the Temple Basin Ski Hut, and the valley we started from, became more and more spectacular!

Cables were provided to help hikers get up the steeper sections of trail

Another view of Phipps Peak and Mount Temple from the maintained section of the trail

The maintained trail ends at the Page Memorial Shelter.  Here’s a photo of the Page Shelter, with Phipps Peak and Mount Temple in the background

The Page Memorial Shelter is a day-use emergency shelter built in 1966. It has a reputation among hikers and climbers for being haunted by ghosts who circle the hut late at night.

There are no bunks or overnight sleeping facilities, but if you were to ever get caught in a blizzard, it would make for a very cozy sanctuary from the elements!

Outhouse in the sky … or, the stinky door to nowhere?  Above the Page Shelter, Arthur’s Pass National Park

The maintained trail ends just above the Page Shelter.  The only route to Temple Col from here is by scrambling up this 800 foot talus field. It doesn’t look too steep, or long, from this pic … but … ugh.

Angela, halfway up the talus field to Arthur’s Col, Arthur’s Pass National Park

Finally, after a 3,000 foot climb in less than two and a half miles, we made it to Temple Col!!

The views from the col in either direction, more that 3,000 feet to the valleys below, were absolutely amazing

Celebrating our ascent, with medicinal tinctures, in style : )

Here’s the view looking over the far side of the col

Here’s a photo looking back the way we came

Chris looking across the valley to 7,464 ft Mount Rolleston, which is one of the most prominent peaks in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Chris pausing to take a break on the way down.  Page Memorial Shelter.

Here are a couple more photos we took on the way back to the Thunder Canary. Both shots feature Mount Rolleston in the background.