The Cheam range is an icon of Chilliwack, and the full traverse is an epic adventure worthy of of its allure.
The route starts on Cheam, and then in order summits Lady, Knight, Baby Munday, Stewart, The Still, Welch, and Foley.
The clock starts on the first peak, and ends on the last. (This allows for Cheam to be ascended via the standard hikers route or the Archibald trail, and for the descent off Foley towards either Jones Lake or the Williamson Lake trailhead/Foley Creek FSR).
Each peak has a standard route to the summit, but it is the linkage between peaks that poses more of a logistical challenge. There are a handful of variations possible, and any of these are encouraged so long as all 8 peaks are summited in succession.
The traverse requires many hours of 3rd and 4th class scrambling, and some would argue may encounter moves of low 5th on Baby Munday, Welch, and Foley. There are a handful of spots where rappels are sometimes made, but that is up to the individual & their party's comfort level.
It is worth noting that a successful trip is likely dependent on a good deal of scouting throughout the range (ideally in its entirety) before making a speed attempt as weather, conditions, snowpack, daylight hours, and time of day can all impact its viability.
Some might argue that Archibald and Conway should be included in this traverse. While a traverse could certainly include those two peaks on either end, Archibald is a sub-alpine forested bump on the Cheam ridge, and Conway is clearly past the eastern terminus of the range - much lower in elevation, and also clearly geologically unique and not a part of the core 8 peaks.
It is also worth noting that while Baby Munday North is often ascended, it is not a peak of its own but rather a sub-summit of Baby Munday, popular mainly due to the technicality of the true summit. Adding Baby Munday North to the traverse would then justify adding a half dozen other sub-summits along the range which would detract from the purity of the traverse and complicate the line. While there's no rule against summiting BM North, it is far from requisite and entirely optional.
This is undoubtedly a true test piece not only of Chilliwack but of southwest BC, and requires a high level of physical fitness, high degree of comfort on exposed rock, and confidence in route-finding through complex terrain. A wonderful combination of multiple disciplines that surely deserves more traffic.
Regional Editors Note: Route may be considered extremely challenging; recommended only for experienced mountaineers with technical route-finding skills. Please use caution and always have safety as a priority.
