Mount Rexford is the highpoint of the Illusion - Nesakwatch - Rexford group, a spectacular set of granodiorite spires rising above the Chilliwack River Valley.
Often overlooked in favour of famous Slesse just across the valley, Rexford is not only a worthy peak of its own but also is composed of much higher-quality rock. There's no walk-up to the top, and every established line to the summit involves some level of technical rock.
The West Ridge is the standard and most direct route, reached by a steep trail off the Nesakwatch Creek FSR and a boulder field up into the alpine. The ridge involves plenty of 3rd and 4th class scrambling, and then then finishes with an exposed low-fifth-class step on the summit block. The rock is generally superb, although precaution must be taken as with any exposed scrambling. The summit views from Rexford are simply glorious, with unobstructed views across the valley into the Slesse cirque and far beyond in every direction.
Due to its popularity, there are 6 sets of bolted rappel anchors on the mountain, and parties sometimes rope up for sections of the ascent & rappel parts of the descent. It is often soloed, but only by experienced parties or those with intimate knowledge of the route. A fast attempt should be prefaced by plenty of scouting and a healthy knowledge of one's limits.
The trailhead has gradually shifted over the years - the road used to be drivable to where the trail branches off from the Nesakwatch Creek mainline, but then retreated to the standard Slesse Memorial TH as the road deteriorated over the years (approximately 2km before where the trail branches off the FSR). A new set of deep washouts has now pushed the TH further back, and now starts a few hundred meters before the Slesse Memorial TH.
(The road status may change with logging activity in the future - if so, the trailhead for the FKT should evolve to meet whatever new standard might be set.)
Editors note: specialized equipment (ie. helmets) and technical ability suggested for this route
