Location and surroundings
Clear Range sits in Canada, in British Columbia, within Area I (Blue Sky Country) and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. It belongs to the chain North American Cordillera > Intermountain West > British Columbia Interior > Fraser Plateau > Clear Range. At 2,334 m, it is the highest named peak in its range and the range high point. The surrounding country is part of the interior plateau-and-range landscape, with open slopes, ridgelines and broad mountain views rather than a single isolated summit.
Neighbouring peaks
Clear Range is closely surrounded by other named summits, and one of them shares its elevation. The nearest peaks and passes are:
- Blustry Mountain (peak), 2,334 m, 0.6 km SE
- Cairn Peak (peak), 2,328 m, 3.0 km N
- Moore Peak (peak), 1,746 m, 13.0 km N
- Chipuin Mountain (peak), 2,170 m, 13.9 km N
- Murray Peak (peak), 2,146 m, 15.0 km SE
- Fountain Peak (peak), 1,745 m, 16.3 km NW
- Askom Mountain (peak), 2,553 m, 16.7 km SW
- Lookout Point (peak), 1,940 m, 17.0 km SE
The nearest higher peak is Askom Mountain, so Clear Range is high in its local group but not the tallest summit in the wider neighbourhood.
The view from the summit
From the summit area, the highest nearby peaks within 25 km include Mount Brew at 2,891 m to the W at 19.3 km, and Molybdenite Peak at 2,749 m to the SW at 24.2 km. Other visible high points in the wider circle are Cornwall Hills to the NE, Mount Martley to the N, Ample Mountain to the W, and White Mountain to the E. The summit outlook is therefore a mix of higher Cordilleran peaks and lower interior hills.
The range
Clear Range is the highest point of the Clear Range, which contains 20 named peaks. The range’s highest peak is the mountain itself, so there is no separate higher summit within the range. Clear Range is part of the British Columbia Interior section of the North American Cordillera, and the mountain ranks first in elevation among the named peaks of its own range.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data, adjusted to summit elevation. The warmest month at the summit is July, at about 8 °C, and the coldest is February, at about -11 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing at the summit in June, July, August and September. The surrounding area receives about 850 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in November at about 120 mm and the driest in July at about 40 mm.
In this part of British Columbia, weather can change quickly with passing systems, and higher ground is exposed to wind, cold rain, snow and poor visibility outside the short summer window.
Best time to visit
The most suitable period is usually the part of the year when summit temperatures are above freezing, which here is June through September. Those months also avoid the coldest conditions of late winter and early spring, when snow and ice are more likely to linger on the upper mountain. July is the warmest month, but it is also a time when dry weather can leave exposed ridges hot and water scarce. For a safer outing, plan for summer conditions and be ready for sudden changes.
Nature and wildlife
The Fraser Plateau and nearby interior ranges support a mix of open forest, subalpine slopes and rocky ridges. Lower elevations in this region often carry conifer forest, while higher ground becomes thinner, windier and more broken, with patches of alpine vegetation where conditions allow. Wildlife in this part of British Columbia can include large mammals typical of the interior mountains, along with birds of open forest and high country. On the summit and upper slopes, expect exposed terrain, sparse cover and weather-driven travel conditions.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain of this height and terrain, a certified guide is sensible if you are not comfortable with route-finding, steep ground, snow patches or changing weather. In Canada, the main professional body is the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine organisation is the Alpine Club of Canada. Established guiding companies in the country include Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore and Canada West Mountain School in West Vancouver. Guided trips usually depend on the number of days, group size, equipment needs and whether overnight travel is involved.
Safety and preparation
Clear Range is a high interior mountain, so visitors should be prepared for steep slopes, wind, cold conditions at elevation and rapid weather shifts even in summer. Good footwear, layered clothing, navigation skills and enough food and water are important. In Canada, the emergency number for mountain rescue and other urgent help is 911, which dispatches search and rescue through the general emergency system. Because the summit is exposed, turn back early if cloud, snow or wind make the terrain harder than expected.
Interesting facts
Clear Range is the highest of 20 named peaks in its range and the high point of the Clear Range. Its nearest higher peak is Askom Mountain, 16.7 km to the SW. The mountain shares its exact elevation, 2,334 m, with nearby Blustry Mountain, which lies only 0.6 km away to the SE. That close match makes the local skyline unusually balanced for a range high point.
FAQ
How high is Clear Range? Clear Range rises to 2,334 m.
Where is Clear Range located? It is in British Columbia, Canada, in Area I (Blue Sky Country) and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
What mountain range is Clear Range part of? It belongs to the Clear Range, within the chain North American Cordillera > Intermountain West > British Columbia Interior > Fraser Plateau.
What is the nearest higher peak? The nearest higher peak is Askom Mountain, 2,553 m, about 16.7 km to the SW.
Is there water on the way to Clear Range? The upper mountain is a dry, exposed interior summit, so plan to carry your own supply. In summer, snowmelt may linger in shaded places, but it should be treated before drinking. Carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, more in hot weather or on a longer outing.
When is the best time to go? The summit is usually above freezing from June to September, which is the best window for a visit.
Will my phone work there? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On open ground with a clear view it may be possible, but ridges and valleys often block signal. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before you set out.