Location and surroundings
Griswold Pass is set in the province of British Columbia, Canada, under the local administration of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the municipality of Area A (Upper Bridge River Valley). Regionally, it sits firmly inside the North American Cordillera, descending through the Pacific Coast Ranges, the Coast Mountains, and the Southern Pacific Ranges before reaching the Lillooet Icefield and the Central Lillooet Icefield. The surrounding landscape is characterised by dramatic alpine terrain, neighbouring high summits, and glaciated expanses typical of this major western North American cordillera.
Neighbouring peaks
The immediate vicinity of Griswold Pass features several prominent peaks and passes:
- Lepton Mountain: peak, 2,496 m, 3.1 km SW
- Muon Mountain: peak, 2,508 m, 3.4 km SW
- Gun Mountain: peak, 2,623 m, 7.3 km E
- Taylor Pass: mountain pass, 2,131 m, 7.9 km E
- Wolverine Pass: mountain pass, 2,202 m, 9.3 km E
- Wilson Ridge: peak, 2,708 m, 9.6 km NE
- Sorcerer: peak, 2,603 m, 9.7 km SE
- Porteau Mountain: peak, 2,734 m, 10.1 km NE
Standing at 1,995 metres, Griswold Pass is lower than all these immediate neighbouring peaks and higher than the nearby Taylor Pass, while sitting slightly below the elevation of Wolverine Pass.
The view from the summit
From the high vantage points surrounding Griswold Pass, several massive peaks within a 25-kilometre radius dominate the horizon. The highest peaks within this range include Mount Winstone at 3,122 m located 23.0 km W, Beehive Peak at 3,008 m situated 24.1 km NW, and Mount Vic at 3,005 m standing 24.3 km N. Additional prominent summits in the wider area are Transition Peak at 2,973 m at 24.5 km W, Mount Dodds at 2,874 m at 23.0 km SW, and Mount Heaney at 2,842 m positioned 20.8 km W. These giants provide a dramatic backdrop for the surrounding alpine zone.
The range
Griswold Pass belongs to a vast and complex system starting broadly with the North American Cordillera, narrowing down through the Pacific Coast Ranges, the Coast Mountains, the Southern Pacific Ranges, the Lillooet Icefield, and finally the Central Lillooet Icefield. The nearest higher peak to the pass is Lepton Mountain, standing at an elevation of 2,496 metres just 3.1 km to the southwest. The terrain within these sub-ranges is defined by extensive icefields, steep ridges, and rugged mountain topography characteristic of western Canada.
Climate and weather
Climate conditions at Griswold Pass are estimated from NASA POWER climate data covering the 2001–2020 monthly means, adjusted to the summit elevation of 1,995 metres. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in July at about 9 °C and drops to its coldest in February at about -10 °C. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include May, June, July, August, and September. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 850 mm a year, with November being the wettest month at about 110 mm and July the driest at about 45 mm. Typical alpine weather hazards in this region include sudden snow squalls, high winds, rapid temperature drops, and low visibility.
Best time to visit
The most suitable window to visit Griswold Pass aligns with the months that experience a mean temperature above freezing at the summit, specifically May, June, July, August, and September. Among these, July stands out as the warmest month with a mean temperature of about 9 °C and the driest conditions overall with about 45 mm of precipitation. Early summer and mid-summer offer the most reliable weather for travel through the pass, while avoiding the heavy precipitation typical of late autumn and the severe sub-zero temperatures of winter months like February.
Nature and wildlife
The environment surrounding Griswold Pass consists of high alpine and sub-alpine terrain shaped by the Central Lillooet Icefield and surrounding mountain ranges. Vegetation is sparse at this elevation of 1,995 metres, restricted primarily to hardy alpine tundra plants, lichens, and low-growing shrubs clinging to rocky slopes. Wildlife in this remote sector of British Columbia includes species adapted to high-altitude cold environments, such as mountain goats, marmots, and various raptors that patrol the upper ridges and valleys of the Coast Mountains.
Tours and transport
Visitors exploring the remote mountain terrain of Canada often turn to established professional guiding organisations for support and instruction. The national mountain guide association is the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), which is an active member of the IFMGA/UIAGM. For mountaineering federation and alpine club activities, visitors look to the Alpine Club of Canada. Established guiding companies operating in the mountains of Canada include Yamnuska Mountain Adventures based in Canmore and Canada West Mountain School based in West Vancouver. These organisations provide professional instruction, expedition support, and guided mountain experiences across the region.
Safety and preparation
Traversing high-elevation alpine passes such as Griswold Pass at 1,995 metres demands careful preparation, robust physical conditioning, and proper equipment to handle rapid weather shifts and rugged terrain. Climbers and hikers must carry appropriate navigation tools, cold-weather layers, and emergency shelter. In the event of an emergency in Canada, the general emergency number to dial is 911, which dispatches search and rescue teams, including Parks Canada personnel where applicable. Always ensure routes are planned thoroughly and details are shared with a reliable contact before departure.
Interesting facts
Griswold Pass is situated within the Central Lillooet Icefield section of the Southern Pacific Ranges in British Columbia, Canada. Its precise summit elevation is measured at 1,995 metres. The nearest higher peak is Lepton Mountain, rising to 2,496 metres just 3.1 kilometres to the southwest. The pass links regional valleys while remaining closely flanked by major glaciated terrain and summits exceeding 3,000 metres within a 25-kilometre radius.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Griswold Pass? The elevation of Griswold Pass is 1,995 metres.Where is Griswold Pass located? Griswold Pass is located in Canada, within the province of British Columbia, inside the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and the municipality of Area A (Upper Bridge River Valley).
Which mountain range does Griswold Pass belong to? It belongs to the North American Cordillera, Pacific Coast Ranges, Coast Mountains, Southern Pacific Ranges, Lillooet Icefield, and the Central Lillooet Icefield.
What are the nearest peaks to Griswold Pass? The nearest peaks are Lepton Mountain at 3.1 km SW (2,496 m) and Muon Mountain at 3.4 km SW (2,508 m).
How does Griswold Pass compare in height to its neighbours? Standing at 1,995 metres, Griswold Pass is lower than nearby peaks like Lepton Mountain and Muon Mountain, but sits close in elevation to other regional passes such as Taylor Pass and Wolverine Pass.
Is there water on the way to Griswold Pass? Water sources along the route consist primarily of seasonal snowmelt near icefields and alpine streams; travellers should treat all natural water before drinking and carry 1.5 to 3 litres for the day depending on exertion and weather conditions.
What is the mobile phone coverage at Griswold Pass? Mobile phone coverage in this remote alpine area is typically patchy and unreliable due to deep valleys and surrounding ridges; maps should be downloaded prior to departure, and emergency calls can be attempted via 112 over any available network.