The Phipps-Temple Traverse is the Remarkables Grand Traverse of Canterbury, a stunning traverse of the two peaks of the Temple Basin. This route makes a great rock scramble in summer, or snowy traverse in winter.

The crux can be gaining the Phipps ridge from Temple Basin, though a longer and easier entry can be gained from lower down on the Phipps ridge. In summer you’ll be scrambling up featured slabs just right of a prominent deep-cut gully. In winter various routes exist onto Phipps ridge, one of the most fun ways can be climbing up the South Face of Phipps with a few ice steps.

Once on the main ridge, traverse numerous gendarmes and ridge obstacles along the way, none of them too difficult. Some parties might want a rope for sections. The traverse can be done in either direction but Phipps-Temple is the most popular.

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