SteveR
Member
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2016
- Messages
- 887
Summer has been cooler and wetter than average around Calgary- with that, and a focus on mtb for much of the summer thus far- outstanding hikes have been few.
On July 13 though, we did the traverse of Pocaterra Ridge in the Highwood Pass area of Kananaskis with a rather large group, not to mention a lot of others taking advantage of a decent forecast, and the onset of flower season in the alpine.
After a car shuttle to set up our one way trip, a short walk though the woods led to a view of the south end of the ridge at right, showing the ascent line to the highest of it's 4 summits.
Ascending the ridge, with views back to Grizzly Col.
A happy dog at our first break.
Onwards!
Flower meadows below the steeper part.
Our route came around the forested shoulder at right and through the larch forest in the valley below.
Summit ridge of peak #1.
We are in a provincial park here, which means leashed dogs only. But- a bit of well deserved freedom for Piper.
A look back to the trailhead at Highwood Pass.
Looking ahead to the next 2 tops on the undulating ridge.
First drop off the highpoint. This is an unofficial trail, but as you can see- it's popularity means a well trodden path.
A bit of off-leash after another snow roll.
Avoiding some loose scrambling along the crest.
A look back at peaks 1 and 2.
Ecstasy!
Potentilla, and Highwood Pass.
Views evolve as we progress north and down along the ridge towards the final top.
I need this rock garden at home.
Mostly the early flowers thus far, but in a few weeks these glades will be packed with paintbrush and fleabane.
A look back at peak #3.
Arnica on top #4- the last one.
Leaving the final top, for the steep plunge to our shuttle vehicles in the parking lot below. At 11 km with around 1000m vertical, Pocaterra Ridge is not a long excursion, and we've done it many times in the past, but it is always rewarding. Especially as we avoided the afternoon storms that have plagued a couple of our other ridgewalks this summer.
On July 13 though, we did the traverse of Pocaterra Ridge in the Highwood Pass area of Kananaskis with a rather large group, not to mention a lot of others taking advantage of a decent forecast, and the onset of flower season in the alpine.
After a car shuttle to set up our one way trip, a short walk though the woods led to a view of the south end of the ridge at right, showing the ascent line to the highest of it's 4 summits.
Ascending the ridge, with views back to Grizzly Col.
A happy dog at our first break.
Onwards!
Flower meadows below the steeper part.
Our route came around the forested shoulder at right and through the larch forest in the valley below.
Summit ridge of peak #1.
We are in a provincial park here, which means leashed dogs only. But- a bit of well deserved freedom for Piper.
A look back to the trailhead at Highwood Pass.
Looking ahead to the next 2 tops on the undulating ridge.
First drop off the highpoint. This is an unofficial trail, but as you can see- it's popularity means a well trodden path.
A bit of off-leash after another snow roll.
Avoiding some loose scrambling along the crest.
A look back at peaks 1 and 2.
Ecstasy!
Potentilla, and Highwood Pass.
Views evolve as we progress north and down along the ridge towards the final top.
I need this rock garden at home.
Mostly the early flowers thus far, but in a few weeks these glades will be packed with paintbrush and fleabane.
A look back at peak #3.
Arnica on top #4- the last one.
Leaving the final top, for the steep plunge to our shuttle vehicles in the parking lot below. At 11 km with around 1000m vertical, Pocaterra Ridge is not a long excursion, and we've done it many times in the past, but it is always rewarding. Especially as we avoided the afternoon storms that have plagued a couple of our other ridgewalks this summer.
