Cochrane Hiking Club ‐ 2013 Hike Schedule …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… April 30 ‐ Hike: Turner Valley – Foran Ridge‐ Windy Ridge Leader: Walter Fankhauser Co‐leaders: Lloyd Manning, Suzanne Hawkes Trailhead: Turner Valley Sheep Creek (Sandy McNabb) Distance: 12km return Elevation Gain: 250m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: If you’re getting ready for the hiking season, this is a great training loop. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… May 7 ‐ Hike: Barrier Lake Lookout / Jewel Pass Leader: Ernie Biedermann Co‐leader: Janet Wig Trailhead: Barrier Dam parking lot (Hwy 40) Distance: 14km return via Jewell Pass. Elevation Gain: 625m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: The fire lookout offers a sweeping view across the Bow Valley. Alternate Hike: Prairie View Lookout and return ‐ Leader: Barry Warnick 12km/500m gain ‐ Easy / Moderate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… May 14 – Hike: Eagle Hill / Deer Ridge Trail Leader: Bruce Pettigrew Co‐leader: Lorna Harrison Trailhead: Sibbald Lake Recreation area. (Hwy 68) Distance: 15km return Elevation Gain: 530m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: This a good workout to get ready for the longer hikes. Alternate Hike: Eagle Hill only/8km return Elevation Gain: 330m Difficulty Level: Easy Leader: Laurel Pettigrew …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… May 21 – Hike: Wasootch Ridge Leader: Margaret Ford Co‐leader: Michael Hawkes Trailhead: Wasootch Ridge parking lot (Hwy 40) Distance: 16km return Elevation Gain: 890m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: A long ridge dividing Wasootch Creek and the south fork of Porcupine Creek. Alternate Hike: Baldy Pass /13km return from Wasootch parking lot Leader: Laurel Pettigrew Elevation Gain: 500m Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… May 28 – Hike: Aylmer Fire Lookout – Banff Leader: Birnie McGavin Trailhead: Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot – Banff National Park Distance: 11.8km Elevation Gain: 670m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: A picturesque hike along the north shore than an aggressive trek up to the old fire lookout. Alternate Hike: North shore to the Junction to the lookout. Leader: Sandi Giesbrecht Elevation Gain: 455m Difficulty Level: Easy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 4 – Hike: Mt. Lady MacDonald Leader: Margaret Ford Co‐leaders: Suzanne Bedard, Barry Warnick Trailhead: Canmore 2.2km east of downtown on Elk Run Boulevard. Distance: 7km return Elevation Gain: 875m Difficulty Level: Moderate/Challenging Description: This classic hike up "Lady Mac." as the locals refer to it, leads to spectacular views of Mt. Rundle, Ha Ling Peak, Mt. Lougheed and the three Sisters across the Bow Valley. Alternate Hike: To Grassi Lakes which can be extended on up to the dam and beyond. 1 June 11 – Hike: Heart Mountain Leader: Walter Fankhauser Co‐leader: Michael Hawkes, Suzanne Bedard Trailhead: Hwy 1 near Lac Des Arcs Over Pass Distance: 10.5km round‐trip Elevation Gain: 930m Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate Description: Heart Mountain is good fun and a popular hike early in the season. **Please Note: This hike is limited to a maximum of 10 hikers, who are in good physical condition. Alternate Hike: To Prairie View Lookout via the Quaite Valley Distance: 16km return Elevation Gain: 500m Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate Leader: TBA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... June 18 – Hike: Pigeon Mountain Leader: Bruce Pettigrew Co‐leaders: Barry Warnick, Sandi Giesbrecht, Janet Wig Trailhead: South of Hwy 1 at Dead Man’s Flats Distance: 15.4km round‐trip Elevation Gain: 990m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: Pic de pigeon named after the Palliser Expedition of 1858. A very moderate ascent to a superb viewpoint. Don’t forget the camera as the alpine flowers could be in full bloom. Alternate: Skogan Pass – 20km return Leader: Ernie Biedermann Elevation Gain: 677m Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 25 ‐ Hike: Jumpingpound/Cox Hill Leader: Margaret Ford Co‐leader: Suzanne Hawkes Trailhead: South of Sibbald Flats on the PowderFace Trail to Dawson parking area Distance: 15.3km one‐way Elevation. Gain: 872m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: The views along the Jumpingpound Ridge can be very rewarding! Alternate Hike: to Jumpingpound Mt. then shuttle vehicles. Leader: Suzanne Bedard Distance: 6.8km return Elevation Gain: 326m Difficulty Level: Easy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… July 2 – Hike: Centennial Ridge Leader: Ernie Biedermann Co‐leaders: Margaret Ford, Janet Wig Trailhead: Upper Ribbon Creek Parking lot in Kananaskis Distance: 19km return Elevation Gain: 1200m Difficulty Level: Challenging Description: One of the highest trails in the Canadian Rockies (even higher than the celebrated “Skyline Trail”. This will give you a great view of the Spray and Kananaskis Valleys. Alternate: Ribbon Falls Leader: Elisa Hart Distance: 18.2km return Elevation Gain: 350m Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate (length) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… July 9 – Hike: Mount St. Piran, Lake Louise Leader: Bruce Pettigrew Co‐leaders: Roghie Aghaziaei, Lorna Harrison Trailhead: Chateau Lake Louise Distance: 11.4km round‐trip Elevation Gain: 920m Difficulty Level: Moderate/Challenging Description: On top of Mount St. Piran, you’ll behold a big swath of Banff National Park’s best scenery. As an added bonus, there is a stopover at the Lake Agnes Teahouse. Alternate Hike: Big Bee Hive – 8km return Elevation Gain: 480m Difficulty Level: Easy Leader: Lloyd Manning 2 July 16 – Hike: Healy Pass Leader: Birnie McGavin Co‐leaders: Micheal Hawkes, Sandi Giesbrecht Trailhead: 17.6km southwest of Banff town site, at the Sunshine Ski area Parking Lot. Distance: 18.4 return Elevation Gain: 655m Difficulty Level: Moderate (6 to 7 hrs) Description: Wildflower meadows, like coral reefs, have a delightful power to rivet your attention. Even if the flower display is less than full strength, Healy Pass pleases, the Grand View of the Pharaoh Peaks, Pharaoh Lake, Egypt Lake, Scarab Lakes and Mount Ball at 2919m ( 9580ft. ) Alternate: Up to the meadows Leaders: Elisa Hart, Suzanne Hawkes, Janet Wig …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
July 23 – Hike: Forget‐Me‐Not Ridge Leader: Birnie McGavin Co‐leaders: Suzanne Hawkes, Dolly McArthur Trailhead: Hwy 66 near Forget‐Me‐Not pond. Distance: 14km return Elevation Gain: 740m Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate Description: Great view at the summit. Mt. Glasgow to the north, Mt. Cornwall & Outlaw Peak to the south, and to the east, Banded Peak. Alternate Hike: Powderface Ridge “Short way” from Powderface Trail (Road). Leaders: Elisa Hart, Micheal Hawkes Distance: 7 km Elevation Gain: 200m – Easy/Moderate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
July 30 – Hike: Lillian/Galatea Lakes Leader: Lloyd Manning Co‐leaders: Micheal Hawkes, Roghie Aghaziaei, Lorna Harrison Trailhead: Galatea Creek parking lot located off of Hwy 40, about 3km south of the Kananaskis Golf Course. Distance: 14.5km return to Galatea Lake. Elevation Gain: 620m to Galatea Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: From the trailhead, the trail drops down to the Kananaskis River, crosses a suspension bridge to a junction. To the right, takes you on the Terrace Trail to Kananaskis Village, so keep left to the Galatea Trail. You will cross the Galatea Creek 9 times before reaching Lillian Lake! This lake is very picturesque and the presents good fishing and a wilderness campground. This hike can be extended up to Galatea Lake (another 1.6km and 160m elevation gain) Alternate Hike: To Lillian Lake only. Leaders: Lloyd Manning, Elisa Hart …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Aug 6 – Hike: Ha Ling Peak Leader: Suzanne Hawkes Co‐leaders: Ernie Biedermann, Suzanne Bedard, Lorna Harrison Trailhead: Goat Creek parking lot on the Smith ‐ Dorrien Hwy (Hwy 742) above Canmore Distance: 5.4km return Elevation Gain: 730m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: Almost immediately the climb begins and does not end until the top. Beautiful view of Canmore, the Bow Valley corridor below, and the surrounding snow covered peaks. Alternate Hike: Goat Creek Trail ‐ Partial then return same way. Easy Leaders: 3 Special Backpacking Trip for August of 2013 Leaders: Walter Fankhauser, Margaret Ford, and Michael Hawkes Trip details as follows:
ACC Bow Hut ‐ Wapta Ice Field Banff National Park at 2440 m (7700Ft)
Possibly the most efficient and best of the ACC huts in the Canadian Rockies.
An excellent base for touring on the Wapta Ice Field.
When: Second week in August 2013. (12th, 13th, & 14th)
Who: 8 People incl. Leaders
Distance: 8KM to the Hut.
Elevation Gain: 500M
Hiking Time: 5‐6 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Head: At Bow Lake/Num‐ti‐jah Lodge Highway 93 ( Ice Fields Parkway ) near Lake Louise Village.
Day one:
Drive to the Trailhead at Num‐ti‐jah Lodge.
Hike to the ACC Bow Hut
Set up Camp
Two hour Training Session on Glacier Travel Tools & Technique
Day Two:
Another Two Hour Session on Travel & Crevasse Rescue
Travel the Wapta Ice Field......(Weather & Ice Conditions permitting)
Return to Bow Hut for the night.
Day Three:
Breakfast
Break Camp and hike back to Num‐ti‐jah Lodge and return home. 4 Regular Hikes ‐ continued Aug 13 – Hike: Sparrowhawk Tarns Leader: Ernie Biedermann Trailhead: Smith‐Dorrien, Hwy 742 – Sparrowhawk Parking Lot Distance: 10.2km return Elevation Gain: 671m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: Steady hike up through valley to ridge, great view of Spray Lake and valley below. Alternate Hike: TBA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Aug 20 – Hike: Mt. Fairview /Paradise Valley Leader: TBA Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise Parking Lot, Banff National Park Distance: 10km return Elevation Gain: 1025m Difficulty Level: Challenging Description: Views from Mt Fairview are spectacular, Temple Mountain, Mt Victoria & Lake Louise. Alternate Hike: To the Saddleback Leaders: Lloyd Manning, Barry Warnick Trailhead: Same as main hike Distance: 7.4km return Elevation Gain: 600m Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Aug 27 – Hike: Mt Lipsett Leader: TBA Trailhead: Trailhead is located at the Mt. Lipsett Day Use Area about 13.2km South of Highwood Pass on Hwy 40. Distance: 12km return Elevation Gain: 706m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: The hike starts near the Mt. Lipsett Day Use Area and quickly leads onto an old reclaimed road in the trees. It eventually breaks out in the open for some lovely alpine hiking. There will be nice views of the Highwood Pass to the North as well as Mist Ridge to the South. Alternate Hike: Elbow Lake/Rae Glacier Leader: TBA Trailhead: Elbow Lake parking lot, Hwy 40 south in The "Kananaskis" Distance: 8km return Elevation Gain: 550m Difficulty Level: Easy Description: At Elbow Lake, we head in southerly direction towards Rae Glacier. Access to the Glacier may not be possible, as it has receded quite far into the bowl. Typical glacier markings on the rocks at the foot of the Glacier. 5 Special Backpacking Trip for September of 2013 Leaders: Walter Fankhauser, Margaret Ford, and Michael Hawkes Trip details as follows:
ACC Abbot Pass Hut is one of the highest at 2926M (9598FT) and most spectacular alpine cabins in the Canadian Rockies. Built in 1920s by Swiss guides.
Location: On the Continental Divide between Mount Victoria and Mount Lefrey west of Lake Louise
Access from Lake O'Hara is the safe and recommended Route. The number of visitors to Lake O'Hara area is strictly controlled.
When: First week in September 2013 (2nd, 3rd, and 4th)
Who: 8 People including Leaders
Elevation Gain: 1000M
Hiking time: 5‐6 Hours
Difficulty: moderate to challenging
Trail Head: Ranger Station at Lake O'Hara
Day One:
Drive to the Lake O'Hare parking lot west of Lake Louise on Highway One
Board Bus to Lake O'Hara
After getting off the bus..... from the Ranger Station we follow the Alpine Route to Wiwaxy Gab at 2530m next we descend 270m down a sometimes ‐indistinct route gradually toward Lake Oesa at 2270m From there a long scree slope with a elevation gain of 656M will lead to the pass and Hut…….Set up Camp!
Two Hour Training Session for Glacier Travel..... Tools & Technique
DAY Two:
Another Training Session on Glacier Travel & Crevasse Recue
Travel the Ice field (Weather & Ice Condition permitting)
Return to the Hut for the night
Day Three:
Break Camp
Descend back to Lake Oesa
and hike the Alpine Route over the Huber & Yukness Ledges back to Lake O'Hara
to meet the bus which takes as back to the Parking Lot
Drive home 6 Regular Hikes ‐ continued Sep 3 – Hike: Cory – Edith Pass Leader: Bruce Pettigrew Co‐leaders: Laurel Pettigrew, Janet Wig, Dolly McArthur Trailhead: Hwy 1A – Bow Valley Parkway Distance: 11.6km round‐trip Elevation Gain: 960m Difficulty Level: Moderate/Challenging Description: You will be high on a ridge with the rugged walls of Mount Cory and Mount Edith above you. Alternate Hike: TBA …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Sep 10 – Hike: Pocaterra Ridge Leader: Birnie McGavin Co‐leader: Ernie Biedermann Trailhead: Hwy 40 at the Highwood Pass Distance: 9.3km (shuttle trip) Elevation Gain: 619m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: The trailhead is the highest point in Canada accessible by public road. Within half an hour, you are hiking in beautiful alpine meadows. Alternate Hike: Ptarmigan Cirque – Leader: Elisa Hart Distance: 10km return Elevation Gain: 230m Difficulty Level: Easy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Sep 17 – Hike: Wenkchemna Pass Leader: Bruce Pettigrew Co‐leader: Barry Warnick Trailhead: Moraine Lake Distance: 19.4km return Elevation gain: 1,090m Difficulty Level: Moderate/Challenging Description: The trail start is the same trail that leads to the beautiful Larch Valley, but after 40 minutes or so, a junction is reached where to the left, the trail heads towards Eiffel Lake. It’s about 5.6km to the lake and about 370m elevation gain. There will be beautiful views of Moraine Lake as you proceed towards Eiffel Lake. Wenkchemna Pass is another 4km beyond, with another elevation gain of 720m! The Pass is on the Alberta/ BC border, and beyond, leads to the spectacular Lake O’Hara area. A snippet of information for you: Wenkchemna is the Stoney word for the numeral 10. (i.e. – The Valley of The Ten Peaks) Alternate Hike: To Eiffel Lake only Leaders: Ernie Biedermann …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Sep 24 – Hike: Sentinel Pass – Giant Steps Leader: Roghie Aghaziaei Co‐leader: Ernie Biedermann Trailhead: Moraine Lake Rd. which is off of road to Lake Louise. Distance: 18km return Elevation Gain: 730km Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: This is a hike into the beautiful Paradise Valley, which has the Lyle’s Larch that hopefully have turned to a golden yellow that they’re so noted for. This hike can be hiked in a loop which also takes you to Lake Annette. The Giant Steps are a series of waterfalls on the north fork of Paradise Creek. Alternate Hike: Lake Annette and beyond. Leader: Laurel Pettigrew …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Oct 1 – Hike: Powderface Ridge Leader: Lloyd Manning Co‐leader: Lorna Harrison Trailhead: Powderface parking lot on Hwy 66 SW of Bragg Creek Distance: 12.9km return Elevation Gain: 450m Difficulty Level: Moderate Description: From the parking lot up a forested trail along the creek for 6.2km to a junction coming from the west. Left through a wooded section opening onto alpine meadows leading to the ridge, spectacular views in all directions.. Hike continues over ridge and down 6.7km to Elbow Falls Day area below. Vehicle shuttle required. Alternate Hike: “Short way: from Powderface Trail (Road) Leader: Elisa Hart 7 Oct 8 – Hike: Karst Springs Leader: Ernie Biedermann Trailhead: The trailhead is reached by going south on Hwy 40, in Kananaskis Country, to the William Watson Lodge, and then drive 22 km north on the Smith‐Dorrien Hwy(742) to the Mt. Engadine Lodge turnoff. Proceed about 5km to the Mt. Shark parking lot. The trail starts behind the information board near the parking lot entrance. Distance: 9.5km return Elevation Gain: 60m Difficulty Level: Easy Description: The first 4km of this trail is an old logging road, and a little mundane. Just keep heading towards Watridge Lake, because it gets better! From the lake follow trail towards the spring in the direction of the roar. From Watridge to Karst Spring, about 1 km., is the best part of the trip. As the roar increases you come upon this raging creek; deadfall laying moss covered islets and the volume of water is staggering. Soon you reach the source of the spring with a nice viewing platform and description of a karst spring. A karst spring is usually at the end of a cave system where a river cave reaches the Earth's surface. Alternate Hike: None …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Oct 15 – Hike: Harvey Pass Leader: Margaret Ford Trailhead: Bourgeau Lake Trail parking lot (approx. 13km west of Mt. Norquay interchange.) Distance: 19.4km return Elevation Gain: 1035m Difficulty Level: Challenging Description: This pass offers spectacular views of Mount Assiniboine and surrounding area. Alternate Hike: To Bourgeau Lake – Leader: Roghie Aghaziaei Distance: 15km return Elevation Gain: 730m Difficulty Level: Moderate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Oct 22 – Hike: Sulphur Mt. /Cave & Basin Loop Leader: Ernie Biedermann Co‐leader: Suzanne Bedard, Janet Wig Trailhead: The parking lot at the Upper Hot Springs in Banff Distance: 15km loop Elevation Gain: 655m Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate Description: Starting at the parking lot, the trail switch backs 5.5km up to the upper Gondola Terminal. Lunch will be at Gondola Restaurant. (bring your own, or get something there) The stronger hikers will continue on down on the west side to Sundance Canyon Trail. There is a building on this route that once served as a weather observatory. This hike ends at the Cave and Basin parking lot, hence the need for the shuttle. Alternate Hike: Front side to top & return, car shuttle Leaders: Lloyd Manning, Laurel Pettigrew Elevation Gain: 655m Difficulty Level: Easy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Oct 29 – Hike: Nihahi Ridge Leader: Margaret Ford Trailhead: Little Elbow Campground area at the end of Hwy 66. Distance: 10km return Elevation Gain: 735m Difficulty Level: Moderate/Challenging Description: Switch‐backs to an open meadow area with beautiful views of the mountains. This hike is made more challenging by scrambling along the ridge. Alternate Hike: Nihahi to the upper meadow. Difficulty Level: Easy …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Nov 5 – Hike: Wind‐up hike – TBA Leader: Bruce Pettigrew Trailhead: ‐ Distance: Elevation Gain: none Difficulty Level: Easy Description: return to a venue TBA for our windup meeting and lunch. Details to follow. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Note: All hikes scheduled are subject to change as they relate to trail closures, weather etc. These hikes will be posted via email on the Sunday prior to the Tuesday hike to all signed up members of the Cochrane Hiking Club 8