Jumpingpound Mountain

Dist: 6.8km    Elev: 390m    Summit: 7260'    Time: 2.5h    Difficulty: 2/5

For our fourth "Mountain Adventure" of 2018, Melinda and I headed to the Albertan foothills in search of a scenic half-day shoulder-season hike. I had read about the scenic walk along Jumpingpound ridge, and we decided to take the most direct route to the top via the Jumpingpound Summit trail starting along Highway 68. Due to its short length the trail consistently climbed until topping out at the summit, and the majorty of the climbing was through pleasant yet viewless forest. However, once the trail departed the trees after a couple kilometers the views really opened up and we enjoyed stunning panoramas of rocky mountains to the west and rolling green foothills to the east. After a quick lunch of PB&H sandwiches on the summit, we descended the way we came. This was a short yet highly rewarding trip, perfect for an early season excursion while the other trails are still thawing from the winter.

The trail climbs steadily right from the beginning.

Plenty of switchbacks to make the climb more manageable.

Numerous creek crossings as well.

Nearing the ridge.

Views begin to open up.

Jumpingpound ridge and summit comes into view (left). Moose Mountain in the distance.

Views of Kananaskis peaks explode as we climb the ridge.

Summit carin, looking south-ish.

Looking west-ish.

Mountainous panorama looking west.

Foothilly panorama looking east.

Summit selfie!

Planning the next adventure.

Heading back down the meadowy ridge.