Wasootch Peak

Dist: 5.7km    Elev: 870m    Summit: 7730'    Time: 2h    Difficulty: 4/5

In an attempt to make the most of a warm and sunny (or so we thought) summer evening, Byron and I plotted an after-work summit blitz. We tossed around a couple ideas, eventually deciding on Wasootch Peak for its close proximity to the city and relatively short length while still offering interesting terrain and nice views. We met at the Trans-Canada Petro station around 5pm and were at the trailhead less than an hour later. 

The route starts along Highway 40 at a roadside pullout near the turnoff for Kananaskis Village, climbing almost immediately from the car and remaining steep for the entire route. The views were nice above treeline, but unfortunately hindered by accumulating rain clouds across the valley. We reached the summit in just over an hour and were greeted by light rain, dark clouds, and strong cool winds. So much for the warm/sunny forecast. We stopped briefly to take a few photos before beginning our descent in hopes of warming up. Of course, five minutes from the top, the sun broke through the clouds and  illuminated the valley in beautiful late-day light which would have made for some excellent summit photos. Classic mountain weather. We ran most of the descent and made it back to the vehicle in just over two hours total.

Wasootch Peak felt a little more like an intense session on a rocky StairMaster than a pleasant hike in the mountains, but it's always worthwhile getting out with a good friend to enjoy our beautiful backyard.

Rainy Kananaskis Village.

South summit view.

Byron sporting the "COVID Cut" hairstyle.

North summit view.

West summit view.

Should have worn more layers.

Sun breaking through the clouds!

Illuminated Kananaskis Mountain to the south.

Looking back at Wasootch Peak before diving back into the trees.