Wasootch Ridge

Dist: 12.3km    Elev: 932m    Summit: 7146'    Time: 4h    Difficulty: 4/5

When my lunch plans with a friend fell through, I was presented with two options for the cold December afternoon: bake Christmas cinnamon buns with Marla and Melinda, or find a mountain close to Calgary and spend the afternoon traversing icy rocks and unbroken powder. After being assured I could enjoy the treats even without participating in their creation, I decided to make a dash for Wasootch Ridge. This scenic trail was physically demanding due to the constant up-and-down nature of the ridge as it climbs towards the high point, but motivation and spirits were kept high with spectacular views of the surrounding Kananaskis wilderness.

Trail Description:

Park in the Wasootch day-use parking lot on Highway 40, about 17km from the Trans-Canada Highway.  A large wooden "Wasootch Creek" sign marked the trailhead, and the unofficial yet well-worn trail began an aggressive ascent right off the bat. Once atop the first "bump" of the ridge, the trail was clear as it wound through trees, along rocky ledges, and over a serious of increasingly high bumps.  Each of these high points offered unique views of surrounding peaks and valleys.  At 6km a large cairn marked the "hiker's summit," and proceeding further is possible but requires proficiency with hands-on scrambling as well as dry trail conditions. Having limited time due to my late start, I opted to stop at this cairn to soak in the incredible panoramas of the surrounding wilderness and the ridge conquered to arrive there.

Initial climb from the parking lot, east of Wasootch Creek.

The first few "bumps" of the ridge. Wasootch Creek below. Mt. McDougall beyond.

Beautiful winter day.

Mary Barklay's Mountain, Barrier Lake, and McConnel Ridge to the north.

Mount Lorette and Mary Barklay's Mountain to the NW

Midnight Peak to the NE

Wasootch Ridge ahead. The sharp point in the distant left is the true summit.

Valley to the north

Looking back at one of the ridge's  many "bumps" and Barrier Lake in the distance

Wasootch Creek below Mt McDougall

Trees thin for the climb to the second last bump

After a somewhat intimidating stand-off, my waving arms and ridiculous growling noises finally convinced this ram to take an alternative route. 

Views from the false summit (second last bump)

The hiker's summit is still ahead, just below the snowy peak

Beautiful late-day sun.

False summit panorama

Steep cliff below false summit. Wasootch Creek below.

Hiker's summit and carin. East panorama.

NW panorama

Mt. Lorette glowing in the late-day sun. The views are gorgeous, but the short winter day requires heading back to avoid navigating the ridge in the dark.