Opal Ridge

Dist: 7.5km    Elev: 1015m    Summit: 8450'    Time: 3.5h    Difficulty: 4/5

After getting rain/snowed out the previous week, I finally succeeded in playing hookie from work in the name of "self-care." However, having clients scheduled for the evening, I needed a half-day objective without compromising visual rewards. I had heard good things from Byron about the unofficial trail up Opal Ridge along Highway 40, and after some brief research it seemed to fit the bill perfectly. This trail was consistently steep, leading me through a number of interesting features such as meadowy benches and the rocky "gates" permitting access though the steep cliff bands near the final ridge. The summit panorama was nothing short of spectacular, and due to my early weekday start I had the pleasure of enjoying the entire trip in complete solitude.

Following the power lines to the unofficial trailhead.

Opal Ridge summit appears after a few minutes of steep climbing.

The "gates" at the top of the first grassy bench.

The trail climbs steeply through an opening in the rocks.

On the ridge, approaching the summit.

Summit selfie, looking north.

Summit panorama, looking south. Upper Kananaskis Lake seen in the far background.

Heading back down along the ridge.

The "gates" from above.

Back on the grassy bench. Opal Ridge summit to the left.

One final look at my completed objective.