The trail is straight forward to follow and gains quick elevation then travels along a ridge that delivers spectacular views for hours. My local area is Kananaskis/Bow Valley, but I go further. Then it’s a short one kilometre walk west through the campground to reach the Nihahi Ridge trailhead. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. or . The roadway slowly evaporates from view on the ridge before a challenging scramble to the true peak. link Copy Link. Watch Queue Queue The trail is unmarked but easy to follow as it passes through a lightly forested area and open meadows to a ridge above Picklejar Creek. Upload trails. With a one-way distance of 17.5km, this trail stretches from the Wind Ridge parking lot to the Kananaskis Village. Benefiting from easy access via established Baldy Pass trail north summit is frequently done year-round. The first lake is 300 meters (0.2 mile) beyond the pass. For a few years I had wondered what the absurdly pointy ridge to the north of Wasootch Ridge was, and whether there was a way up it. We like to scramble up and go scree down (and the map reflects this route). More unbearable were the soaring temperatures which prompted many breaks, especially at the Forks campground and Invincible Creek crossing. Kananaskis Range . I've done this trail . Directions: Wasootch Creek parking lot on Hwy 40 (Kananaskis Trail. Le Grande Brazeau. The scramble isn’t too hard, but you will need to use your hands fairly often. Steep hike but worth it. There is a large parking lot available near the Little Elbow Campground to park in. Porcupine Ridge is in Daffern’s new Kananaskis Trail Guide edition, and is a very worthwhile objective if time and/or good weather are not in abundance. Leigh McAdam is a Calgary based writer, author, photographer and social media enthusiast with over 61,000 followers. Canada › Alberta › Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park › Porcupine Ridge. Pocaterra Ridge Hike: This magnificent hike is a stunner, and without doubt, one of the best day hikes in Kananaskis Trail. GPX; KML 2.6 mi. It is more than just a straight forward hike. Le Grande Brazeau . From there hike on north side of Porcupine creek; pinnacles that mark upper part of the ridge can be seen far in the distance. Sign up Sign up . file_download GPX/KML . The climb up through the larch forest is steep but satisfying, and although the ascent of the ridge can be challenging, you’ll be treated to a remarkable view from the craggy summit. The Wind Ridge parking lot is home to several other popular Kananaskis trails: The Centennial Ridge Trail is the highest maintained trail in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. A long ridge in Kananaskis Country dividing Wasootch Creek and Porcupine Creek. Contrasting the near-solitude we enjoyed at Aster Lake and on Northover Ridge, the Three Isle Lake trail was very busy on this day all the way from the lake to the North Interlakes parking lot (12 kilometres). I knew my plan was good when I was driving west on a mostly deserted Trans-Canada Highway. This trail goes by Porcupine Ridge. Deep in the heart of Kananaskis Country (a series of provincial parks that are closer to Calgary and less busy than Banff National Park), Northover Ridge is a 36km loop that takes the average hiker about 3 days. Porcupine Ridge. It is an unmarked trail, requiring route finding and there are a couple of scrambly sections. Log in. Porcupine creek in Kananaskis country. I prefer the north, as the south can have some pretty difficult creek crossings. We wouldn’t recommend attempting Porcupine Ridge without ample experience, especially at this time of year. Tent Ridge Horseshoe is a 10-kilometer loop trail. based on 9 tracks & routes | | MODERATE #37 hike out of 47 in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park | MODERATE. I wanted to attempt the highest point of the ridge and thus took a circuitous route around the southeast side of the peak. Literally right across the valley from Wasootch Ridge is Porcupine Ridge. Kananaskis Range. This photo is taken near the beginning of the hike, once we’d done a thigh-burning scramble up a steep trail through the forest to the crest of the ridge. This is a straightforward, moderate hike that also includes Lillian Lake. Yes. Author. The main thing to know about Kananaskis is that many of the trails are very hard to find (or follow), so good preparation beforehand is paramount. Once you reach a high point, the view of Kananaskis opens up and never gets old as you continuing along the ridge. Hiking in Kananaskis: The Wasootch Ridge Trail; Kananaskis Hikes: Opal Ridge South; 7 Bragg Creek Hikes along Highway 66 in Alberta ; Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards. Hiking along the beautiful Wasootch Ridge Galatea Lakes. Pretty quickly, we were into the views. It starts off steep in the beginning and as you get on the ridge you walk the ridge for most of the way until the summer, with stunning views the entire time. Few trails in the Alberta Rockies are as challenging but immensely rewarding as the Northover Ridge hike. Descend and cross the creek, following its north bank up a steep, open slope, or stay high and right across a scree slope to reach the pass at 2,180 meters (7,150 feet). Centennial Ridge Dead Man's Flat hiking Kananaskis Country Mount Allan. We are reasonably fit but by no means the fastest hikers in Canmore (I would call us faster than average) This trail took us about 5 hours, with LOTS of photo stops as it was too beautiful, and a lunch break near the satellite tower. It’s a very similar Kananaskis hike to Wasootch Ridge. Porcupine Ridge . The dawn was breaking into another gorgeous Spring day as we quickly gained height in a mix of light forest and open slopes. This is a board ridge so over all it is pretty mellow hiking - nothing that is scary. Parking is at left (east) side of Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40) just before crossing of Porcupine creek; it is 1-2 minutes after you pass Baldy Pass trailhead. Last summer, as a fairly inexperienced backpacker, Mike went out to try a loop in Porcupine Creek. Porcupine Ridge – December 26, 2010 Solo scramble. Along the way it goes up-and-over the summit of Mt. Check out Cox Hill Ridge in the Sibbald/Jumpingpound Area of Kananaskis. 6.05 mi. The trail from Ribbon Creek starts up the Skogan Pass trail but soon turns left onto the Centennial Trail. 133 178 63. This video is unavailable. King Creek Trail is a 7.1 km return trail leading up to a spectacular mountain view lookout. Trail Peak describes the trail perfectly, “The trail winds and switchbacks steadily upwards through forest with few opportunities to catch your breath. Please Note: There is no potable water supply at Porcupine Ridge, so please ensure you are bringing enough water for your entire ride! If you start at the highway, there’s a clear and easy trail to follow along the north bank. That means, download maps or trails before leaving home. Terrace Trail has two common sections - Terrace North of and south of the junction with Kovach. It’s generally recommended as an out and back trail, but there is an opportunity to park a car at either end and do the trail that way (making it a bit shorter). This creek is located off of Highway 40 in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, part of Kananaskis Country. The trail soon begins to braid into many paths, and it’s tough to see just one way up. Thanks to Gillean Daffern's latest excellent, and exhaustive collection of guidebooks, I determined that it was the aptly-named Porcupine Ridge.It makes for a good early-season scramble, and falls into the "little gem" category of unsung outings close to home. Overview. Built by the Rocky Mountain Ramblers Club to celebrate Canada’s Centennial in 1967. King Creek Ridge Trail. The challenging incline is rewarded with heartstopping 360-degree views for a good portion of the ridge hike. With Porcupine Creek (out of sight) on one side and Wasootch Creek on the other, it stretches out far into the distance. Kananaskis Day Hike January 2019. Any information you can prepare beforehand will serve you extremely well. Most people hike to the cairn instead of hiking the ridge in its entirety. Lewis Range . Livingstone Range ... Porcupine Ridge and the trail start straight ahead of us, right where the two forks of Porcupine Creek come together. At 1.2K, the creek splits into north and south branches. Facebook; Twitter; Email; directions Driving Directions. Tips: It’s a steep climb to the ridge, so pack poles and picks if there’s snow. I chose Porcupine Creek. If you started at Wasootch, you’ll come to a bridge at about 1.5K which you’ll need to cross to the north bank. Regardless of naming, this is very pleasant scramble in front ranges of Kananaskis country. Start at the well-signed trailhead approximately 20 kilometres south of Barrier Lake on the west side of the highway. Download. Being only the third hike of the year it proved a bit much for my lungs due to the steepness so the 4 of us headed back after about 2 km in. It didn’t take long … There is bit of old (and muddy) logging road that can accommodate 8-10 vehicles. Lewis Range. At a rock face you can choose between scree (to the left) or a scramble (to the right). The pictures below show most of the early intersections. Wasootch Ridge is a perfect summer or shoulder-season hike in the stunning Kananaskis region near Canmore, AB. Picture #4 shows the last turn off the old road mining, logging system.Shortly after in Picture #5 you are in the open. The rocky, technical trails at Porcupine Ridge are located in the rear gravel parking lot roughly 4 km down Santa’s Village Road. Read: Hiking in Kananaskis: The Wasootch Ridge Trail . I blog about hiking, climbing, scrambling, cycling and paddling, mostly in western Canada. The trail itself is well-trafficked however rated difficult due to being very narrow, steep elevation, and the uneven terrain in areas.. Epic riding Canadian Shield, loamy forests and some fun features too! share Share . Hiking (The best Hiking trails in Canada → Alberta → Kananaskis) Porcupine ridge 19. Porcupine Ridge, Kananaskis Country, May 10 2009. It was as busy as it usually gets on the eastbound lanes to Calgary, meaning people had already left Kananaskis. Dec 18, 2020 Porcupine Ridge Trail Report; Porcupine Ridge (Mt McIntyre) Minor Issue / Yellow; Snow Covered - non groomed snow cover; Mountain Bike Reporter Primary Activity; Had been packed by riders until Thursday night, rideable but narrow. Keep pushing up that incline. The main difference here is the beginning. Wasootch Ridge is a favorite near Canmore in Kananaskis Country. It can be pretty popular, especially during the fall. corcon94. Porcupine ridge Hiking trail in Kananaskis, Alberta (Canada). The ridge is the hilly line on the left-hand side of this photo. Nothing much to report here. The trail eventually mellows out but there is still elevation gain as some is lost due to the roller coster profile of the ridge. Start of the trail is fairly steep but soon levels out with beautiful views of the Kananaskis Valley. Extending the trip to south summit is more involved as it includes drop of ~150 vertical meters to low saddle followed by mostly class 2 scramble on section of knife-edge ridge. That said, Pocaterra Ridge is a challenging and long-ish hike. Plus add snow and ice and trails become more difficult -moderate hikes become difficult and difficult hikes can turn into scrambles. Read on to discover why you should add this trail to your hiking bucket list, and important things to know. Nihahi Ridge is located in Kananaskis Provincial Park near Bragg Creek, Alberta – about 80 minutes southeast of Banff National Park. Hike 5.5 kilometres one way with an elevation gain of 492 metres to reach Lillian Lake. Best hiking trails in Canada → Alberta → Kananaskis ) Porcupine Ridge – December 26 2010. Levels out with beautiful views of the trail perfectly, “ the trail is straight forward.... Be pretty popular, especially at this time of year through the campground to the... 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