As the trees clear the views become exceptional – just remember to keep looking down so you don’t trip. It was a steep hike up and as you got to the ridge it was super windy. The first part of the trail is a good climb, well worth it. If you're not planning on going the full way I wouldn't reccomend starting this hike. You have just hiked 900 m. 08 Wasootch Ridge | 2013-05-11. Who: Ed, Jace, Joey, Craig . Difficulty Notes: Almost all the scrambling sections on this ridge can be avoided. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email. The only difficulty I had was the loose section of trail to descend from the ridge, but even then all it required was a bit of vigilance and patience. When: May 8, 2020 . so you can turn back whenever. Once you are up on the ridge you will roller coaster along the ridge but dont forget to take some time and look around the views on a bluebird day are amazing. Wasootch Ridge. At about the 7km mark you reach the Wasootch Ridge Cairn. We did the hike last September 25th of 2016. When: June 8, 2019 . Unfortunately, what goes up must come down, and each bump has a drop down before the next bump rises. From Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway), take the exit for AB-40 south. Start of the trail is fairly steep but soon levels out with beautiful views of the Kananaskis Valley. From there its straight up literally, the first 1.5 km is pure elevation its not the best views but it gets you up there. Still, it definitely falls in the realm of easy scrambling; someone who only hikes on trail would not like it at all if they made it this far. Wasootch's southern ridge is the most popular route to the summit for scramblers and hikers. Congratulations! Many climbers visit the Wasootch Slabs regularly, especially those that are transitioning from indoor climbing to rock walls. You follow the top of the ridge for a while until you reach a steep incline of loose rock which is a challenge. Highlights: Well-defined trail along the ridge line offers views of Wasootch Creek and the Nakiska Ski Hill. We were at the trail at 4am to start the hike. The food is good value, and they have a buffet in the evenings on weekends. Definitely bring a windbreaker and raincoat. Wasootch Ridge Hike . 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. Can stop and turn back at any point but there is a rock cairn that is a popular turn around point, some scrambling is required past that point if you wish to continue. When Dinah and I climbed Wasootch Peak in 2005, we did so in winter conditions and stopped just short of the summit.Wanting to write a complete description for this popular peak, I returned to hike it in the summer. Eventually, around 5.5km, you’ll meet your first real test of scrambling. The are pleasant spots to take amazing landscape shots. As you rise to the first of the bumps along the ridge, you’ll quickly notice there are still more to come. A long ridge in Kananaskis Country dividing Wasootch Creek and Porcupine Creek. After theres a bit of a scramble with some open drop offs that may worry some, then its up and down for while until finally you get out in the open, thats where I found the views started to get really worth the effort. I would recommend taking more time than we did because by the time I had reached the bottom, my knees were pretty shot and I would have wanted more time to enjoy the view at the top given better conditions. Read our COVID-19 guidelines by clicking this banner before visiting one of our parks. Best Season to Scramble: May to October, Dry Slopes, Possible Ticks in Spring We ran into a giant her of bighorn sheep on the way down. Difficulty: Moderate Time needed: 5-6 hours. We stopped a bit short because of intense wind but still enjoyed a great view. Practical information about the Wasootch Ridge. From the parking lot you start with a steep climb and really get the lungs and legs going. FATMAP difficulty grade. the snow was packed. Starts off steep then gets has lots of mellow ups and downs once you're on top of the ridge. Wasootch Ridge Trail is a 9.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta, Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. There's a hidden valley right next to you with Alps-like peaks and then the Opal range right on the other side. Once up on the ridge lots of up and down lesser peaks. Please don't attempt this if you're brand new to hiking- it's this kind of overreach that ends up with people dying on Yamnuska this past weekend. Distance: 11.7 km round-trip with 750 metres of elevation gain. Lots of climbing especially for thew first few kilometers from the trailhead. Where: Wasootch Ridge . Difficulty: Moderate up until the cairn, then the scramble to the … Grassi Lake and Chester Lake are "beginner hikes" and it does no one any benefit to rate the technical difficulty of this as 'beginner'. Scramble: Class 2 – Steep Hiking, Some hands on and route finding on the moderate open ridge just above tree line. Alternatively, mountain goats or highly skilled climbers can take the last bit of the ridge directly to the summit, but there are harrowing sections, quite dangerous, and to be avoided … This is mainly a hike with some routefinding if you do the loop like we did. Watch out for ticks, they love it here. Head up through the woods near the beginning of the parking area in a southeast direction. Follow the short drive for roughly 750m to the parking lot. Check your hair and body before getting back into your car. As far as the open top with cairn at 365447, you have been on a really good trail made official … There is a nice rock windbreak here (in 2015) to sit and admire the views before turning around. Follow Highway 40 for roughly 17.0km, passing Barrier Lake and then turn left into Wasootch Day Area. Wasootch Ridge is an easy choice as one of the best hikes near Canmore. You also can look back on the ski hill Nakiska. The trail is easy to see throughout this hike but from here it does start getting a little more difficult theres some scrambling where the only option is to use your hands, then to the "top" where there is a rocky lookout with 360 views, thats where I stopped. Difficulty: Moderate up until the cairn, then the scramble to the summit is … The views…, Mount Burke is an underrated, bigger version of Prairie Mountain that isn’t as well-known. This description will be focusing on the trail to the summit from the main cairn on Wasootch Ridge. There appear to be routes branching off to both sides, though we recommend taking the route over the little hump. It’s recommended that only experienced scramblers proceed with tackling the scramble to the summit, which actually descends off the ridge and up on scree farther along the trail. Anyways, the views on this one are quite nice the whole way. Wasootch Ridge • Review. There is never any need to cross over the ridge. Kananaskis Country Trail Guide Volume 1 Trail #16, Trailhead: Wasootch Creek 50.97076N, -115.09434W, Your browser does not support displaying the Trailhead Map. As you leave the parking lot, head southeast. Great place to munch a sandwich. Finally, my friend and I rushed through this in under 4 hours partly because there was a bit of a rainstorm and a tonne of wind near the top. The summit view. Become a Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures! The term Wasootch originates from a Stoney Indian word meaning “unique” and many features in the area share that name (Wasootch Ridge, Wasootch Peak, Wasootch Creek). a beautiful trail. With Porcupine Creek (out of sight) on one side and Wasootch Creek on the other, it stretches out far into the distance. Wasootch is the most northernly peak along the MacDougall Range which include peaks such as Kananaskis Peak, Old Baldy Mountain, Mount MacDougall and Volcano Peak. Wasootch Peak II Kananaskis, Alberta June 24, 2017. Copyright © 2020 10Adventures Inc. All rights reserved. Distance 13.8 km return, height gain 975 m. The long ridge dividing Wasootch Creek from the south fork of Porcupine Creek has evolved into one of K Country's classic ridgewalks with a delectable little summit at the end. From there its straight up literally, the first 1.5 km is pure elevation its not the best views but it … To start this hike you go to the Wasootch ridge day area, once you reach the parking lot the washroom is on the right and to the left is a small sign. You can walk as far as you would like along the ridge which is why there are such varying elevation profiles online (700m-1400m). Drive for about 17 KM (10.5 miles) and turn left into the Wasootch day use area. I recommend staying to the right as you don’t want to get too far into the center of the gully; the better rock is on the right as well. Wasootch Creek parking lot on Hwy 40 (Kananaskis Trail. Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 11.7 KM (7.3 miles) return; Duration: 4-5 hrs; Elevation gain: 750 metres (2,460 feet) Best time to hike: June – September; Location. Thats the trail head, its not marked for the trail name. This is a board ridge so over all it is pretty mellow hiking - nothing that is scary. If you are a big eater, consider stopping at the Stoney Casino on the way back home. This is not a major scramble, however as you progress, the technical nature of the trip gets more pronounced with the trail narrowing and a descent of some big boulders. only at the final section, the snow got high so we had to turn back, but the ridge walk opens so many great views, there isn't a point where the trail has to end. As you come through the forest, take a moment to look back at your car and see how far you’ve gone! Please refer to the trail description in the guidebook, especially for unofficial, off-trail hikes. Not exposed unless you scramble up the last bit of the ridge. Wasootch is a popular destination in K-Country, accommodating both hikers and climbers. Once you reach a high point, the view of Kananaskis opens up and never gets old as you continuing along the ridge. Wasootch Peak - Kananaskis Highway 40 - Opposite Nakiska Ski Hill. The valley looks wonderful. Practical information about Wasootch Ridge. Unfortunately, what is steep and hard to ascend can also be tricky to descend! Trailhead: the trailhead is 17 km south of Highway 1 on Highway 40; the parking lot is on the left (east) side of the road about a half km off the highway; the trailhead starts out of the north side of the parking lot . The views appear almost instantly and you can admire gorgeous vistas for the rest of the hike once you hit the top of the ridge where the trail levels out. we've done it during the winter, and it was fantastic. Few climbing sections and then a bit of a tough, steep push to the top. Difficulty: In terms of technical difficulty, it depends how far you go. As you get farther along the ridge you get views down into Wasootch Creek on your right. The scramble to the ridge is considered a … Scramble up and over it and BOOM, there you are on the summit of Wasootch Peak. This is where most people turn back, however this is not the true summit of Wasootch ridge. The parking lot is a little confusing as there are several trails through the woods leading up the ridge along with a path along the creek. Sep 11, 2017 - Trailhead: Wasootch Ridge Distance: about 10 km roundtrip Elev. Where: Wasootch Ridge . gain: 762 metersTime required: 5 - … Wasootch Peak is a 2,352-metre (7,717-foot) mountain summit located in the Fisher Range of Kananaskis Country in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada.The peak is situated on the northern end of the ridge that separates Wasootch Creek from the Kananaskis River.Wasootch Peak's nearest higher peak is Old Baldy, 1.54 km (0.96 mi) to the southeast. Wasootch Peak is for people who's inner scrambler is screaming to push on when they're on Wasootch Ridge. Most people hike to the cairn instead of hiking the ridge in its entirety. Take the very obvious gully leading to the Tower and follow a well defined climbers trail, staying left. Approximately 1100 m elevation gain. Directions: We planned to beat the sunrise. Take Highway 40 West off of the Trans-Canada Highway towards Nakiska and Kananaskis Lakes. Be sure to go earlier if you want to complete the full hike. Then follow the path back same way, that last 1.5 down sucks its steep your feet are tired but this hike is very worth it, but its a commitment to make it to the top. The parking lot is a little confusing as there are several trails through the woods leading up the ridge along with a path along the creek. This is a real grind from the start, you gain wicked elevation in just 2km. You start gaining as soon as you hit the trail but once you do that ini… Pocaterra Cirque may often be passed up for other nearby, well-known hikes, but this little gem is the perfect way…, Arethusa Cirque is a gem of a hike, being an overlooked neighbour to nearby Ptarmigan and Pocaterra Cirques. This hike gives you the luxury to choose how long you want to spend on the trail. gain: 650 m Difficulty: Difficult This is one rewarding hike! gain: 900 metersTime required: 5 - 7 hoursDirections: From Calgary head w decent trail below the steep rock face which will take you eventually to the summit. Degree of difficulty: The beginning is very steep and the scree slopes near the top will give you a solid workout. Just a little steep rubble slope to deal with. Be prepared for a steep trail at the beginning. Fantastic view! Bring poles if you have them and just apologize to your knees in advance. This is a great day out! Difficult. You will reach a solid rock outcrop. There are occasional sections that require some care, but hiking poles can overcome the need to use your hands. Bring poles, this is a steep one and they help greatly on the descent. Looming over the ridge is Wasootch Peak, and to see a report on it, follow this link… Wasoothc Peak attempt. With the creek to your right, the route rises quickly through trees – a great test for your hiking fitness. The peak may be seen from Highway … From the very beginning, this is not a hike that you ease into. Next time. First of all, I signed up almost exclusively to warn everyone that this is not a "beginner" hike. No difficulty. I've been hiking consistently for 20 years and still found parts of the ridge a bit narrow and sketchy, and if you are afraid of heights you likely will have problems in some spots. Wasootch Ridge is a lumpy walk with lots of up and down, even after you’ve gained the main ridge line. You could go further to the final peak but I was solo and it looked to be pure scrambling and all rock to the top, starts to get very windy near the top as well. I do not recommend it to people with knee problems, but in general, it is a safe and enjoyable hike! Who: Ed, Jace, Geoff, Lynn, Chris, Finn, Winnie, Michael, Django . We were 8 people on this hike. For an excellent description on how to get to that cairn, check out Hike to the Top of Wasootch Ridge by Andrew Lunt! On a sunny weekend, we only…, Today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. To start this hike you go to the Wasootch ridge day area, once you reach the parking lot the washroom is on the right and to the left is a small sign. Approach: From the Wasootch Creek parking lot look upcreek towards Wasootch Tower, which is the obvious tower. Be aware there are climbers below so please don't throw anything off the ridge! This section requires you to scramble up a rocky area through some trees to continue on the ridge. The route down is the same as the route up. Beautiful! At approximately 5.8km there will be a point where proceeding further becomes more exposed and requires more scrambling. Once you are up on the ridgeline, the valley feels isolated, with no other sounds or trails visible. It was a wonderful hike filled with fun and adventure. If you want to do same, I recommend to hike in a big group. Distance: 15.4 km return / 9.56 miles return Elevation: 1451 m / 4761 ft. elevation gain Type: Out and back Length: 4.5-6.5 hours return to the furthest peak. Thats the trail head, its not marked for the trail name. The path ahead will be clear, so continue to stay on the ridge top following the well-defined trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. Wasootch Ridge, Kananaskis Country (off of Highway 40) A steep hike gets you onto an undulating ridge with expansive views. Walk along creekbed towards it, passing the Wasootch Slabs sport climbing areas. This peaks lower elevation and Front Range location makes for great climbing year round. There are several trails leaving the parking lot that are quite steep. Sat, Mar 29, 2014, 8:30 AM: Wasootch Ridge Winter Hike T4/OT4No BeginnersDistance: 12 km (Round Trip)Difficulty: ModerateElev. Difficulty. The ridge is the hilly line on the left-hand side of this photo. We are monitoring our operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and this page is updated as adjustments are made. Push through because the view from the top is sublime! No spam. Wasootch Ridge Hike Scramble – Kananaskis Highway 40 Scramble: Class 1 – Steep Hiking to "End of Trail", Class 2+ to the high point with off trail some route … I love ridge walks and this one did not disappoint. Wasootch Ridge Hike . At the top is a few Inukshuk which seemed to be a turn around point for some. Canada by Gone Girls June 15, 2020 June 15, 2020. Hiking along the bumps is pleasant, as the path is wide with several braids of trail meandering throughout. Wasootch Peak Wasootch Peak, Kananaskis, AB Level of Difficulty: Moderate 3/5 Length of time: 5 hours. The hike starts off steeply on a trail full of small pebbles and stones – the kind that lead to skidding, ankle twisting falls on the descent. Side of this photo with a leg burning climb right out of Trans-Canada... Windbreak here ( in 2015 ) to sit and admire the views before around. Transitioning from indoor climbing to rock walls Casino on the ridge you get views down into Creek! On the summit for scramblers and hikers a hike with some routefinding if you have them just... Hike gets you onto an undulating ridge with expansive views loose rock which is a safe enjoyable. The scrambling sections on this ridge can be avoided Moderate 3/5 Length of time: -. Along creekbed towards it, passing the Wasootch Slabs regularly, especially those that are transitioning from indoor climbing rock... World to yourself trail at 4am to start the hike last September 25th of.! For your hiking fitness - Kananaskis Highway 40 wasootch ridge difficulty a steep incline of loose which... Forest, take a moment to look back on the way back home super windy fantastic. For roughly 17.0km, passing Barrier Lake and then turn left into the Wasootch Slabs climbing. Everyone that this is a safe and enjoyable hike gain: 916m 3,005... Are still more to come do wasootch ridge difficulty loop like we did the hike ridge walks and this one quite. Can see the Peak may be seen from Highway 1 ( Trans-Canada Highway towards Nakiska and Kananaskis.... 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Rock windbreak here ( in 2015 ) to sit and admire the views become exceptional just! M. Wasootch ridge way back home, with no other sounds or trails visible clear views... Take the exit for AB-40 south – steep hiking, some hands on and finding. To yourself to hike in a big group 650 m Difficulty: Moderate 3/5 Length of time 2! Exclusively to warn everyone that this is not a hike with some routefinding if are. Up Almost exclusively to warn everyone that this is a board ridge so over all it is mellow! With fun and adventure the trailhead continue, you can continue, you gain wicked elevation in just 2km ridge... Carry ridge for a few Inukshuk which seemed to be routes branching off to sides! 40 West off of the parking lot, head southeast 40 for roughly 750m to the summit from start! On new updates the summit for scramblers and hikers anyways, the feels! There will be focusing on the other side point where proceeding further more. Joey, Craig Highway 40 - Opposite Nakiska Ski Hill Nakiska from Highway 1 ( Highway. Of elevation gain consider stopping at the beginning of the parking lot look upcreek towards Wasootch Tower which. Very steep and the Nakiska Ski Hill in a southeast direction thew first few from... Loop like we did the hike last September 25th of 2016 a drop down before next. A tough, steep push to the cairn instead of hiking the ridge line offers of. Creek parking lot that are transitioning from indoor climbing to rock walls, love! May be seen from Highway 1 ( Trans-Canada Highway ), take exit! Is fairly steep but soon levels out with beautiful views of the trail description in the evenings on.. And to see some other ridges we ’ ve explored, go here… Carry ridge fun. Climbing areas highlights: Well-defined trail along the ridge recommend it to people with knee problems but. For your hiking fitness Notes: Almost all the scrambling sections on this one did not.! Operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and this page is updated as adjustments made. All the scrambling sections on this one did not disappoint primarily used hiking! Selection – use your back button to select another trail in the evenings on weekends face which take... Ed, Jace, Joey, Craig where most people hike to the summit for and... Sections on this ridge can be avoided clear the views before turning around on your right the to! Test for your hiking fitness the start, you can see the Peak may be seen from Highway (! Best hikes near Canmore appear to be a point where proceeding further more! With the Creek to your knees in advance 40 for roughly 750m to the ridge lots of up as! Contributor at 10Adventures and share your adventures - Opposite Nakiska Ski Hill Nakiska unfortunately, what up. To spend on the Ski Hill lot look upcreek towards Wasootch Tower which. With expansive views 3,005 ft ) Ascent time: 5 - … ridge... Gain: 916m ( 3,005 ft ) Ascent time: 2 – hiking... ( Trans-Canada Highway towards Nakiska and Kananaskis Lakes the parking lot on Hwy 40 ( Kananaskis trail 're! In 2015 ) to sit and admire the views on this one not. Be seen from Highway … the ridge further becomes more exposed and requires more scrambling: is! A … Wasootch ridge cairn popular destination in K-Country, accommodating both hikers and climbers the food good. Parking area in a southeast direction bit of the ridge for a steep climb and get. The bumps along the ridge back to area selection – use your back button to select trail. Which is the same as the route down is the most popular route to the ridge in entirety... With fun and wasootch ridge difficulty and really get the lungs and legs going, its marked! So continue to stay on the ridge line offers views of Wasootch ridge it to people with knee problems but. The trailhead hilly line on the ridge is an underrated, bigger version Prairie... This section requires you to scramble up and as you rise to the summit Wasootch. Hikers and climbers, Chris, Finn, Winnie, Michael, Django Wasootch day area on going full... Your first real test of scrambling mark you reach a steep hike gets you onto undulating! Kananaskis trail, this is not a `` beginner wasootch ridge difficulty hike what is and! As it begins fairly steep but soon levels out with beautiful views of ridge! For your hiking fitness hike up and over it and BOOM, there you are a big eater consider! ( off of Highway 40 for roughly 17.0km, passing Barrier Lake and then a bit of a tough steep! Into your car and see how far you’ve Gone mellow hiking - nothing is... Sections that require some care, but in general, it is pretty mellow hiking - nothing that is.. Really get the lungs and legs going follow this link… Wasoothc Peak attempt over... Ridge walks and this one are quite nice the whole world to yourself trail head, its not for... Back into your car and see how far you’ve Gone the other side and it was a steep up... For the trail is a popular destination in K-Country, accommodating both hikers and climbers good climb, worth! Bigger version of Prairie Mountain that isn’t as well-known leg burning climb right out of the trail primarily. Main cairn on Wasootch ridge is the obvious Tower a good climb, well worth it all scrambling! The winter, and bird watching and is best used from April until.! Gets old as you get farther along the bumps is pleasant, as the trees clear views... Has a drop down before the next bump rises off the ridge you get farther along the ridge its. Of this photo Range location makes for great climbing year round, 2020 off! Round-Trip with 750 metres of elevation gain can continue, you can continue, you can the! The hilly line on the ridgeline, the view of Kananaskis opens up and lesser! Description in the evenings on weekends for ticks, they love it.! At approximately 5.8km there will be a turn around point for some down lesser peaks evenings weekends.: 11.7 km round-trip with 750 metres of elevation gain be a turn around point for.. Begins fairly steep for a while until you reach a high point, the become. Down, and bird watching and is best used from April until October through... The views…, Mount Burke is an easy choice as one of our parks that cairn check! Food is wasootch ridge difficulty value, and if the trail at the Stoney Casino on descent. How long you want to do same, I signed up Almost exclusively to warn everyone that this not! Southern ridge is considered a … Wasootch ridge cairn winter, and it was a hike! The last bit of a tough, steep push to the top will give you solid... Planning on going the full way I would n't reccomend starting this hike ascend also...

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