The Hiking / Backpacking Thread

[troutman]

Just found this useful site when I was researching fishing access:

http://kananaskisblog.com/

The main purpose of this blog is to:

• Present K-Country policies and issues that affect trail users;
• Report on the activities of the Kananaskis Country Trail Users Group (Gillean and Alf Skrastins are members);
• Inform people of changes to trails and of new trails;
• Make information available on trails that are not in the guidebook;
• Suggest outings for hikers, skiers and snowshoers.

[TheSutterDynasty]

Looking for a recommendation.

What are some of the hardest (ie most elevation) day hikes in Kananaskis/Banff that don't have actual rock climbs?

I'm thinking like Ha Ling but longer. Like if Ha Ling didn't have that drive up. A hike that basically straight up but no climb and only the top part a scramble.

[OMG!WTF!]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

Looking for a recommendation.

What are some of the hardest (ie most elevation) day hikes in Kananaskis/Banff that don't have actual rock climbs?

I'm thinking like Ha Ling but longer. Like if Ha Ling didn't have that drive up. A hike that basically straight up but no climb and only the top part a scramble.

There are lots but I think Mt. Allen is good either via Centennial Ridge at Dead Man's Flat or the highway 40 side at Ribbon Creek. It's about 12 km's and 1500 meters up. That's about as much elevation as you will find in k country.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by OMG!WTF!

There are lots but I think Mt. Allen is good either via Centennial Ridge at Dead Man's Flat or the highway 40 side at Ribbon Creek. It's about 12 km's and 1500 meters up. That's about as much elevation as you will find in k country.

And if I remember correctly on a clear day you can see Cankore, Banff and Calgary from the top.

[AltaGuy]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

Looking for a recommendation.

What are some of the hardest (ie most elevation) day hikes in Kananaskis/Banff that don't have actual rock climbs?

I'm thinking like Ha Ling but longer. Like if Ha Ling didn't have that drive up. A hike that basically straight up but no climb and only the top part a scramble.

Cascade can be quite busy, but it's a slog! If you have a weekday to do it, not too many people. Bears though. Around 1400m in 10km, so a long way up.

The view is terrific.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

Looking for a recommendation.

What are some of the hardest (ie most elevation) day hikes in Kananaskis/Banff that don't have actual rock climbs?

I'm thinking like Ha Ling but longer. Like if Ha Ling didn't have that drive up. A hike that basically straight up but no climb and only the top part a scramble.

Opal.

[Magnum PEI]

Mist Mountain isn't bad if you're looking for a slog. The summit is over 10 000 ft.

[Fuzz]

The Big Sister(back side from Spray) is a decent comparison to Ha Ling. There is one small climb right near the top, but it isn't hard. Just steps up a near vertical wall, if I remember correctly. It was 20 years ago... Awesome view.

[GGG]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

Looking for a recommendation.

What are some of the hardest (ie most elevation) day hikes in Kananaskis/Banff that don't have actual rock climbs?

I'm thinking like Ha Ling but longer. Like if Ha Ling didn't have that drive up. A hike that basically straight up but no climb and only the top part a scramble.

Get Kane's scrambles books and start with the Easy ones

Banded Peak - 1300 plus a bike ride to the trailhead
Beaurgueu (in Banff) 25k, 1600m
Mount Sparrowhawk 1350m

All of thes are 3 are a good workout. Sparrowhawk and banded have more route finding and less good trail. Beaurgeau fits closest to your definition of long trail with easy scramble at the end

Or for more of a death march hike as opposed to a peak Bag.

Ice line/whaleback in a day
Bike redearth, hike Egypt lake loop in a day
Aster lake, north over ridge, 3isle lake

I've done the first 2 as 9-10 hr days but not the 3rd one yet.

[TheSutterDynasty]

Thanks for all the responses!

Hopefully more elevation means less people on the trail too.

[Magnum PEI]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

Thanks for all the responses!

Hopefully more elevation means less people on the trail too.

Mt. Allan is usually pretty busy on summer weekends. You might also like Middle Sister but it can be busy too.

[stampsx2]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

Thanks for all the responses!

Hopefully more elevation means less people on the trail too.

Which one did you attempt?

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

Looking for a recommendation.

What are some of the hardest (ie most elevation) day hikes in Kananaskis/Banff that don't have actual rock climbs?

I'm thinking like Ha Ling but longer. Like if Ha Ling didn't have that drive up. A hike that basically straight up but no climb and only the top part a scramble.

Galatea Lake, the top portion of the Lillian Lakes trail, is a really good hike. It's not straight up but got the blood pumping in sections and is definitely worth the trip past the much easier Lillian lakes portion of the trail. If you're looking for more of a challenge, the Kings Ridge Cross trail is a solid scramble pretty much the entire way and can be done in a matter of a few hours. Neither require any actual climbing.

[Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Magnum PEI

No! Headwall is my go-to pack a lunch and jump in a lake hike. I avoid Chester like the Plague because there's way too many people.
It's hilarious, the parking lot will be full and you'll only see a dozen or so people doing Headwall.

Thinking of doing this, but doing the loop to come down Chester. Has anyone done that? Wondering how difficult it is. My wife is OK with long hikes but steep descents really slow her down, as does loose rock.

http://www.mapmyhike.com/ca/canmore-...p-route-830341

[Harju]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Thinking of doing this, but doing the loop to come down Chester. Has anyone done that? Wondering how difficult it is. My wife is OK with long hikes but steep descents really slow her down, as does loose rock.

http://www.mapmyhike.com/ca/canmore-...p-route-830341

I've done that several times over the years but mainly to summit Fortress. Seems a waste just to go to the col. Past Headwall Lakes is it mostly rubble but with good paths from all the traffic. As I recall, the descent from the col is loose, small rock and very steep but can be fun as you can basically run down it until you hit the solid stuff. I've always found the trip back down the valley to Chester a little tedious as it mostly rubble hopping. It has been several years since I've done it so some of the paths may have changed.
Whether it's difficult or not depends on your fitness. I would not say it is difficult but it is a long hard day.
I do recall one time there was a group with a person who was terrified of heights that had to be escorted down the Chester side of the col.
It is a hike I would certainly recommend to anyone of reasonable fitness. Relaxing on the summit of Fortress, then again at Chester Lake near the end is great.

[Fuzz]

Thanks, I'm considering the Fortress part but I think it will depend on how my wife is doing. How long would it take to get to the col, summit, and back to the col? Maybe I can run up it solo

[Harju]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Thanks, I'm considering the Fortress part but I think it will depend on how my wife is doing. How long would it take to get to the col, summit, and back to the col? Maybe I can run up it solo

I would think going to the summit from the col would add another couple of hours. I think it takes about an hour at most to the summit then if the weathers nice its a great place for lunch and a nap.
Hopefully somebody who has done it recently can chime in.

[steve9981]

nm

[GGG]

I don't think a dog can do the last bit.


http://bobspirko.ca/Elbow/NihahiRidge/NihahiRidge.html

This site has good pictures

The nice thing is you can turn around when ever on that one and it's a good day

[Fuzz]

Decided to do this hike instead of Headwall/Fortress/Chester:

Spoiler!

The forecast had some lightning in it and I didn't really feel like being exposed on Fortress for that show! Turned out to be a good call, on our way out the top of Fortress was enveloped in clouds/rain. That, and my wife doesn't have proper hiking boots and probably wouldn't have done well with the length/difficulty of the loose rock. We will have to work up to that one!

Turned out to be a decent hike for us, anyway. This was kind of a "redemption" hike for me as in grade 7 we did a camping trip followed by a hike. It rained/snowed all night, and we were all cold wet and miserable. Our gym teacher didn't care, and dragged us up this. We made it about half way before the knee deep snow and 1m visibility blizzard finally made him realize dragging 40 kids up this might actuality be a really bad idea. Since then, even the mention of "Pickle Jar Lake" hike gave me a giant nope! So good to finally make it up!

Spoiler!