On a cool day in September, Pocaterra Ridge had everything I was looking for: elevation, larches, and mountain views.
After dropping the Qashqai off at the Pocaterra Parking Lot, Sue and I drove the five minutes or so to the start of the southern trail at the Highwood Pass Parking Lot. Only a few months ago I was at the lot on my bike when I cycled to Highwood Pass. Oh the memories.
The parking lots at both Pocaterra Ridge and Highwood Pass were already bursting with activity when we set out around 9 a.m. No doubt it’s because we’re in that small window of time between the full larch experience and when the needles begin to fall off.
The Pocaterra Ridge trail begins immediately straight from the parking lot. Our plan was to do a point-to-point from the south – hence the need for a shuttle. We met people throughout the day who were doing an out-and-back to the “summit.”
We headed into the forest after a short run from the parking lot. That’s when things got a little confusing. Trails were braided through the forest, and you really had to know where you were going. Looking back I think if we stuck to the right, we would have been just fine.
But worry not, dear reader. We were off-track for not more than five minutes when we bumped into a friendly hiker, part of a huge hiking group, who told us we were going in the wrong direction.
Our little mishap didn’t keep us down long because soon after we stepped out of the woods and into the Mother Nature’s colouring book. With every step we took, we were deeper into the golden splendor of the changing season with every tree, scrub or bush.
After getting our fill of Mother Nature’s golden canvas, we began climbing up the ridge. To the left, we could see two climbers on Pocaterra Mountain. Many of the hikers ahead of us were watching them too. I suspect many were using the the sideshow as an excuse to stop and catch their breath.
I know I did. The climb might have been less than a kilometre but it was definitely a grunt to the first summit. Sue is generally a mountain goat so I was thankful for her patience as I huffed and puffed my way up the side of the ridge.
(Peanut gallery: I noticed several amateur photographers with a ton of camera gear around his or necks. Don’t trip and fall is all I have to say.)
We stopped just below the summit to have a little snack and drink up before summiting and heading around the ridge. This first descent from the summit (where many people stop) was tricky with its loose rocks and sandy bits. Sue and I both pulled out our poles for added balance.
The rest of the way was smooth sailing with wide ridges and well-travelled terrain. Sue had read somewhere that there was some bushwhacking involved but we found the trail to be very straightforward back to my Qashqai. We came out of a trail opposite the parking lot where I had left my vehicle.
Despite the layer of smoke we had fantastic views. Also – which is rare – there was no wind on the ridge. We picked a great day for lingering.
Because the hike/run was only 12K and 761 metres in elevation gain, we decided to head over to King Creek Ridge, which was on the way back to Calgary.
Great plan in theory but for the first 20 minutes I regretted suggesting the climb because I was unbelievably hot. Eventually …. eventually … I felt better and we reached the summit.
Being on the summit with no one else but Sue was also rare. This is one of the more popular short hikes in the area. I remember when I did it months ago there were dozens of people on the trail heading in both directions.
The ridge was so quiet too. The smoke gave it an extra eerie feeling.
In order to avoid the slippery descent, we found another trail that brought us down to where we started. We made quick time heading down because it was getting late in the day, and I still had to drive back to Calgary.
What a fun day! The powers that be were definitely on our side as we were able to experience both ridges without feeling like we were in a conga line. Also when you’re a trail runner you can generally leave the hikers behind while they stop for lunch or a nap. (Just kidding. I am a hiking too.)
What’s your favourite season to run in? Do you like ridges or are you intimidated by them? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.