Gap Peak is considered a “challenging” route/scramble. I agree – especially on a windy Saturday in January. Though it wasn’t the hands-on areas or the scree that had us wondering if this was “it.”
It was the crazy wind that nearly took us three out as we descended the area between the first cliff band and the trees (see photo below). Although I think the gale force winds only lasted a couple of minutes, it was enough to freak us all out. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion – the wind catching a friend’s hat and nearly lifting her off the ground.
Thankfully were all survived and were able to laugh about it once our heart rates subsided before we headed back into the trees.
Just minutes before we were still laughing about our snowy descend – one decided to slide down on her butt while two of us tried to stay (unsuccessfully) upright – along one snowy/icy section of the trail.
Let me let you in one a well known secret – the wind always has a starring role on ridges. All levels of wind are to be expected. It’s a big news story when there is no wind. Funny enough the wind that nearly took us out was nowhere near a ridge.
Gap Peak trail is an out-and-back route off Hwy 1A near Exshaw. Thanks to Strava, I had seen that some runners had done it a few weeks ago. It’s been on my list for awhile. The first section was completely in the trees. It wasn’t anything exciting save for the random spots of ice and dirt that did not make for easy trekking.
Once out of the trees, the views of Heart Mountain, Grotto, Pigeon, Wind Ridge and Lougheed were amazing. We were blessed with blue skies and great temperatures for January.
We then followed the base of a cliff band, which was pretty cool. There was an orange arrow (first photo, bottom centre) that pointed us in the right direction. We would see a few others guiding our way.
Generally, where there was snow, it was hard packed and easy to navigate. At times I wondered if I needed my spikes. Once we got to the base of the second cliff band, we removed them for the ridge.
Moving up over the scree and big rocks to the ridge was slow moving. Eventually we made it to the ridge and these super cool rock formations. Next time I will take better photos. On Saturday I was just trying to keep up with Monica and Paige.
Conditions on the ridge were windy, as expected. Windy, where you lose your breathe, but you’re not quite dying. I read accounts of the ‘scary’ ridge on AllTrails but it wasn’t that bad at all – wide. The ridge was half snow, half dirt so we took our time.
We turned around at one section where it was complete snow and a little disconcerting. All in all I was happy to finally see the Ridge. I can’t wait to go back again when the snow melts. We made tentative plans to come back and spend a day on the scree for Minotaur training.
And if you are following me on Instagram you know I had a little hiccup in the trees. I slipped on ice or something, and I tried to stop myself my grabbing onto the ground or something (so I wouldn’t plow into Monica). Thankfully she braced so I didn’t knock her off her feet. But I did dislocate my middle finger on my left hand. I won’t share the photo because I know some of you are squeamish.
Long story short. I went to urgent care in Cochrane where it was standing room only while the doctor cut off my glove. Today I am on the mend with the swelling and the bruising finally subsiding. The doctor was able to set my finger after a couple tries.
Mostly I am so embarrassed about the whole thing. I know it could happen to anyone and it could have been worse but sometimes I think, why me?