We set out pretty late on the last day of this long weekend in July. Kate and Collum took turns driving while I lounged in the backseat offering suggestions for the day’s hike at regular intervals. The day before we had summited Grizzly Peak, and the day before that we ran Mystic Pass for Canada Day.
Needless to say, I was thankful not to make any tough decisions that day. Read’s Tower or Mount Sparrowhawk – someone else decide – my brain is a little fuzzy.
The trailhead for Read’s Tower and Mount Sparrowhawk is directly across Spray Lakes Road from the Sparrowhawk Day Use Area. This would be a short one – 8 kilometres and 950 metres – and my body was thankful for a little reprieve.
We started hiking up immediately along nicely manicured trails before we reached a little cairn – right to go down or left to continue towards Read’s Tower. Shortly after we got our first views of Spray Lakes Reservoir. Once out of the trees, we reached a ridge section that took us to the ridge, which blew our minds with the even better views of Spray Lakes.
I can see why many people choose this as a spot to hang out or picnic without summiting Read’s Tower or Mount Sparrowhawk. While we had initially considered going up Sparrowhawk, we settled on Read’s Tower (a little shorter and less elevation). One source says that Read’s Tower was named after skier Kevin Read, a member of the famous “Crazy Canucks.”
The final section to Read’s Tower summit took us over loose scree and rocks. Another one of those choose your own adventures to the top. I was thankful to have my poles that day because my legs were giving me some not-so-kind feedback.
The push to the top didn’t take that long. There were a few gross rocky sections but nothing that would not make me want to do this one again. At the summit, wee were rewarded with even better views of Spray Lakes and Sparrowhawk (and a weather station)! This is a great choice if you are short on time and want fantastic views. Or you could combine it with a jaunt up Mount Sparrowhawk.
Once we had our fill of selfies and videos, we headed down the way we came. Another great summer day with friends.
Note: Read’s Tower was summit #14 of new-to-me trails in 2023. Next up is Bluerock Mountain.