Two years ago I bought a waterproof trail map and guide for the Sheep Valley region including Sheep River Provincial Park. It was another area in the eastern Canadian Rockies that I was dying to explore.
But you know how things go, the map was forgotten and so was the area until I recently uncovered it while looking for something else.
Volcano Ridge, west of Diamond Valley, caught my eye with its cool name and a moderate 14-km length with a 700-metre elevation gain.
With good weather last Saturday, I decided it was time to cross it off my list. While studying the map, I noticed Missinglink Mountain, a straightforward 4.2-km out-and-back trail with a 300-meter elevation gain near the Volcano Ridge trailhead.
Why not do both?
Missinglink Mountain
I parked at the Gorge Creek Day Use Area after driving on the narrow and winding road that I would hate to drive in the winter. The Volcano Ridge trail was just off the parking lot but I had to backtrack down the road to a cow pasture about 150 metres to find the Missinglink trail head.
It was simple, straightforward hike up through the trees. Nothing technical, just steep over a short distance. Perfect to warm up our legs after the drive from Calgary. The views were wonderful and we could even see the parking lot.
Volcano Ridge (including South Volcano Ridge)
We swapped out some clothing before heading out on the Volcano Ridge trail. The Sheep Valley trail map is so extensive – so many trails to explore. But since Laurent had done the ridge before I didn’t pay close attention or heed Barb’s advice about a trail junction.
Until we started heading the wrong direction for about a kilometre when Laurent said I think we’re on the wrong trail. Oops. We recorrected and were back on the trail in no time. Generally speaking though the trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
Our first stop was South Volcano Ridge – about 4 kilometres (400 metres) – from the parking lot. A moderate climb through the trees led to breathtaking views of the valley, with prominent peaks like Bluerock Mountain and Mount Ware in sight. Some hikers make this their turnaround point, but we kept on, discovering even more natural beauty just two kilometres more.
From South Volcano Ridge, we descended to the valley and climbed to the other ridge. Nothing super technical – just the usual climbing It was a bluebird day with very few people on the trail.
And we did … just before the summit. That said I knew my pal Barb would be on the trail with her hiking group so I knew we would see them at some point that morning. I heard her laugh through the trees before I actually saw the group. Running into familiar faces on the trail always adds a special touch to the adventure. Ever notice how happy and carefree people are on the trail?
The views of the Sheep Valley were outstanding. I am used to big mountain peaks so it is so rewarding to shake things up and explore the foothills.
Looking at my map, I see there’s a lot of PLUZ in the surrounding areas. I will definitely have to spend more time in this region next summer.
Did you know? Sheep River Provincial Park is 23 kilometres west of Diamond Valley on Highway 546 on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. It is part of Kananaskis Country park system and a portion of the Sheep River valley.