The views on Opal Ridge North peak definitely rival the views from the south peak. MK suggested Opal Ridge North when I offhandedly said I needed to figure out a peak for Saturday. After another hectic week, I was relieved to not have to pick a new-to-me peak.
Opal Ridge is one of my favourites along Hwy 40 in Kananaskis. I always have a story to share from meeting the camouflaged sheep hunter to the hiker obsessed with ticks. Opal Ridge North is travelled less so I wasn’t expecting any wild tales from the day.
I parked at rough lot about 35 kilometres on Hwy 40 after the Hwy 1 turn off. From there I crossed the road where I immediately spotted a cairn that led me to an opening in the trees. The trail was straightforward from the trees to the ridge to the summit.
The trail featured some interesting rock sections. I scrambled some sections for fun. The scree section was less fun. There was a faint trail that I followed that eventually got me to the wall. Then I had a short climb up and over to finally reach the ridge.
Just before climbing up to the ridge, I left my poles. (My light carbon poles had broken after many years of use. I had not replaced them yet so I used my heavier winter poles.) From this point on, the views were nothing short of spectacular. The summit itself felt anti-climatic compared to the panoramic views along the ridge.
I loved the solitude of this hike/run. (It’s a nice run down through the forest to your car.) I didn’t see anyone until after I summited and I was leisurely strolling along the ridge. The north ridge of Opal exceeded my expectations, offering a quiet escape with stunning views.