I had been saving Mount Hoffman in Bluerock Wildrock Provincial Park for a casual day. After a quick trip to Crowsnest Pass, I was ready for something that didn’t involve a long drive and too much brain power.
Plus, I wanted to run.
Mount Hoffman is an easy, runnable hike that begins at the Indian Oils Day Use Area. It’s roughly a nine-kilometre out and back with less than 600 metres gain – so very runnable. A few fellow runners often run here.
I haven’t seen LC for months and I knew he would be up for a short day too. I knew I could count on him to make me run faster. I truly love this area in the foothills of the Rockies with its lush green forests. I don’t spend enough time here.
The trail was pretty straightforward – cross a bridge over the river, turn left then run until you reach a little fork then turn right up to the summit. The climbing was minimal, mostly featuring gentle switchbacks, making it perfect for a run.
We decided to take a brief side trip up to a view point. The summit was anti-climatic – felt like a hill with some rocks on it. Nonetheless beautiful views of the lush green valleys and mountain tops.
Green Mountain
I noticed that Mount Hoffman was close to Green Mountain when I was looking at the map. I suggested we tag that peak too. Since it was a short day, why not explore a bit more? We had passed a couple who were going beyond Green Mountain so we expected to see them again on the trail.
Instead of taking a sharp left to the parking lot, we kept straight on the Sheep Trail and ran a few kilometres to Dyson Falls then up through the trees on a sometimes trail.
We got off track a few times but generally the trail was straightforward until we reached a very overgrown field with bushes and grass. There was no clear sign of a trail (not surprised because I don’t think it’s a popular hike).
It was a little gross – my poor, bare legs but we happily made it to a ridge where we passed some cool rock formations that we vowed to check out on a way back.
This is where things got weird. The map kept saying we reached the summit but I was confused. I came across a cairn with a surveyor pole in the trees. Was this the summit? We had to chuckle.
After checking out the cool rock formations, we ran down to the parking lot. It was a fantastic day to be out in the foothills, and I left feeling refreshed and content. (By the way, later I would read the reviews of Green Mountain. The first comment was “don’t bother.” That made me laugh because that is how we were feeling for a brief moment after we summited.)