There’s a difference between Wasootch Peak and Wasootch Ridge. As I write that, it becomes even more obvious to me. For some reason, I thought the well-travelled ridge trail and Wasootch Peak were one in the same.
I stand humbly corrected.
On Saturday while everyone was out chasing larches and avoiding the snow, I headed to Hwy 40 for a short day. The trail begins about 300 metres on the opposite side of the highway before the sign for Kananaskis Village. There were already two cars parked in the ditch when I started.
This out-and-back is about 7.5 kilometres with roughly 900 metre gain so nothing too crazy over a short distance. I began trudging through the wide creek bed before taking a trail to the left in the woods. For the next two kilometres or so I hiked up this nice trail – reminded me of the new Prairie.
Nearly out of the trees, I hit some rock and small cliff bands. I had downloaded the AllTrails map so I just followed it along the route. The higher I got the better the views.
I didn’t see anyone until I reached the ridge just before the final push to the summit. I chatted with the two hikers for a few minutes about the route and nearby peaks. The route was pretty straight forward and I enjoyed the solitude. Once on the ridge, the wind picked up significantly so I put on all my layers.
I stayed to the right climbing over the rocks to avoid the loose scree and dirt. I loved that I couldn’t see the summit from below the slope. I left my poles in a crack in a rock then I climbed over a rocky platform to the summit.
The panoramic views of the region were outstanding. I could even see Barrier Lake in the distance (at least I think it is Barrier Lake). I wanted to enjoy the moment a little longer, but the chilling wind was too much.
I will be back another day.