Powderface Ridge, July 2, 2007

Okay, so we've found a second favourite hike. Just down the valley from Jumpingpound Summit and basically on the same mountain range lies Powderface Ridge. It's due east from Nihahi Ridge, another great hike. And again, we have a hike that starts 1:10 frrom my front door, and takes only 1:15 to get up. Jumpingpound has a more "in the mountains" feel to it, due to the proximity of the rugged Fisher Range. Powderface, however, probably has better overall views, including one of the city some 70 km in the distance. Powderface is also busier and more well used by mountain bikers, meaning the trail is far more wrecked and rutted. Still, we saw only 5 people on bikes, and 9 other hikers all day, so "busy" is a realative thing.

What's it like up there? Well, this is looking northwest up toward the Fisher Range.



Moose Mountain looks somehow less imposing from here, and doesn't dominate the skyline as it does at Jumpingpound.



Jumpingpound itself is quite a stand out. It's interesting to note that the ridge is mostly forested from this view, and I guess it is -- or at least the meadows aren't as extensive.



As I noted, the city is quite visible to the east on a clear day (like most days in Alberta). The first photo is the east view, but since it's so wide angle, you can't really make the city out -- but if you zoom in, try clicking on the second photo, and look for tall buildings in the centre.




I noted Nihahi; here's the massive knife edged ridge across the valley, with the hike on the extreme left getting up to the first summit. Note that most of the hike isn't visible in this photo.



And once again, there's Yamnuska guarding the entrance to the Bow Valley -- and once again, this peak is higher.



You can do a 360° panorama from up here, and because you can, I did.




The meadows up top are just littered with flowers this time of year. Once again, we found some we don't know, but here's a few we do: Bunchberry (dwarf dogwood), Low Larkspur and a Parry's Townsendia.





I think in the end, we like Jumpingpound best still, but this is pretty good. Better meadows, more to explore at the top, and more feeling of accomplishment along the trail. The trail isn't as interesting, even though it too follows a small stream, and while it's nice to see the city, peering down to Hwy 66 and the Elbow Valley crowds just make it feel less like wilderness.

But every time we go someplace like this, we are reminded why we like living here.