2023
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Little Lougheed
The Little Lougheed trail, south of Canmore, offers a challenging out-and-back hike with a gentle start and a steep, rocky ascent. The trail is less defined, with some icy and snowy sections, making micro-spikes essential. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for parking. The summit provides stunning views of Spray Lake.
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Ha Ling Peak
The hike to Ha Ling Peak provides stunning views of Canmore and is moderately strenuous. The trail is well-maintained up to the saddle with Miner’s Peak and has handrails and stairs. The route is out-and-back, covering 7.8 km with an elevation gain of 795 meters. Climbing in winter may require micro-spikes. The summit offers a…
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Prairie Mountain
Prairie Mountain, a popular hike near Calgary, offers a moderately strenuous out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 675 meters and a distance of 8.4 km. The trail was rebuilt in 2023, enhancing its accessibility and scenic views. It is suitable year-round and requires a Kananaskis Conservation Pass for parking. Consider using micro-spikes in snowy…
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Joshua Tree Journal, March 21 – 23, 2023
THE LAST FEW DAYS – A couple of bad weather days gave me the opportunity to contemplate my failure to lead and lessons learned. On the last day, we hiked out to a new area of the park and discovered potential climbing areas for our next trip. Even though I did not lead, the trip…
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Joshua Tree Journal, March 20, 2023
DAY 9 – The day involved climbing at the Lava Dome, facing challenges in anchor building and rope management. A shift in mindset led to a satisfying climb. After a victorious lead by Dan, the day ended with cleaning the anchor and a sense of accomplishment. It was a rewarding experience despite the cold and…
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Joshua Tree Journal, March 19, 2023
DAY 8 – I practiced gear placement and climbed a challenging route on top rope. I watched Dan succeed in leading the climb. My hands were scratched up and sore and I was tired so I decided to focus on recovery for the next day’s climbs and belayed Dan as he led another route.
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Joshua Tree Journal, March 18, 2023
DAY 7 – At the Towers of Uncertainty, I attempted to lead a challenging climb. Despite feeling scared and frustrated, I persisted, focusing on gear placement and building confidence. After numerous attempts, I began to feel more comfortable but decided to save the lead for another day. The experience was valuable and rewarding.
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Joshua Tree Journal, March 17, 2023
DAY 6 – We decided to explore Indian Cove instead of going back to Bear Island. We found many climbers already there, and we did not find a climb to do. We returned to town, bought a longer static rope, and later found great climbing routes at the Towers of Uncertainty.