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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Wasootch Peak

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Panoramic View south from Wasootch Summit. Kananaskis Peak upper center.  Mackay Hills between Wedge and Fisher Peak upper right

May 9, 2018

Wasootch Peak is first highpoint of long ridge that curls on east side of Kananaskis Village and continues further south over Kananaskis Peak, Old Baldy and McDougall before dropping to Evan Thomas creek. It has been included in Nugara fine "More Scrambles in Canadian Rockies", and as result it is now quite popular and excellent trail exists all the way to the summit. I don't scramble much anymore but was looking for something I'd be able to do without snow. Initial plan was Wasootch Ridge I've done several times before, but driving in it still appeared snowbound. To the contrary, Wasootch Peak was entirely dry -- SW ridge receives lots of warm afternoon sunshine.

Parking is opposite (just north) of Nakiska turnoff on east side of the road. There will usually be several cars parked, even on weekday so you can't go wrong. It is right by large drainage that has been ravaged in 2013 floods. Initial part of the trail has been washed out so just walk in the drainage staying on left (north) side for 10 minutes or so and watch for the cairn indicating start of Wasootch summit trail. From there trail rises fairly steeply with some open areas that offer nice views of Kananaskis Valley. Most pleasant part is after you break treeline -- series of rock ribs that are great fun if scrambled directly, although trail skirts on the side. Final slope is your standard Talus with multitude of trails made on descent; going up stay close to ridge crest on climber right for best footing. Final obstacle is 3-4 meter high angle rock wall, with somewhat skimpy but solid holds. It is great fun if tackled directly. Bypass exists on both sides and is just hiking; most people seem to prefer north side as good sized cairn indicates. Wall is class 3, and easier than step on Heart Mountain for comparison; I downclimbed facing out on descent. Finish is very brief ridgewalk that has few semi-exposed steps to large rock pile that had register but little paper in.

From the summit connecting ridge north to Kananaskis peak, and ultimate 5 peak traverse appeared well deserving of Nugara difficult rating.  On the opposite side lower north summit would be relatively easy ridgewalk, but I didn't bother.  I believe it might be possible to do "Wasootch Traverse" by starting somewhere in vicinity of Lorette ponds, but ascent via NW ridge would probably be couple of grades more difficult than gentle SW ridge.  I returned the same way, with one extended break just before treeline -- where accidentally I picked up couple of ticks I discovered at home later on;  check yourself well!

Gallery

View back towards Nakiska Ski area.  Centennial Ridge and Mt. Allan center right