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Rockies :: Alberta Foothills :: Forgetmenot Ridge

GPS Track

Central part of Forgemenot Ridge from top of Rocky Knoll.   North Summit just left of center with Powderface Ridge behind.  Nihahi far left

Multiple Dates, last Oct 3, 2024

Forgetmenot is one of classic Foothills Ridgewalks.  Rounded grassy crest extends for many km offering great views of Front Ranges and Prairies.  Price to pay is stiff ascent on steep-ish and eroded trail.  Best done in the Fall when water level have subsided and Prairie Grassland Autumn colours are abundant.  Most common option is out-and-back hike to Ridge Highpoint (also known as "Old Forgetmenot"), which is how Report and Gallery are presented.  Long Day extension is visit to Forgetmenot Mountain including Threepoint Creek / Big Elbow loop return.  As always with Little Elbow area Trails be aware that Hwy66 is seasonally closed  Dec 1 - May 14 past Elbow Falls gate.

There are no navigation issues, except at very start as you must cross Little Elbow River then follow Wildhorse hiking/equestrian trail across River Flats and Forest to signed Junction.   Walking north to Harold Chapman suspension bridge is what most people end up doing, but that does add at least 1km - each way.  Alternative is Little Elbow Ford right below the Parking Lot;   bring pair of old Sandals if this option is appealing.   Regardless of approach tactics,  Forgetmenot Trail forks off by Cairn - see Gallery,  Waypoint "1 - Wildhorse Trail", GPS Download Top of Page).   Ascent is steep and lower part of trail is fairly eroded - hiking poles are great help, specially on descent.  Higher above grade moderates and after some wide Talus switchbacks views really open up.  Lower Ridge is semi-forested and pure joy to hike.   Continue past North Summit junction and hike up scree to grassy ridgeline when trail vanishes by cairn.  Note this spot for return;  good landmark is short pine tree that also had green flag on my Oct '24 visit - see Gallery.

Hiking grassy ridge towards Old Forgetmenot is super scenic, specially on a clear windless day.   Only slight challenge is Rocky Knoll ~30min in;  briefly descend on grass then pick-up good trail that develops on left (east) side.  Remainder to the Highpoint is most enjoyable part of the day, but you must also cross green lichen rock field;  footing is stable, but you can not completely zoom out, specially if wet.  From the Highpoint I walked for couple of minutes to east end that also had wind shelter;  this is the turnaround point.   On return with enough time and energy, hike to North End will be pleasant way to finish the day.

Forgetmenot Mountain

I did this extension long time ago when website authoring and methodical documenting of outdoor pursuits was still not an interest of mine.  From memory it will take about an hour from Old Forgetmenot (1-way), involving descent to low saddle and loss of over 100m vertical that needs to be regained on other side.  Views will not be better, but will provide different perspective of Threepoint Mountain.  It is best to return the same way, but if interested in loop here is what to expect:   From Forgetmenot "Mountain"  I picked up trail descending south slopes to Threepoint Creek valley, then hiked along the creek eventually ending at confluence and mandatory Big Elbow Ford. This is the crux as you must evaluate water levels beforehand and be sure Ford will be feasible  Loop ends with tedious walk on Big Elbow Trail for at least an hour to Harold Chapman bridge and back to Parking.  Allow 8-10 hrs for Full Loop, depending on pace.

Gallery

Harold Chapman Bridge

Harold Chapman Suspension Bridge ~10min from the Parking.  Turn left after crossing the bridge and walk along the bank to Flats opposite Parking area