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Rockies :: Alberta Foothills :: Lesueur Creek/Ridge

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Panoramic view west towards Ghost area from Lesueur Ridge "Promontory" Viewpoint

April 6, 2022

Lesueur Creek/Ridge is fantastic early season objective. When everything else is plastered in wet snow, sunny south facing slopes are often dry and feel like a blessing after long snowy winter months.  On my trip in early April originally planned for Ghost area I was stopped by snow washout at Lesueur Creek Bridge and had to change plans on the fly.  It proved as excellent choice;  dry grassy ridge with very photogenic Aspen trees and distant Ghost area Peaks provided serious sensory overload.  K-country guidebook has Creek and Ridge as two separate trails, but it really should be just one.  It would make little sense to do just one or the other, when they lead itself naturally into beautiful loop.  CCW direction is far preferred as steep climb is done with early,  westerly views along the ridge are fantastic, while lighting for creek return will be superb as sun will be behind.  Shorter option, as presented in this report, utilizes trail - not mentioned in Daffern guidebook - dropping to the creek from "Promontary" viewpoint.  Longer version, including side-trip to "Hill 385838" can not be recommended as large parts are in unremarkable forest along maze of OHV roads.

Trailhead - unofficial - is just before Lessueur Creek Bridge on Trans-Alta road, ~2.5km from Hwy 40.  This section of infamous Ghost access driving is still not bad;  there are some potholes and sharp rock, but any car can do it.  Parking is either at side of the road, or a bit up on grassy pullout on north side.  Trail, more resembling old road initially, quickly rises up to the junction where it splits;  Up for the ridge, left for the creek.  If go up the ridge first as suggested, this will be the point where you will close the loop.  Upcoming rise to ridge crest is steep but not long; upon topping up fantastic views unfold. Going is very pleasant across several bumps for about half an hour when trail splits.  To the left is "Promontory" viewpoint and excellent lunch break spot.  Main trail continues along the ridge but is now mainly forested; far better alternative is to continue along faint trail descending from the viewpoint across grassy hillside, eventually intersecting Creek trail. This descent is probably most scenic part of the day - see gallery.  From the junction you can explore creek trail to the west a bit, but it is not really worth.  Going back along grassy hillside is another scenic highlight;  trail travels above creek and is mostly open with many photo ops. Eventually close the loop at Ridge junction and hike back to the parking.

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