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Rockies :: Alberta Foothills :: Nihahi Ridge

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Panoramic view down Little Elbow corridor from South Summit of Nihahi Ridge with sea of snow covered Foothills Peaks on Skyline

June 12, 2024

Long, elegant ridge rising above Little Elbow Trail and stretching for several kilometers west of Powderface Trail Road.   Traverse of entire ridge has been popularized by inclusion in Scrambles guidebook, but far better option is out-and-back trip to South Summit only.   Regardless of target, this is fairly serious trip that should be attempted only by experienced hikers, comfortable with class 3 Rock and navigating narrow, exposed ridge crests.  Good hiking trail that leads to talus bench below south shoulder is feasible year-round, but route above should be snow free.   Fantastic views are more that adequate reward fo the effort.  Bicycle, generally good idea for most trips in this area, reduces Nihahi Trailhead approach time.  Note that Hwy66 (Elbow Trail) is seasonally closed Dec 1 - May 14 west of Elbow Falls, same as Powderface Trail Road.

Follow Little Elbow Trail starting from Large Hiker Parking Lot just past Forgetmenot Pond Recreation area.  Without bicycle it is better to follow riverside trail instead of paved asphalt road passing through the Campground.  From marked Nihahi Junction (see Gallery), well defined trail rises in moderately graded switchbacks, then traverses some open meadow before ascending lower ridge.  If wind makes you uncomfortable here know it will get worse higher up & it might be good idea to return.  Otherwise follow eroded, but well defined talus trails staying on right (east) side traversing cliffs below south shoulder.   Crux is 5-6m low class 3 rock step up a gully;  it is not too difficult, but should be snow free.  After more traversing, Nihahi Ridge is gained by steep scramble to narrow and exposed South End.   South Summit is within sight, but connecting part is fairly narrow and if windy can be dangerous.   If that is the case, simply descend for break back to flat and sheltered South Shoulder above the crux before hiking out the same way.

Things to keep in mind if planning on traversing entire Ridge:

• There are several knife edge parts that will require bypass (class 3 / 4)
• It should be attempted only on calm day (which doesn't happen too often).  Strong wind gusts are realistically largest crux
• Views will not get better from you already have on south summit
• Alternate transportation (2 cars or bicycle) will be necessary for ~9km Powderface Trail Road return

Gallery