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Rockies :: Canmore and Bow Valley ::

McConnell Point - Razor Edge

GPS Track

Old Tools Shed at McConnell Point, looking east.  Summit is center left, just out of picture

Multiple Dates,  Last May 6, 2023

Semi-forested ridge on the south side as Trans-Canada makes left turn entering Bow Valley couple of km west of Seebe/Exshaw 1x Junction.  Over the years several names have been associated with highpoint, most frequently used one being "McConnell Point".  Other one is "Engagement Peak" - presumably due to several engagement proposals on the "summit"!  Normal approach described in Daffern K-Country Trail Guide utilizes Quaite Creek Valley, and this is how I initially hiked the peak during first ascent in 2014.  In spring 2023 I learned of more direct, west ridge route that avoids rather boring travel in Quaite Creek.  There are several options for return - same way (shortest),  loop via Quaite Creek and descent via Razor Edge MTB trail, last one being most scenic and recommended.

Trailhead is at pull-out in eastbound lane of Trans-Canada Highway ~1km before Heart Creek, and almost opposite to Exshaw cement plant at north side of the valley.  It is unmarked, but fairly obvious as there is always someone parked there. If in doubt use GPS (download on top of page - Waypoint "1 - Trailhead".  Do not confuse with Waypoint "5 - Trans Canada, as this is Razor Edge endpoint).  If coming from Calgary, do a U-turn at Heart overpass then drive back.  West ridge direct route (a.k.a "Engagement Trail") branches off Quaite Creek almost immediately on the left (east) side - cairn, Waypoint 1.  Trail initially rises moderately passing MTB trail along the way, but after ~15 min makes a sharp left and ascends much more steeply, then traverses beneath some rock slabs.  At one point 2m slab crossing with short scrambling is required, this part should be dry.  Eventually after breaking treeline trail tops on lower summit with large cairn, some 40-45min from Quaite turnoff.   Views are very good and this is great spot for a break.  Main "summit' is ~20min away across heavily forested saddle;   trail exists and I recommend following it as bushwhack would be fairly bad here.  Final bit is open grassy ridge passing old wooden shed just below the top.

Continuing east along the ridge is very scenic.  Trail fades but stay on the crest, then pick it up as grade steepens at far end.  There are some flags here.  If planning on return via Razor Edge, it is not necessary descending all the way to Quaite valley as indicated on my GPS track (Waypoint "3 - Quaite Valley").  It is more direct to leave trail when in line with open slabs across the forest directly east and bushwhack until you pick up Razor Edge which is well defined.  Use GPS waypoint "4 - Razor Edge".  Razor Edge descent is very scenic on slabby terrain with open views across Bow Valley to Doorjam - Loder, Exshaw Ridge and Mt. Yamnuska.  Although just hiking, it is not hands in your pockets kind of stuff and concentration is required.  Be aware of mountain bikers that might be descending in great speed here!  Final bit is ~10min walk by the Highway back to Quaite parking pull-out.

Gallery

Subsummit Cairn Large cairn at McConnell sub-summit looking north across Bow Valley.  Exshaw Ridge center left, Mt. Fable behind with distant Mythic Tower and Mt. Townsend.   Doorjam - Loder to the right