Yamnuska Cliffs from Aspen Meadows in Bow Valley Provincial Park.  Ravens End right side, West Col left

Mt. Yamnuska or Mt. John Laurie is first big mountain on right(north) side as Trans-Canada Highway enters Rockies few minutes past Seebe-Exshaw 1x junction.  It is somewhat akin to Squamish Chief on BC Coast - formidable cliffs on front with number of technical climbing routes, while tamer back side has hiking/scrambling trails.  Another similarity is popularity;  inclusion of Scrambling Route in Kane guidebook contributed to over-saturation and over the years accidents, even deaths occurred. All that led to Alberta Parks doing some significant trail upgrades, including brand new west col descent and extensive signage with blue markers and wands.

Chinook winds and east exposure means less snow and year-round hiking.  I've been to the area many times as it is essential Foothills experience.  By timing the trip on weekday afternoon one can usually have most of the area to themselves.  Two main hiking options are

1.  Ravens End
2.  Traverse of Yamnuska

Full traverse is best done in CCW (east - west) direction as hands-on parts are easier to ascend than descend. One can also climb Yam summit from west side and return the same way which avoids tricky sections in entirety.   Ravens End is just first part of Traverse, but I am presenting it as separate entry as it is very rewarding few hours exercise doable year round that can be done in less than 3 hours.

Multiple Dates, Last May 30, 2023

Yam trailhead are few km east from 1x / Seebe/Exshaw junction.  Despite fair size, parking lot fills fast on weekends.  There is also picnic area and very nice open meadow/lake viewpoint just few minutes to the south.   Trail starts by K-country kiosk and after brief walk crosses gravel road by climber registration table.  Within 15 minutes, at top of brief but steep rise is marked junction:  Turn right for Ravens End.  Ensuing part has been rerouted by Alberta Parks upgrades and is fairly scenic traversing open bench before heading up steep hillside.  This bit is fairly eroded and can be icy / slippery in winter.  Turning right grade moderates passing by open bluff with great views - usual break spot.  East ridge is reached within an hour from the parking; turn left by the sign. Overgrown trail continuing north is access for Old Fort Creek / Association Mtn area.  Remainder of hike to Ravens End rises through forest towards east cliffs in another 30min. Halfway through is marked CMC Valley junction;  I never investigated as I usually drop to CMC directly from Ravens End, but I might try next time.  Final rise is bit steep and can also be slippery in winter.  Recent upgrades have split the trail into ascent/descent legs here (signs).   Open meadows at north side are super spot for break with unobstructed view of CMC Valley and several front ranges peaks.

Return is the same way;  there is climber access route on the front, but it is very steep and not recommended specially for descent.  Photos in the Gallery are a mix from different season as I hiked this part regularly several times a year.

Gallery

Prairie Foothills Foothills from open bench on re-routed trail

Multiple Dates, Last May 30, 2023

Best left when snow/ice free, although done year round.   Description is for preferred east - west direction.  Chimney above Ravens End is test - if difficult know things do get worse.  Chimney itself is short with one pull up boulder near the top.  There is also talus trash bypass on right side.  Past the chimney solid trail with blue wands hikes up open hillside, then climbs up short wide gully that looks far worse from distance than it really is.  If short on time, or not really feeling up for entire traverse, this is also good turnaround point as trail reaches top of the cliffs with great views (see Gallery).   Crux section is reached within an hour from Ravens End;  exposed ledge with dropoff on right side.  Before chains went in this was very dangerous as fall would cause serious injury or even kill.  Even with chains it feels quite airy as rock bulges at one point and brief step down is required.   Main danger is, as often the case, crowds - on busy weekends traffic jam forms here with all kinds of unprepared people.   Past the chains it is still slow going as descent down steep and lose gully is required before conditions again mellow.  Final part to the summit is simple talus/scree hiking,  about 1 1/2 hr from Ravens End.  Views are great necessitating extended summit stay when wind free.

Descent down west side is more difficult than perhaps expected.  Trail stays fairly high and leads to tedious section of ball-bearing scree on slab that require care;  hiking poles are great asset.  When busy rolling rocks from people above is serious hazard (helmets).  Best option is to scree surf from the notch ~10min below the summit instead of following the trail, then angle horizontally and reconnect with trail lower down. (Do not go too far down as there are cliffs below!).  Goat col, ~45-50min from the top is another super spot for the break.  Climber route from Goat Mtn. comes down from the other side, and I've also heard it is possible to descend north to CMC valley, but have not confirmed.   From Goat (West) col in the past route would head for huge scree run, visible even from Trans-Canada, but after death in '21 Alberta Parks built excellent "West Col Descent" trail I highly recommend.  Well constructed and wide switchbacks that provide safe and fast travel.  Final part is quick hike back to Trailhead, ~1hr from Goat Col.  It is also possible to traverse below Yam cliffs on climber route and by staying high hike back all the way to Ravens End.  For that option take "Scree Run" trail from West col;  I've done this once and although not entirely hands-in-your-pockets it is still easier than scramble parts on east side.

Gallery

Lose Gully Looking back up steep and lose gully downclimb past the Chains.  Not difficult, but requires concentration.  Past this part route moderates into hiking only