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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Little Arethusa

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Little Arethusa South Panorama.  Foreground ridge is much easier from what this photo might suggest. Storm Mountain upper left, Arethusa Cirque below.  Highwood Ridge extreme right, Mt. Lipsett behind left

October 5, 2023

Little Arethusa is short and easy ascent in scenic Highwood, best done in early fall as area is abundant with golden larches.  Cirque is very popular with hikers, specially on weekend, but gentle ascent talus slopes past upper cirque offer more solitude.  There are no difficulties and on a crisp day summit views are fantastic.  Loop return via upper cirque is just a bit longer but very scenic and highly recommended - see Gallery.

From Parking just south of Highwood Pass on left (east) side of the Highway, head up well defined trail on climber right side of Arethusa Creek.  This section could be muddy and slippery after early snowfall.  Within 20min or so trail reaches lip of Arethusa Cirque;  rock-hop the creek to junction.  Left trail is more direct and recommended direction;  if you do loop return you will come down on the right side.  Trail climbs steeply to upper cirque, then angles left and starts somewhat tedious but generally stable ascent to Little Arethusa Summit Ridge, which is then followed to the highpoint.  On my ascent in early October '23 there was no summit cairn or register, despite well trodden trail testifying relative popularity.  Scramblers will enjoy views of Mt. Rae directly across, while "Big" Arethusa is to the east - difficult and dangerous with no special advantage except for bragging rights.

Descend the same way, then in upper cirque take highline trail to close the loop and return valley;  this descent is super scenic and views of towering Storm Mountain are one of day' highlights.

Gallery