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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Piggy Plus

GPS Track

Panoramic view north from Piggy Plus col;  length of approach valley center

Multiple Dates, last Sep 19, 2025

Delicate pocket valley ending with high col above French Creek.  Still very much off radar despite being being mentioned in printed guidebooks and  various personal online sites.  Second part of September is specially great time for visit due to abundance of golden larches.  Outing is fairly short (~5hrs RT) with option for further wondering around. 

Access is via popular Burstall Pass Trail on west side of Spray Road where solitude will be hard to find.  But after branching off (Waypoint '1 - Burstall Pass Trail', GPS Download Top of Page, ~40min of fast pace from parking) you are almost guaranteed to be on your own - at least on weekdays.  Both times I went this way I never met anyone!  There are no route-finding problems.  Well defined trail disappears in upper valley, but it is not needed anymore.   Cairns lead the way up gentle talus field to "Piggy Plus Col".   This windswept saddle high above French Creek drainage is fantastic viewpoint.  From the col die hard scramblers head up "Piggy Plus" summit on the west side;   while short it is difficult and even dangerous - I strongly advise against as there is nothing to gain except social media bragging rights.  Better option is to head up east side ridge.  You can go as far as you want, but the further you go the more difficult it gets, and it does not connect all the way to main Mt. Burstall summit.  I usually turn back at first rise where both French and Robertson Glaciers are visible (Robertson Glacier remains hidden at Piggy Plus col).

Return is the same way, but with outing so short if not in a time crunch I suggest exploring the valley a bit.  In particular west side flanked by lower Piggy Ridge.  After descending talus below Piggy Plus Col angle skier left across meadows and gorgeous sunken valley, then easily hike up to ridge above Robertson drainage.  Someone named it "Piggy Minus" and although not a summit of any sort,  name seems to stick.  Robertson Glacier looks fantastic below giant Sir Douglas - see Gallery.   On return simply cut across the meadow aiming towards the drainage and intercept main Valley trail;  you might have to downclimb bit of peeling rock band, but it presents no problems.  

Highly recommended outing for Autumn larch season.

Gallery

Mud Lake Crossing Mud Lake outlet near the Trailhead