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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Wasootch Ridge

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Usual Hiker turnaround point on Wasootch Ridge;  Continuing to Highpoint (distance, just right of center) is much more serious undertaking

Wasootch ridge is one of best ridgewalks east of Hwy 40 corridor.  Ridge is quite long;  entire length is apparent as one drives south past Baldy Pass trailhead.  After initial steep rise to fist bump, hiking is mostly above treeline granting fantastic views of Front Ranges.  Trip is feasible year-round, but expect some deep postholing in shaded areas.  Area is quite popular, but crowds thin off the further you go. Most people turn back at "Hiker Summit" reached in ~2.5 - 3 hrs.  Highpoint visible in distance is considerably more involved and requires some hands-on moves with occasional routefinding and is recommended only for scramblers. 

Be wary that ridge is entirely dry and -- except for snowmelt winter/spring -- there is no source of water.  On my trip to true summit on summer solstice '21 2L were not enough and I was quite dehydrated by the time I was back to parking lot.  Bring at least 3L on a hot summer day.

1.  Hiker Summit
2.  Highpoint Scramble

Hiker Summit

Different Dates, last June 21 '21

Turn off Hwy40 into signed Wasootch recreation site some 15km from Trans-Canada.  Trail starts behind picnic area left of Wasootch Creek washout flat. Initial part is eroded and quite steep;  hiking poles are of great help.  In spring this section can get quite icy and without micro-spikes might even be dangerous.  Trial then flattens a bit, crosses intervening section of semi-open forest, then climbs, a little less steeply to first bump: Start of Wasootch Ridge proper.  This is excellent spot for first break as views literally explode around you!  Continuing on mostly open ridge crest is pure joy. Trail rises over several ups-and-downs finally reaching "Hiker Summit" that is entirely open.  This is usual turnaround point.  Return the same way;  it is possible to trash down south slopes to Wasootch Creek below and then hike out via the canyon back to parking, but this is quite tedious and can not be recommended;  enjoy the ridgewalk instead, with views of Mt. Lorette, Mary Barclay and Porcupine Ridge to the north. 

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Highpoint Scramble

June 21, 2021

Continuing past Hiker Summit is best done in dry conditions;  wait till snow has completely melted.  Drop initially a bit to wide saddle, then bypass first section on left (north) side;  there is one brief class 3 downclimb here.  Next section can be hiked directly on ridge crest with only minimal scrambling, but there is also trail in the forest on right side.  Within 30 minutes is bivi coral, where lots of people stop as continuing is more involved.  Ridge crest becomes knife edge, and bypass trail drops down talus on right side.  Continue along trail that hugs the base of impressive near vertical cliffs, then scramble back up to the ridge; cairns help along the way. Final bit is loose and climbs through lots of broken rock to highpoint, reached in ~1.5 hrs from Hiker Summit.  Views are simply fantastic and you are likely to have it all to yourself.  Return the same way and it will be considerably faster.

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