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Exshaw Ridge
Kananaskis, Alberta
March 27, 2004
Distance: 17.6 km (10.9 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1205 m (1532 ft)
Exshaw Ridge is an attractive ridgewalk during the shoulder season when peaks are under snow. This was our second time up Exshaw Ridge. The first time Dinah and I didn't get far because of strong winds. It was windy this time too, but at least it didn't knock us over.
After hiking up Exshaw Creek 3.5 km, we headed up the ridge. It was steep, but animal trails assisted our ascent. The grade eased once we reached the ridge crest. We followed the ridge, taking in its many ups and downs.
As we continued along the ridge, we passed peaks we had climbed: Doorjamb and Loder Peak to the east, and Gap Peak and Mount Fable lying west. Mount Fable is especially prominent: the summit reminds me of a shark fin. Finally we reached the end of the ridge and the highest point. The next point north doesn't appear to be part of Exshaw Ridge but more closely connected to Morrowmount. Satisfied with having reached the summit, we returned the same way.
Not only did we enjoy this trip, but it inspired me to climb other peaks in the area. On this hike, Morrowmount caught my eye, and two weeks later, we returned to ascend it. Years later, after studying photos from this hike, we returned to scramble up Little Mythic Peak from Exshaw Creek.
Exshaw Ridge: the arrow indicates our turnaround point
Hiking up Exshaw Creek
Gaining the ridge
A few ups and downs lay ahead
The first section of ridge was easy and mostly featureless
Dinah stops by some slabs to add a layer
Looking back along the ridge
Dinah negotiates a short cliff band
Mount Fable dominates the background
Morrowmount far left
Little Mythic Tower and the Mythic Towers rise above Exshaw Creek
A close look at Morrowmount showing the ascent ridge on the left
Looking ahead along the ridge
Cornices lined the crest in some spots (Dinah is behind a tree)
The ridge became more rugged
At times we hiked below the ridge crest
Looking back along the ridge
Lots of scree here
Some nice scenery along the latter part of the ridge
Standing on the summit
We hiked past the summit a short way
The high point ahead isn't part of Exshaw Ridge
Heading back along the ridge
We came across an antler on the way back
82 O/3 Canmore