Horton Hill | Timbit Hill

Horton Hill
Kananaskis, Alberta
February 26, 2022
Distance: 3.3 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 357 m

Dinah and I climbed Horton Hill several years ago but took the opportunity to return when Sonny and Zosia invited us to join them on their first ascent.

We parked at Lusk Creek day use area and started up the slope at the end of the parking lot. There was no trail at first, and we kept right to avoid crossing drainages. In a short time, we found ourselves on the distinct south ridge. Here, snow covering notwithstanding, we found evidence of a trail, but we wouldn't hit the real trail, the one from Tim Horton Children's Ranch, until we neared the summit.

The treed summit is uninspiring, but a nearby narrow viewpoint bearing a cairn helps to supplement a sense of achievement. After snacking on Tim Horton treats, we headed back to the parking lot. But we weren't done for the day. Since Horton is a brief hike, Sonny and Zosia wanted to drive down Highway 68 to hike an unnamed hillock: Timbit Hill.

KML and GPX Tracks
Sonny's Trip Report

Starting up the slope from the parking lot

We soon reached the ridge

Views include Midnight Peak (centre) and Mount Baldy (right)

The ridge levels off for a time

Barrier Lake appeared frozen (mouse over)

There's a stretch of deadfall below the summit

An arrow points to the summit

There's even a summit register

On Horton Hill, displaying Tim Horton's brand

82 O/3 Canmore

Timbit Hill
Kananaskis, Alberta
February 26, 2022
Distance: 2.8 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 186 m

Despite its diminutive stature, Timbit Hill, as Zosia dubbed it, offers far-ranging views thanks to clearcuts. A skid trail reaching logging areas serves access to the hill. Sonny, Zosia, Dinah and I parked a kilometre east of Pinegrove Provincial Recreation Area on Highway 68 and started up the trail.

After a kilometre, the trail turns east and ends at a glade. From there, Timbit Hill appeared ahead, a rounded bump dusted with snow, not unlike a sugar-coated Timbit donut. Despite the low perch, views from the half-bare summit were satisfying and far-ranging. After looking around, we continued south along the ridge. For a brief stretch, we enjoyed a pristine landscape before returning to terrain marred by slash, i.e., debris from logging. We then returned to the skid trail and to our cars. Timbit is too short as a stand-alone hike but proved to be an enjoyable adjunct after hiking up Horton Hill.

KML and GPX Tracks

Starting from the roadside