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Mount Hoffmann
Kananaskis, Alberta
November 20, 2021
Distance: 9.3 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 533 m
Ten years ago, Mount Hoffmann was an obscure mountain that hadn’t yet appeared on the Internet or in a guidebook. Climbing it involved routefinding and bushwhacking. Not surprisingly, Dinah and I saw no one when we did it. But times have changed; now there's a popular path up.
After gathering at the parking lot with six friends, we started up Sheep trail. A brief walk brought us to the bridge over the icy Sheep River. We continued up the broad trail and 1.5 km after the bridge, we turned onto an old logging road. Still in trees, we followed the road until we came to the steep side trail leading to the ridge. Soon after the trail levels off, we broke out of the dark forest onto a bright meadow, the sun scintillating on the snow. The trail meanders up the open slope to the summit with Highwood Range setting the backdrop.
Too cold and windy to linger on the top, we pushed past trees to find a sheltered glade on the east side where we stopped to share stories and have lunch. Afterwards, we followed the trail back. Because of the trail, this was a faster trip than I expected. So quick and easy, it was no wonder we passed several parties going up.
A few minutes after leaving the parking lot, we reached the bridge
Going up Sheep trail
Turning off onto the logging road
Hiking up the road
After leaving the road, we started up the steep trail
The trail becomes a walk in the woods after it reaches the ridge
We were hit by bright sunlight when we reached the edge of the meadow
Two weeks ago we climbed Bluerock Knob seen in the centre (mouse over)
We followed the trail up the slope
Looking back from near the summit
Going up the cliff band below the summit
Gathering on top of Mount Hoffmann
Stopping on the bridge on the way back: Teresa, Glenda, Zora, Wendy, Steve, Christine and Dinah
82 J/10 Mount Rae