Sunrise Hill

Sunrise Hill (South Approach)
Kananaskis, Alberta
June 27, 2021
Distance: 6.8 km (4.2 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 570 m (1870 ft)

Sunrise Hill is a quick trip when time is short, quick enough that Dinah and I finished before noon, before the temperature reached the mid-30s projected that day. We used the south route that takes advantage of Powderface Ridge trail. The east approach is even shorter.

We parked at the trailhead and started up the broad path. It climbs through the forest, briefly passes meadows before reaching the first col. Now in trees, the path drops a bit and then winds up the open slope below Rainy Summit to the second col. The trail forks here: left for Powderface and right for Sunrise.

We had passed people traipsing up and down Powderface trail, so it was no surprise that a few hikers ventured to the top of Sunrise. We didn't linger but soon headed back down.

When we reached the first col, Dinah continued down the trail while I stepped into the trees on my left. A couple of minutes later, I was looking up at the grassy expanse of the south outlier. The short trip to the top was long on views. I recognized peaks to the west and gazed down at Forgetmenot Pond.

There was no need to return to the first col. I followed the open slope until I could see Powderface trail below me. I was soon back on the path. While I raced down to catch up to Dinah, I passed two park rangers coming up. They didn't stop me, but they had, I learned later, talked to Dinah, seeing if she had any questions about the trail or the wildlife. And they commended her for carrying bear spray.

A deer heads to Powderface trail