bobspirko.ca | Home | Canada Trips | US Trips | Hiking | Snowshoeing | MAP | About
Vents Ridge (via White Buddha Alt)
Kananaskis, Alberta
May 27, 2025
Distance: 4.6 km (2.9 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 395 m (1296 ft)
The last time I was up Vents Ridge, I noticed another trail. I mentioned it to Gill Daffern, and she said she would like a GPX track. So I went to explore it.
I pulled into the parking lot on the highway, although you could also start from Powderface Creek parking lot. I started up Pack trail, a trail that traverses the slope to reach the bottom of Corri Robb trail, the usual way to reach Vents Ridge.
After hiking 600 m on Pack trail, I reached a fork. I turned onto what GAIA GPS calls White Buddha Alt. It’s a steep climb with loose rock in some places, so I wouldn’t recommend going down it.
When the trail reaches the ridge crest, it turns left. However, I was intrigued about the narrow path on the right. Having ascended the east ridge in winter, I hadn’t seen this trail. I followed it down to the saddle where it disappears. Good to know for anyone wanted to traverse the east ridge.
I went back up the ridge and followed White Buddha Alt to the summit. I returned using Corri Robb and Pack trail.
Pack trail after hiking a few minutes
Trail forks, White Buddha Alt trail on the right climbs steeply, left, Pack trail runs to Corri Robb.
The trail soon becomes steep
Steep, slippery section, but there are short, braided trails on the right that are easier
Looking down at braided trails
Nice view near the ridgetop before the trail goes into trees
Main trail turns left on the ridgetop. Trail on right goes down to saddle
Looking up the trail before it reaches the saddle
Trail disappears on the saddle
I followed the ridge trail to the summit although the trail disappears briefly in the rocks
The bottom of Corri Robb. Below is Powderface Creek Trail. Left is Pack trail.
Pack trail
Red: my route, all on trails; purple: offtrail route; pink: Powderface Creek Trail
Access 1 & 2 can be reached from highway parking lot. Access 3 is Powderface Creek Trail parking.