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Panorama from our turn-around point
Wasootch Ridge (attempt)
Kananaskis, Alberta
April 12, 2003
Up to a point, Wasootch Ridge is a hike, and according to the guidebook, most people turn back well before reaching the summit. We ended up being among those that turned back.
We followed the ridge until it became unsafe to traverse because of a snow-covered drop. However, had I taken the route description with me, we probably could have continued to the summit, only 500 m away. Somewhere before our turn-around point, it's possible to drop down and traverse to below the narrow ridge almost to the summit. From there the ascent is easy. We must come back to do the summit.
Soon after starting, the ridge drops and twists a bit
The ridge was easy to follow
Lichen brightens up an otherwise dull gray rock
Great scenery makes this an enjoyable ridgewalk
Looking back along an easy stretch
Trees began to thin as we climbed higher
Still lots of snow at higher elevations
These cliffs are among the highlights of the ridge
Looking back
We had to drop down from the crest here, but soon regained the ridge
When we got back on the crest, we found this pika waiting for us
This is as far as we got
I could see no way down
I checked the map, but what I needed was the route description!
Heading back
82 J/14 Spray Lakes Reservoir