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Opal Ridge South Traverse
South End Traverse from Grizzly Creek
Kananaskis, Alberta
May 1, 2004

Distance: 9.8 km
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 983 m

Originally we set off to explore the peaks east of Opal Ridge, but when we encountered bears tracks, we changed our plans.

We hiked up Grizzly Creek using animal trails. The creek follows a deep valley that leads to Rocky Creek Meadows. We started crossing the meadows, but when we encountered two sets of fresh bear tracks – a sow with her cub apparently – we decided not to push on. Indeed, the tracks headed toward Grizzly Creek where we had just came from.

Since we risked running into the bears if we returned the same way, we decided to make this a one-way trip. We climbed the east slopes of Opal Ridge, and after gaining the ridge we followed it to the summit. From the summit, we continued north to reach the direct route up Opal Ridge. Dropping down the other side we reached the trailhead at the gas station and caught a ride back to our car.

KML and GPX Tracks


Heading to Grizzly Creek


The narrow confines of Grizzly Creek


A chipmunk checks us out


We passed some unusual rocks


Very strange


A lone tree on a high point along the way


Interesting rock formation


Hiking up snow


On the creek itself but not for long


We're forced to traverse above the creek


Almost at the meadows. Grizzly Peak behind us.


Large and small bear tracks


Unnamed peaks behind us


Mount Evan-Thomas


Ascending the east slopes of Opal Ridge


Unnamed peaks behind us


On the ridge


A minor loss of elevation along the way


It's a long ridge


The summit is ahead


Looking down the valley


Looking back from the summit


Descending on the normal route


Going between the "gates"


Looking back at the gates


At the bottom of the cliffs


82 J/14 Spray Lakes Reservoir

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