Windtower

Windtower
Kananaskis, Alberta
July 1, 2014
Distance: 10.0 km (6.2 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 989 m (3245 ft)

I took advantage of the gorgeous weather on Canada Day for a quick trip up Windtower. I had forgotten much since I last hiked it in 2001. The trail to West Wind Pass was braided in several spots, but the main trail seemed evident enough. At the pass, I noted four trails leading to Windtower; presumably they all converge. Indeed, coming down it would be easy to inadvertently take a different route back to the pass, if it matters.

After the pass, the route swings right to avoid climbing major cliff bands, although it goes up several short bands. After the last cliff band, the trail meanders up a scree slope all the way to the top of Windtower.

On the summit I caught up with a hiker who had passed me earlier. After exchanging names we quickly learned we had a connection. Kevin's partner, Allison, was a cyclist I knew decades ago when I rode with the Elbow Valley Cycling Club. Being in good company, I spent a little longer than I had intended. After a half-hour summit-stay, I hastened back down. I particularly enjoyed running down the scree trail that I slogged up minutes ago. On my way down, I passed several groups going up, smiling faces everywhere. The trail to West Wind Pass is popular, so start early if you want to avoid the crowds!

GPX and KML Tracks

Well into the trip I got a glimpse of Windtower (foreground)