Isola Peak

Isola Peak
Kananaskis, Alberta
May 23, 2009
Distance: 12.3 km (7.6 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 812 m (2664 ft)

When I attempted Isola Peak three years ago, I turned back when I encountered a blonde black bear. I wanted to return so when Sonny suggested climbing it, I quickly agreed. Kelly, Dinah and I piled into his car and drove down Hwy. 940. We turned onto a side road and parked by the Livingstone River.

After fording the river, we started up the road. This time there was no bear. The road, which parallels Isolation Creek, leads to an excavated gravel flat before dropping down and crossing two streams. About 400 m after the second stream – 3.4 km from the trailhead – we left the road and started up the wooded slope.

There was little deadfall and undergrowth, but a patchwork of deep snow and dry forest bed left us searching for the easiest course. Eventually we reached the southeast ridge and followed it to the treeline.

Past the treeline, we traipsed up the broad, featureless east slope to the summit. The clearcut slopes below detracted from the scenery close at hand, but we were treated to distant views of the snow-capped mountains in High Rock Range.

When we made our way back to the road, we came across a short, freshly cleared path. We also saw evidence of fresh trail work at the treeline. We wondered if this was a trail-in-the-making that would lead to the summit. If such a trail becomes established, Isola Peak may see more visitors.

KML Track
Sonny Bou's Trip Report

Crossing Livingstone River