Big Bend Peak Route Map (see link in desciption - or click here - for interactive version).

From the pull off, just past the "big bend" in the highway, we crossed the bridge over a very intriguing canyon of its own (pictures on return)! From there, we followed the North Saskatchewan River until it disappeared into the trees, having to then backtrack slightly, looking for a trail heading up to the left. Following this trail, we soon reached the highpoint where Nugara suggests you start bushwhacking up to the left...but that didn't look very fun! Sooo...we ignored that suggestion, and continued down the trail, losing some elevation, to look for an alternative. A couple minutes later, we emerged at an avalanche path that, although steep, had less bush to navigate...As it turned out, this slope ended up being pretty brutal itself, but we did make it to the ridge without having to bushwhack, soooo...Pick your poison!

We may have cheated our way past the first section of bush...but once on the ridge, there's no way around it :(

Finally out of the trees! Although it seems like we got from the avalanche path to this open slope in no time, that is not at all reality! After reaching the ridge, we were still stuck with our share of unavoidable bushwhacking for about 1km before reaching this point...For some strange reason, thick bush doesn't really prompt one to take pictures however, so unfortunately this is my first picture since reaching the ridge!

Papa's got the moon!

Crossing one of multiple lingering snow patches. If we had proper tools (ie. ice axe/crampons) the snow could offer a pleasant, stable ascent when terrain steepened significantly on the slope ahead. Unfortunately for us, we did not have these proper tools, and would therefore have to avoid the steep snow, and instead endure extreme suffering, on some of the worst treadmill scree we've encountered to date! Not to mention the burning sun beating down on this big slope of rocks, which radiated the heat like a MEGA oven!! As we discovered on return (too late!), the rock on the far right ridge is much more solid...Look for a weakness in the cliff band, and aim right ASAP! Pro Tip: Don't even think about touching the slopes to climber's left of the cliffs...you'll thank me later ;)!

Incredible view of an innocent hiker, walking peacefully along stable terrain below the mighty Mount Saskatchewan...What this hiker doesn't know is that in just a few minutes he will be stuck in the middle of the treacherous terrain I just described, wondering why he ever left this safe, peaceful place.

Finally at the false summit!!! The grind up to it took waaaay too long, and was extremely mentally and physically draining! At least the worst parts were behind us, and from this point on, the ascent was a walk in the park!...Well, it would be under normal circumstances...but we still had the 30+ degree heat to fight through!

From the false summit, it's a simple ridgewalk to the summit, with absolutely breathtaking views of the valley below Mount Saskatchewan along the way! The real treat though, was the remaining snow cornice on the edge of the ridge! We took frequent breaks to sandwich handfuls of snow between our heads and our caps, just to have it evaporate within minutes!

Approaching the summit, with the false summit now in the background!

Woah! Incredible view towards the Columbia Icefield from the summit of Big Bend Peak! Unofficially named Mount Saskatchewan Junior I and II sit in the foreground, with Mount Bryce rising just left (distant) and Mount Columbia (3747m, second highest peak in the Canadian Rockies), rising from the icefield far-right! PS. My dad really wants to ski down this perfect-looking slope!

A unique view of the backsides of Mounts Androlumbia, Andromeda and Athabasca!

Tangle Ridge sits far-left, with Nigel Peak rising center-left! The big-wedge, Sunwapta Peak, is barely visible, peeking out between the two!

Mount Stewart, distant center-right, is surprisingly the only named peak out of this bunch! The "big bend" in the highway (for which this peak is named...Just in case you hadn't figured it out yet ;)) is clearly visible below!

Cirrus Mountain rises center-left, with Mount Coleman (pyramidal shape, with a glacier) far-right!

Unmatched, uninterrupted view of Mount Saskatchewan!

Me, on the summit of Big Bend Peak, on a blazing hot day (my dad's thermometer read 40 degrees celcius in the sun up here!!)! The North Towers of Mount Saskatchewan are pretty impressive themselves, just to the right of Mount Saskatchewan! Photo credit: Dad

My dad with his dream ski run!

Summit register!

Not the most enjoyable climb, but boy, the panoramic view up here is unreal!

Can't stay too long...need to refuel on snow!

Came across this cool little pinnacle on the way down. Photo credit: Dad

Super short step of completely optional scrambling!...Looking for any chance to get our hands on some solid rock on this loose pile of scree!

On descent from the false summit, we stuck to the skier's far left (near the ridge), where the footing was much more solid! This then led us to the short cliff band, but we easily found a weakness through it.

Going down this mountain was much easier than going up!

Wait a second...this mountain can actually offer something fun?! We used the patches of snow for a glissade, and were down from the false summit in no time!

Our approximate ascent (red) and descent (yellow) routes...I would highly recommend staying close to the yellow route if you value your sanity!

I took a picture of these extremely interesting trees this time! lol.

Looking down the valley to where the North Saskatchewan River is born! Crazy when you think about it actually...that massive river flowing through Edmonton originates here! We spent most of our descent near the edge of the ridge. This gave us some views (other than tree, tree, tree, ooh fallen tree!, tree,...), as well as an idea of where we were and when we had to head down.

The steep avalanche slope that we both ascended and descended. We gained the ridge just to the left of the cliff band above.

Looking back up to the false summit of Big Bend Peak, almost back to the canyon (don't worry, the pictures I promised are up next!).

Given that it's right off the highway, and just seconds walk from where you park, it's surprising (and refreshing) that this canyon isn't fenced off and made into a tourist attraction! Photo credit: Dad

This canyon really is quite a sight!

We're just a little bit worked! Two straight days climbing mountains in over 30 degree weather has a way of doing that to you...and leaves you looking like this! I'm so fried that my soul is trying to escape my body through my hand!...Now that's a weird effect! Photo credit: Dad