Gypsum Ridge Route Map (see link in desciption - or click here - for interactive version).

Starting along an already packed trail, leading down to Smith-Dorrien Creek, before ascending Gypsum Ridge (treed ridge filling background) on the other side.

Beautiful snow formations line the creek, and offer a snow bridge to cross.

The hard work had already been done for us, and we easily continued along the packed trail up towards Gypsum Ridge.

Looking back to the northeast, towards the impressive Opal Range. Visible here (from left to right) are Mounts Packenham, Hood, Brock, and Blane.

Not much for visibility down the valley to the northwest.

The beaten trail soon led us up to the first switchback of the logging road. Here, we simply crossed the road, and continued up the trail on the opposite side...

This trail was far less packed than what we had gotten used to and was prone to collapsing without warning! Where'd the crowds go from here??

...Obviously not this way! Before we even lost sight of the logging road below, our "trail" came to an abrupt end! Like those before us, we didn't feel like completing the story of this trail, and descended back to the road in search of other options.

After following the road down a short ways to the east, we found another "trail" leading steeply above the road...

Here goes take two!

This might not be much for a trail either, but at least one person has been here before...So that's an improvement!

Take two proved to be a success, and we soon reached a second switchback in the logging road!

This time there were no "trails" at all, so we simply followed the road up to the east, eventually curving up to the south.

The logging road soon curves back to the west, and we rediscovered the obvious, packed trail leading up near the crest of the switchback! I guess the crowds just followed the logging road in between...? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Some interesting trees, as we make our way up to the ridge.

Although not apparent, due to its broad, treed nature, we soon reached the ridge, and followed it as it rose gently to the east.

The entire length of the ridge is treed, but luckily for those looking for views, you emerge to a clearing on the south side of the ridge, just steps before the summit.

Looking back along the very short section of "open" ridge from the official summit.

We carried on from the summit, to a marginally lower outcrop to the east, which offers a slightly better vantage point over Kananaskis Lakes.

Be mindful of some very large cornices along the ridge!

Looking back to the true summit (center-right) from the outcrop down the ridge.

Gypsum Ridge makes quite the viewpoint of Lower Kananaskis Lake! I imagine the views would be quite spectacular on a clear day...Oh well!

Summit selfie!

Lower Kananaskis Lake stretches out (with a length of about 8km!) to the south.

Here comes the sun do do do dooo...

Mount Indefatigable's East Peak, lit up briefly by the sun, was the only clear view we'd be granted. One's better than none ;)

The Turret rises above a sliver of Upper Kananaskis Lake with what would be two significant mountains, Mount Fox (left) and Mount Foch (right), in the whiteout behind.

A sunlit patch down Mount Invincible's southeast ridge.

The long ridge of Mount Wintour forms a sheer wall to the east.

Mount Indefatigable rises in the distance, beyond an interesting gap in the ridge.

Mount Evan-Thomas dominates the Opal Range above the much smaller Grizzly Peak and Packenham Jr.!

Me, on Gypsum Ridge, with Mount Indefatigable rising behind! Photo credit: Dad

My dad stands on the outcrop, overlooking the long Lower Kananaskis Lake.

Lower Kananaskis Lake is even visible when looking off the north side of Gypsum Ridge! Beyond is a barely visible, grey Opal Range. Little Lawson (another snowshoe objective in the area), sits far-left.

Kent South Peak is visible directly across the road to the north...You just gotta look for a gap in the trees to find it!

One last look before heading down.

Following our tracks back up to the true summit.

As if on cue, as soon as we left the summit, the brief break we were lucky enough to experience sealed up, and we were back in a whiteout once again! With no views to admire, my dad and I kept ourselves entertained by racing down the mountain. Who will win, my dad shortcutting on snowshoes, or me sprinting down the trail in hiking boots!?

This is what happens when you try to run off the trail without snowshoes...LOL! Photo credit: Dad

Racing down made the time fly by (PS. I won ;)), and we found ourselves back at the lower logging road switchback in no time!

Looking back as we leave the logging road, onto the well-travelled trail, leading down to the creek. Note our first attempted route in red, followed by our "take two", successful route in yellow.

The lower we got, the more and more sticky the snow became! Perfect for snowman building... Photo credit: Dad

...But not so great for hiking!! After a bit of frustration, wabbling along on rounded high heels, we soon crossed back over the creek and made our way back up to the highway. It's really starting to feel like Spring! We were already back at our car around noon, and although I'm not usually a fan of super short days (wanting to fill them with two peaks if time remains), this was an exception...Because we were heading into Canmore to finally get my dad some new skis! (and bindings...and skins...) It's felt like forever since the incident and I can't wait to ski again!!