Date: August 2, 2022
Location/Route Map: Kananaskis Valley
Elevation: 2423 m
Elevation Gain: 750 m
Distance: 3.3 km (one way to summit)
Rating: Class 2 - Easy
Notes: Almost entirely an on-trail hike with a very minor "scramble-ish" step to reach the true, north summit.
GPS Track: Download
For the second day of my three-day birthday trip, I chose a scramble I've been wanting to do for quite some time now, and was just waiting for the perfect day to do it! That scramble was the mighty King Creek Ridge! Haha, I'm just kidding 😂. Mount Hood was the mountain I had my eyes on - one of few peaks from the impressively jagged Opal Range that actually sports a scramble route to its summit! But you know what's better than reaching one summit?...Reaching two!...and with King Creek Ridge (KCR) being right "on the way", it made for the perfect addition for a two peak day!
Mount Hood via King Creek Ridge Route Map (see link in desciption - or click here - for interactive version).
The trailhead for KCR is almost directly across Highway 40 from the Kananaskis Lakes turn-off. There's a significant parking lot just down the road, but since my mom was dropping us off, we pulled over right at the trail. KCR rises above, to the right.
After immediately crossing over King Creek, the trail leaves the highway and quickly gains elevation up to KCR's southern end. There were lots of crisscrossing and interweaving trails, all of which should eventually lead to the same place.
Steep trail = early views! Looking across to Mounts Lawson and Inflexible, shortly after starting out.
Mount Warspite soon comes into view as well.
Kaitlyn continues up the trail, weaving through the pretty wildflower-covered slopes.
Beautiful morning views across to Kananaskis Lakes!
It wasn't long before we reached the ridge, where the slope eased off significantly as we started the traverse to the summit. While we'd already gained most of the elevation, the summit was still about 1.7km away.
The view back to Mount Wintour was absolutely incredible throughout the traverse!
Mount Brock rises across the beautifully green valley, tucked away to the east.
Mount Warspite's unique shape is hard to miss.
Continuing up the ridge. Photo credit: Dad
First view up to our main objective, Mount Hood, rising across the valley.
Another look back to Wintour, because it's so impressive (also the light changed slightly 😉), so why not!
The highest point of the Opal Range, Mount Evan-Thomas, rises ahead.
Mount Packenham is a daunting peak!
The sun illuminates the uniquely grassy slopes below!
Taking the final steps to reach the false summit.
Lawson, Inflexible, James Walker, and The Fortress rise on the opposite side of Highway 40.
Fox, Foch, Sarrail, Joffre, Mangin, Indefatigable, Lyautey, and finally Invincible, impress beyond Kananaskis Lakes!
A closer look at the 11,000er, Mount Joffre.
Talk about an impressive mountain range! Mounts Burney (left), Elpoca (center) and Wintour (right)!
Given the simplicity of KCR, it's got to be one of the most "bang for your buck" hikes in Kananaskis! (No doubt why it's so popular!) Hood, Brock, Blane, Barney, Elpoca and Wintour, from left to right!
Grizzly Peak rises beyond the innocent looking Packenham Junior...Our ascent of that little peak was much more exciting than it should have been 😂.
Kaitlyn and my dad take a break on the false summit, studying the route up our next objective.
Evan-Thomas, Packenham, and Hood tower over KCR's true summit, in the shadows below.
Continuing the extra few meters to reach the true summit.
Summit selfie!
Our entry in the summit register.
Three tiny "ants" take in the big views that K-Country has to offer.
Mount Lawson's long south ridge stretches out along the highway.
These close-up Opal Range views are absolutely stunning!
I feel like I'm in the Alps!
Time to get back on the road and climb that beauty!
But first we've got to find a way down to the saddle...
Disclaimer