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

After the initial stretch through the trees, the summit finally comes into view! The ascent of Wasootch is very straightforward, and begins by following a drainage (that runs almost right to the highway) until a cairn prompts you to exit to climber's left. Then you simply follow a trail that soon gains elevation above the drainage, taking you up to the south ridge. As we gained elevation above the drainage, we started to feel the effects of the sun, and began to wonder if it was as much of a blessing as we had originally thought... Photo credit: Dad

As the ridge curves to the east, the scrambling begins, but a well travelled trail continues to lead through most of the obstacles. Photo credit: Kaitlyn

Looking back down the ridge. The initial ascent drainage is clearly visible (now far below) just before the Kananaskis Village turn-off.

Tea break on the mountain! The good thing about snow is that you never have to worry about running out of water! As long as you have the means of melting it that is... Photo credit: Kaitlyn

Although we had to ascend some slushy, snow slopes to reach it, once on the crest of the ridge leading to the summit, we found ourselves on completely bare rock!

Easily scrambling up the ridge.

This dry, solid rock was a joy to ascend after barely surviving that sketchy grass yesterday! Photo credit: Dad

Eventually we did have to deal with our share of snow, as there was no avoiding it for the final 100 vertical meters or so. Luckily, I finally decided to wear my new boots on this one (mainly because my old ones were still soaked through from yesterday...), and had no problem creating a "staircase" for Kaitlyn and my dad to follow :).

The only real hands-on scrambling occurs just before the summit, but even that is nothing to worry about.

Following the final short ridge to the summit! Photo credit: Dad

Summit selfie! Photo credit: Dad

Looking down to Barrier Lake, sandwiched between Mary Barclay's Mountain on the left, and three peaks of Mount Baldy on the right! Yates Mountain rises from the far end of the lake (center).

Tiara Peak rises center, above two parallel treed ridges: Wasootch Ridge and Porcupine Ridge. Boundary Peak is the farthest snowy highpoint to the left, and multiple of the peaks from Bryant Ridge rise to the right!

Old Baldy Peak is so impressive from this angle, jutting out over Kananaskis Peak! Fisher Peak is also visible in the distance, to the right of Old Baldy!

Mounts Inflexible, James Walker, and The Fortress stand tall (distant-center) between The Wedge (left) and the mighty Mount Kidd (right) which towers above Kananaskis Village!

Olympic Summit, Mount Allan, and Mount Collembola form a triangle above Nakiska Ski Resort. Behind them, tower a collection of big peaks, including (from left to right) Mount Bogart rising over Ribbon Peak, Mount Sparrowhawk reaching the clouds, and Wind Mountain along with the rest of the peaks from Mount Lougheed.

The Banff classics, Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain are visible far in the distance, down the valley to the northwest.

Skogan Peak juts out over Mount Lorette in the distance, beyond Wasootch's slightly lower north peak (all center).

Kaitlyn and I, on Wasootch Peak's summit! Photo credit: Dad

My dad and Kaitlyn, with the prairies stretching out beyond!

Starting back down. We may have been sweating in the sun on our ascent, but the summit was quite chilly, and the wind made sure we didn't linger too long. It's not summer just yet! Photo credit: Kaitlyn

Starting down to the "crux". Photo credit: Dad

A look back up at the simple "crux". On ascent I had taken a slightly more difficult route, following the snow slope for longer and then ascending to climber's right, but even that was moderate scrambling at most. This appeared to be the easiest spot, and is characterised by a notch in the ridge.

The sun beating down on the summit slope really did a number on the snow, and a good chunk of the snow we ascended had already disappeared as we made our descent! Also check out that mini waterfall starting to form (center)! Photo credit: Kaitlyn

After easily retracing our steps down the mountain, we were soon back at the drainage, enjoying the bubbling creek that didn't really exist in the morning...Lots of melt today! Pro tip: Don't hang around here too long...it's tick city! Wasootch Peak rises center. Photo credit: Dad