Highwood Ridge | Scrambling in Kananaskis Country (South)

01 Highwood Ridge | 2010-06-20

Highwood Ridge

Location: Kananaskis Country (South)
Activity: Scrambling
Height: 2,724 m (8,937 ft)
Elevation Gain: 905 m (2,969 ft)
Distance: 9.6 km / Round Trip (6.0 mi)
Avg Steepness: 10.7°
Estimated Time: 4.5-7 hrs
Technicality: Intermediate
Fitness Level: Moderate

Download GPX: [Trail] Highwood Ridge.gpx
OpenStreetMap: See track recorded by GPS
Print: Display in printer-friendly format
Conditions:
- Weather
- Avalanche Bulletin
Note: Winter gate closure from Dec 1 to June 15

We had another plan but due to thunderstone forecast, we decided to do shorter trip in a different location. So we decided to take advantage of Highwood since the winter gate just opened.

We parked at Highwood Meadow Parking. From there we went straight up aiming the high point of Highwood Ridge. Then we headed towards the south end of the ridge. Route description cannot be any simpler. Around the north high point, there is some rocks to scramble, but other than that it is hike. On the way back, instead of going up all the way to the high point again, I decided to descent just before the last uphill starts. This descent route was like easier version of Mount Fox. There were series of small rocks to scramble down. I think it's moderate scrambling. I have to say for such a little effort, this ridge offers such a view. Excellent value pack!!

Other interesting option would be traverse to Grizzly col or even farther to Mount Tyrwhitt. This is my guess but if you park at Mount Lipsett Day Use parking, might be able to do Highwood Ridge to Grizzly Ridge loop which is a smaller ridge west of Highwood Ridge.