Ruby Ridge | Scrambling in Waterton Lakes National Park

01 Ruby Ridge | 2011-01-01

Ruby Ridge

Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
Activity: Scrambling
Height: 2,430 m (7,973 ft)
Elevation Gain: 965 m (3,166 ft)
Distance: 8.9 km / Loop (5.5 mi)
Avg Steepness: 12.2°
Estimated Time: 4-6 hrs
Technicality: Intermediate
Fitness Level: Moderate

Download GPX: [Trail] Ruby Ridge.gpx
OpenStreetMap: See track recorded by GPS
Print: Display in printer-friendly format
Conditions:
- Weather

Just like last year, I started 2011 in Waterton Lakes N.P. Since everyone goes to Ruby Ridge, I decided to give it a try.

I parked at Lineham Creek Trail and follow the trail for about 700m where trees cleared out. At this point I couldn’t see peak but it was directly south of the highest point of Ruby Ridge, so I started ascending. No use of hands what so ever, it was all about cardio all the way. Nearing summit, I saw 3 small peaks and I wasn’t sure which one is the tallest, so I went from west to east to cover all (page 4). However once on the ridge it was obvious east peak was the tallest one.

Traversing to east section of ridge, you have to lose 170m and regain 120m. Going down to the col, it was more like easy scramble rather than hiking. But then from the col to east section, it’s another hill walk.

To the car, I went back to the col then descended wide gully. Farther down it became drainage for a creek (not sure in summer time). I followed beside this creek all the way down to the road. Below treeline, I had to bushwhack. Trees were quite close together but wasn’t bushy and bushwhacking wasn’t too bad and didn’t last long.

02 Ruby Ridge | 2011-01-01

Limeham and Blackiston.

03 Ruby Ridge | 2011-01-01

This is how it is all the way up.

04 Ruby Ridge | 2011-01-01

See!

05 Ruby Ridge | 2011-01-01

Nice view, little effort. Mouseover for peak pointer.

06 Ruby Ridge | 2011-01-01

Cameron Lake and US side.

07 Ruby Ridge | 2011-01-01

It was very windy day. Even though temp was only -12 at parking lot, up here it was probably near -30 with wind chill. I say so because my sweat was frozen inside my jacket and that only happens when it's that cold.