ADVERTISEMENT
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Involve Africa
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
No Result
View All Result
Involve Africa
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home Travel

Porcupine Ridge Hike in Kananaskis

Involve Africa by Involve Africa
May 28, 2022
in Travel
0
Porcupine Ridge Hike in Kananaskis
585
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
https://web.facebook.com/involveafricanews?_rdc=1&https://twitter.com/involveafricanews

You might also like

How to Get From Tirana to Podgorica – Includes Tirana To Podgorica Bus Information

Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience

5 Top Benefits of Dubai Travel Insurance


My inspiration for doing the Porcupine Ridge hike came from a post I saw on Instagram in early May – a time when most Alberta hikers are chomping at the bit to get into the mountains. The photo showed a little snow up high, but most had melted because of the south facing exposure. Fast forward three weeks, and John and I did the hike. It’s a challenging one – but a rewarding one with truly exceptional views after you break through the trees, about an hour into the hike.

The trail is better than I expected and darned obvious for most of its length. It runs parallel to the Wasootch Ridge Trail – which is very popular as a spring hike. From Porcupine Ridge, you can also see Boundary Ridge, the west ridge of Midnight Peak (accessed from the Baldy Pass trail) and Tiara Peak. If you’re hiking early in the season, be sure to take warm clothes as its windy on the ridge. Icers would be a good idea if there was snow around. The same goes for gaiters. This is a fabulous hike that will help get you in shape for the hiking season.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Porcupine Ridge hike details

Distance: Approximately 9.2 km return to the high point

Elevation gain: 713 metres or 2340 feet

Time needed: 4.5 – 6 hours

Map needed: Gem Trek Canmore & Kananaskis Village

Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash; water available in Porcupine Creek at start and end of hike

Family friendly: No – best for older kids who have done some scrambling

Don’t forget: Purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass before you go. Always take the 10 hiking essentials.

Panoramic view from Porcupine Ridge
Panoramic view of part of Porcupine Ridge

Porcupine Ridge hike description

I had read several Porcupine Ridge hike descriptions, but I was always left confused. I hope I’m clear in my directions.

The description assumes a start at the unofficial parking lot (see directions at the bottom of the post) beside Highway 40 where it meets Porcupine Creek. Hike southeast up Porcupine Creek on a well-defined trail for 1.2 km to reach a bridge. The connector trail from the Wasootch Day Use Area ends at the bridge. From here you are going to go back and forth across Porcupine Creek – perhaps four of five times, depending on water levels, until you come to a fork and two branches of Porcupine Creek. There is no right or wrong place to cross the creek. Sometimes there are logs bunched together, and at other times you’ll have to rock hop, but its all very straightforward. You might also pass some people climbing on the cliffs.

You might want to have a dry pair of hiking socks in case you get a soaker. If water levels are high, consider taking water shoes or even a lightweight pair of crocs for the crossings. Hiking poles really help for balance.

At the location where the two creeks meet (as shown on the Gem Trek map), you will notice a faint trail straight ahead, that climbs steeply up in a general southeast direction. That’s the one you want – and that is where the hard work and climbing starts. About an hour from the trailhead, you’ll emerge from the trees. At that point the grade eases slightly and the views explode. Be sure to look back to see the mountain peaks including “Mary Barclay’s Mountain” and Mount Lorette.

Work you way up to the next high point on the ridge. The trail is good up to here. There is a short side trail where you can enjoy a great view and have a look at a memorial bearing a cross and golf club. 

The next section will have some people turning around BUT don’t. There is one scramble up a slab but it’s short. You may need someone to give you a boost to get up. Once on top of this, look for another well-defined path along the ridge. It looks scarier in photos than it really is. From the end of it – which only takes about 5 minutes to walk, you’ll see the way forward to the real summit ridge. However, if you have a huge fear of exposure, you will not like this section.

After descending off this short section of ridge, head left around the big nob of rock in front of you. Continue up through the woods, to reach a flatter area. At this point there are two ways to the top. Most people head up the rocky boulders and stop short of a slab with some exposure you must climb. Others go round the rock at the bottom – and I am told the route to the real summit is easier this way BUT the descent isn’t fun. In that case, you’ll need to do a loop and come down the slab (see photo with hiker downclimbing). 

I went up the boulder route and stopped short of the climb up the slab to the very top. That seemed to be what most people were doing – so do what feels comfortable to you.

From there, retrace your steps, enjoying the superlative views on the way down. Below are photos that will give you a good idea of what the Porcupine Ridge hike is really like.

The hike starts by following Porcupine Creek
The hike starts by following Porcupine Creek
When the trail dies out on one side you'll have to rock hop across Porcupine Creek to pick up a trail on the other side
When the trail dies out on one side you’ll have to rock hop across Porcupine Creek to pick up a trail on the other side (the water is low the third week in May so crossing is easy)
Sometimes you'll find logs to cross on
Sometimes you’ll find logs to cross on
If it's a nice day you might pass some climbers beside Porcupine Creek
If it’s a nice day you might pass some climbers beside Porcupine Creek
This is the junction of the two creeks and where you start to climb
This is the junction of the two creeks and where you start to climb (up the rock on the left in the woods)
The views when you emerge from the trees
The views when you emerge from the trees
The Porcupine Ridge hike
The next stop is the top of the ridge on the right via a well defined trail
Me downclimbing a slab
After the memorial at the top of the first ridge (previous photo) you must climb up …and eventually down this short slab section
A section of trail that is solid but has some exposure
A section of trail along the ridge that is solid but has some exposure
Descend and follow the trail up through the snow - the only time you would need to consider icers but more on the descent
Descend to the col and follow the trail up through the snow – the only time you would need to consider icers but more on the descent (and this snow won’t be around for long)
Looking back to the descent of this section of the ridge
Looking back to the descent of this section of the ridge
Ultimately you are heading for the knob to the left of the high point
Ultimately you are heading for the knob to the left of the high point
Our dog loved cooling off in the snow on teh Porcupine Ridge hike
Our dog loved cooling off in the snow
A fellow downclimbing from the high point
A fellow downclimbing from the high point
John at a high point - though you can drop down from here
John at a high point – though you can drop down from there – and can reach it by going around this hunk of rock
Lunch spot and turnaround point for most people on the Porcupine Ridge hike
Lunch spot and turnaround point for most people on the Porcupine Ridge hike
Getting out of the wind for lunch
Getting out of the wind for lunch
A few people will climb up here but I was happy to just enjoy the view
A few people will climb up the knob on the right but I was happy to just enjoy the view
Descending Porcupine Ridge
Descending Porcupine Ridge and heading for the snowy section in the trees
Watch your footing on the steep descent
Watch your footing on the steep descent
You can look down and see the climbers beside Porcupine Creek
You can look down and see the climbers beside Porcupine Creek
This is the bridge over Porcupine Creek you reach from both the Wasootch Day Use Area and the Porcupine Creek parking area
This is the bridge over Porcupine Creek you reach from both the Wasootch Day Use Area and the Porcupine Creek parking area

Finding parking for the hike

There are a couple of options when it comes to parking. The easiest thing to do is to drive south on Highway 40 for 16.5 kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway to reach Porcupine Creek. There is a large parking area BUT it is off the highway in a semi-developed area. There is a dirt road, and you can park along it. It can feel steep dropping down to reach the parking area so some people pull over and park on the west side of the highway. It can also be dangerous to make the left hand turn – so the other option is to drive to the Wasootch Day Use Area, turn around and then drive north to Porcupine Creek.

The other option is to park at Wasootch Creek Day Use Area and hike the connector trail to Porcupine Creek. The downside is that it will add to your overall mileage.

You need to drive over the highway lip and drop down to park at Porcupine Creek
You need to drive over the highway lip and drop down to park at Porcupine Creek
This gives you an idea of how many people are visiting the Porcupine Creek area
This gives you an idea of how many people are visiting the Porcupine Creek area

Location map for the Porcupine Ridge hike

                                             

More reading on Kananaskis hikes

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.

The difficult Porcupine Ridge hike in Alberta's Kananaskis Country

 



Source_link

Previous Post

Pope, Anglican, Scottish church leaders to pray in Africa

Next Post

The Ultimate Guide on Raising Backyard Chickens

Involve Africa

Involve Africa

Related Posts

How to Get From Tirana to Podgorica – Includes Tirana To Podgorica Bus Information
Travel

How to Get From Tirana to Podgorica – Includes Tirana To Podgorica Bus Information

by Involve Africa
January 31, 2023
Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience
Travel

Cactus Restaurant Lagos – Fine Dining Experience

by Involve Africa
January 30, 2023
5 Top Benefits of Dubai Travel Insurance
Travel

5 Top Benefits of Dubai Travel Insurance

by Involve Africa
January 30, 2023
Australian Food: 24 Australian Dishes You Have to Try
Travel

Australian Food: 24 Australian Dishes You Have to Try

by Involve Africa
January 30, 2023
The 25 Best Places in the World to Visit in February
Travel

The 25 Best Places in the World to Visit in February

by Involve Africa
January 29, 2023
Next Post
The Ultimate Guide on Raising Backyard Chickens

The Ultimate Guide on Raising Backyard Chickens

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Kenya: Agriculture CS Says Coffee Farmers to Access Sh2.7 Billion Loan

Nigeria: Govt Signs MOU With 3 Universities, Kenyan Centre On Health Insurance

August 19, 2022
New Casa Cook officially opens its doors on the iconic island of Mykonos

New Casa Cook officially opens its doors on the iconic island of Mykonos

August 5, 2022

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Don't miss it

How to Get From Tirana to Podgorica – Includes Tirana To Podgorica Bus Information
Travel

How to Get From Tirana to Podgorica – Includes Tirana To Podgorica Bus Information

January 31, 2023
Prince Claws Award 2020 -Africa News @Arts Tv World
News Videos

Prince Claws Award 2020 -Africa News @Arts Tv World

January 30, 2023
Kenya: CBK Retains Base Lending Rate At 8.75% On Easing of Inflation
Business & Economy

Kenya: CBK Retains Base Lending Rate At 8.75% On Easing of Inflation

January 30, 2023
Ceremony of the signature of the CPF and celebration of the World Food Day
Food & Agriculture

Ceremony of the signature of the CPF and celebration of the World Food Day

January 30, 2023
here’s what made victims vulnerable
Arts

here’s what made victims vulnerable

January 30, 2023
Yakuza battle Chinese gangs for control of Japan’s criminal underworld
Politics

Yakuza battle Chinese gangs for control of Japan’s criminal underworld

January 30, 2023

Social Bar

Welcome to involve Africa The goal of involve Africa is to give you the absolute best news sources for any topic! Our topics are carefully curated and constantly updated as we know the web moves fast so we try to as well.

Categories

  • All African News
  • Arts
  • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment
  • Entertainment News
  • Finance
  • Food & Agriculture
  • News Videos
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Tourism
  • Travel

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Recent News

How to Get From Tirana to Podgorica – Includes Tirana To Podgorica Bus Information

How to Get From Tirana to Podgorica – Includes Tirana To Podgorica Bus Information

January 31, 2023
Prince Claws Award 2020 -Africa News @Arts Tv World

Prince Claws Award 2020 -Africa News @Arts Tv World

January 30, 2023

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All African News
  • Politics
  • Technology
  • Entertainment News
    • Travel
    • Tourism
    • Arts
  • Finance
    • Food & Agriculture
    • Business & Economy
  • Crypto News
  • Energy & Environment

INVOLVEAFRICA.COM

What Are Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT