Wasootch Ridge Trail - Hike

Date: May 31, 2025
Start Time: 8:00am
Finish Time: 3:00pm
Distance: 10-14km
Elevation gain: 850m
Cumulative elevation gain: 1100m+ (lots of ups and downs along the ridge)
Difficulty: Hard
(Except for date and start time, everything else is approximate)

The G# Summit will close this area in June so lets hit this trail prior tonthe road closure.

The trail starts with a steep and steady climb through the trees and after about 1.5km it reaches the ridgeline and the first out of 7 "peaks". The hike along the ridge offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains however it can pose a challenge for some as it "becomes a rollercoaster of ups and downs, which is great fun for avid hikers and a stark realization of what Canadian Rocky Mountain hiking can be" (alltrails description). We will take it slow on the steep sections, taking plenty of breaks to catch our breath and enjoy the scenery.

The last km of the hike, just before the seventh peak/summit, requires some scrambling and most people turn back before getting there. As with all our hikes, members who have a fear of heights or are not comfortable with scrambling, can take a break at peak 5 or 6, have lunch there and enjoy the views while those who would like to complete the challenge can continue on to peak seven. Recent reviews indicate there is still a lot of snow on the ridge, and getting past peak 5 may be a challenge (currently), however I am hoping for conditions to improve in the next two weeks and that we can safely reach the summit. I will post an update closer to the event date.

What to bring

• Hiking shoes or boots with good treads.
• Microspikes - just in case.
• Hiking poles.
• Please dress in layers.
• Plenty of water.
• Nutritious snack/lunch.
• Bear spray.
• Also, start bringing sunscreen! And bug repellent too.
• Hat (a good portion of the hike is on the ridge).

Meeting Spot

Petro Canada - Top of the Gravel Road at 7:15AM (If carpooling)
(Please use this link for navigation - meeting spot is at the top of the gravel road, north of the gas station)

Wasootch Ridge Trail at 8:00AM

If anyone needs a ride from the city please make arrangements through direct messaging or in the chat. Consider a contribution to your driver for the pass and gas.

Weather

Wasootch Ridge Weather
Avalanche Canada

References

Wasootch Ridge Trail - Alltrails
Wasootch Ridge Trail - Bob Spirko
Wildfires - Smoke Conditions
IQAir
Windy
Road Conditions - Alberta
Kananaskis Pass
How to dress in layers
Advisories and Public Safety - Alberta Parks
Be Bear Smart
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
Avalanche Canada

Event Waiver

By signing up for this event you acknowledge and accept the following:

"I acknowledge that this activity in which I am participating, organized by Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and/or its members, involves risks which are beyond the control of the group. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and its organizers from all claims for damage however so arising as a result of my participation in this and any other activity organized by the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of this activity, its length, duration and degrees of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation. I agree to pay the cost of emergency evacuation of my person and/or my belongings that may be necessary. I agree to follow the directions of the organizer(s) and any assistants at all times."