End Mountain (S6)

We're starting to get into shoulder season, and this objective seems like a good one to welcome in the season of hikes when you start to care less about the views but want something challenging still (given the distance and dwindling daylight). I will be taking the route from Highway 1A near Old Fort Creek rather than the route via the Yamnuska shoulder or same start as East Wendell (see descriptive link). The route following the creek and horse trail should be straightforward until we reach the access gully. We are NOT doing the traverse to Association Peak - this is an in-and-out hike. I've already done Association Peak and we don't have an unlimited amount of daylight anyhow to do the traverse. Nevertheless, this will be a LONG DAY and a headlamp is essential in case we need it on the exit. I will be checking at our meetup spot if you have a headlamp, and if you don't have one, you won't be joining the hike. And yes, I have a permit for this hike to allow us to travel through Stoney Nakoda territory. Note: this is hunting season, which means there will be hunters out, so it's advisable to wear bright colours so hunters don't mistaken you for a sheep or deer and shoot you! (Photo credit: Vern Dewitt).

🌲 Distance: 23 km
🌲 Elevation gain: 1500m
🌲 Time: 11-12 hours
🌲 Max Group Size: 6 (No children, No Pets, No guests)
🌲 Difficulty: S6 route
🌲 Meeting Location: Valley Ridge street parking past the gas station
🌲 Descriptive link: https://www.spectacularmountains.com/canada/fairholme-range/end-mountain/

🌲 If we have not hiked together before, please answer the question regarding your hiking experience. The waitlist for this event is not first come, first serve, but rather is based on your hiking/scrambling experience that is suitable for this hike.
🌲 I prefer to move at a moderate and steady pace with short breaks only when necessary (e.g., re/delayering, bathroom, snacks, lunch). This means that if you need to stop for frequent and/or elaborate photo shoots at every large boulder and pseudo-view point, please do not sign up. It is also a must that the GROUP STAYS TOGETHER, so don't sign up if you want to take off to do exploratory route finding through the bushes or up an uninviting gully or trying to set a personal best time. It is also not acceptable to break off into your own small group to selfishly bag a peak and then head back to the trailhead while leaving the rest of the group behind.

🌲 Required gear:
- helmet
- headlamp
- water
- lunch/snacks
- hiking boots
- hat/gloves
- sensible outdoor clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
- appropriate layers for changing weather (rain shell, down jacket, etc.)
- personal first aid kit, toilet kit
- trekking poles
- sunglasses

🌲 WAIVER: You must sign the club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the trailhead.
🌲 Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.