Highwood-Grizzly Ridge Traverse (Moderate Scramble) (Helmet Mandatory)

Trail Name: Highwood-Grizzly Ridge Traverse (NOTE: This is my own custom route. Click the link for the AllTrails route)
Difficulty: Hard
Trailhead meet-up time: Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 8:30am
Location: Highwood Pass Day Use Area (Click the link for the parking lot location.

NOTE: *Attendance* - A waitlist has been created. I am taking up to 5 people (including myself). I may add or remove any attendee at my own discretion. Your answer to the event question will be taken into account. Preference will be given to individuals with a good attendance record.

NOTE: *Helmet Mandatory* - Some loose rock on the ascent to the ridge. Helmet important to protect your head from bumps while scrambling on the ridge.

NOTE: Difficulty - Hard - Relatively short hike with relatively low elevation gain. Steep ascent to gain the ridge. Sustained hands on scrambling on the ridge, with significant exposure on both sides. Most scrambling moves are moderate, with some optional upper moderate moves if you want to stay right on top of the ridge crest. Potential loose rocks/holds on the ridge - care required while scrambling. You must be comfortable with heights.

NOTE: Weather and Hike Day - All hike days are subject to change depending on the weather and avalanche conditions.

I had the Highwood-Grizzly traverse on my list for last year but we didn't get around to it. Let's head up to the Highwood Pass area and enjoy this ridge scramble along with the amazing views it offers!

Trail Details
Distance: Approx. 7.59 km (Out and Back)
Elevation gain: Approx. 700 meters
Time: Approx. 5.5 hours (including breaks)

Trail Description: From the parking lot, we will begin our gradual ascent through the lower forest and creek area (expect this area to be muddy). We will eventually reach an intersection to turn climber's left to head up to Highwood Ridge. Above the treeline, there is a fairly well worn trail heading to the Highwood Ridge summit - some loose scree and rocks on the ascent slope.

From the Highwood Ridge summit, we will begin our traverse to Grizzly Ridge. We will first lose about 100 metres of elevation to reach the low point of the ridge. There are multiple small pinnacles along the way - some of these can be bypassed on climber's left but it's generally best to stick close to the top of the ridge. Exposure is most severe on climber's right (North side), but there is also significant exposure and loose dirt terrain on climber's left.

From the low point on the ridge, we will begin climbing up to the Grizzly Ridge Summit. Again, there are a few bumps along the way - we will generally up-climb all of the bumps unless it's easier to bypass. We will enjoy the summit views from Grizzly Ridge before dropping back down to Grizzly Col. From the Col, we will descend into Pocaterra Cirque and loop back to the parking lot.

RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES
- hiking poles - useful on steep slopes while ascending and descending
- hat/cap
- sunscreen
- light gloves - cooler temperatures, especially in the morning

• scrambling gloves - to protect your hands from cuts and scrapes - gardener's gloves or textured gloves work the best.
  - Clothing - Mid Summer - Dressing in layers is key so you can adjust to avoid overheating. Lighter wool/polyester clothing is still recommended along with a light jacket/windbreaker. Cotton clothing and jeans are not good.
  - personal first aid kit
  - snacks/lunch
  - water (2 litres recommended. There are many water sources available in Pocaterra Cirque but these are only accessible on the way back.)

Ride Sharing:
Suggested ride share spot: Petro-Canada off Highway 1 and Highway 22.

Please post in the discussion if you need a ride share. Typical rideshare fee for this hike: $20.

If you have any questions, please message below in the discussion. If it is urgent call or text Anuj at 403-827-6553.

This should be a engaging ridge scramble with amazing views all along the way!