D4 Hike: Piggy Plus Col & Bluffs!

I haven't done this one but it looks pretty sweet. This unofficial, unmaintained trail starts at the Burstall Pass trail then dekes up a side valley to a col (gap) overlooking the French and Robertson glaciers. We'll also traverse to a viewpoint north of Piggy Plus for more views in that direction.

Maximum group size of 10

CORA organizers no longer accept cash for memberships or drop ins. You must pay your $20 membership fee or $5 drop-in fee online before this trip (blue "Pay online" button in left column. For drop-in, change the "Amount" field to $5). CORA rules mandate that I keep folks on the waiting list until they've paid their fee. Post a comment saying that you've paid to let me know.

For planning and safety reasons, I like to know who's coming and your general level of experience, so no guests/+1s. Everybody signs up individually. Please answer all questions during the RSVP process. (Note: questions may not show up on a smart phone)

The pace will be moderate. Beginners with a good level of fitness welcome.

Difficulty Rating: Hike 4 (click for explanation of Difficulty Ratings PDF (http://files.meetup.com/1575023/Difficulty%20Ratings.pdf) -page 2)

Elevation gain: 610 m

Distance: 14 km return

Even though it's supposed to be nice on Sunday, come prepared for all weather. Afternoon pop-up thundershowers are almost a given at this time of year, and you never know when you might have to spend a night out.

I've neve done this trail, so there may be a bit of route-finding. Expect bushwhacking, creek crossings, snow patches, and other fun stuff. A friend did it last year post-flood and reported the trail (such as it is) isn't much affected.

Shared values of this trip include personal responsibility and mutual reliance (we all look out for one another), fun, safety and respect. The organizer is not a guide, but she has the final say in matters of safety. CORA also has Rules of Conduct (click) which you agree to by joining (https://www.meetup.com/Calgary-Outdoor-Recreation-Association-CORA/pages/Rules_of_Conduct/).

Research the route. Assume that everyone but you will be kidnapped by a band of yetis (or pigs!), leaving you alone to find your way back to the car. We'll be following this description from Gillean Daffern's blog (minus the part where they got cliffed-out): http://kananaskisblog.com/piggy-plus-col/2010/

Here's a nice set of photos:

http://mattclay.zenfolio.com/piggy_plus_col

Required Equipment:

• Hiking boots (mandatory)

• Shell jacket (mandatory--we're overlooking glaciers and we could get hit by an afternoon thundershower)

• Warm hat and gloves

• Headlamp (just in case!)

• Sunscreen

• Water (absolutely mandatory)

• Food

Optional Equipment:

• Hiking poles

• Camera

Transport: CORA trips start at the trailhead. We meet at the meeting point in Calgary to make organizing trips easier and help ensure we know who's showing up. Please be on time. You may choose to meet us at the trailhead, but please advise me ahead of time.

Driving and Directions: Trans-Canada west to Highway 40. Follow the 40 south to Kananaskis Lakes Trail and turn right. In a couple of kilometers, turn right again on the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail. In 22 kilometers turn left into the Burstall day use area.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A DRIVING MAP. (https://maps.google.ca/maps?saddr=Dalhousie+LRT&daddr=50.7894913,-115.3009661+to:Unknown+road&hl=en&ll=50.907363,-114.837341&spn=0.57327,1.674042&sll=50.780326,-115.29808&sspn=0.035927,0.104628&geocode=FZDKCwMddxIy-Q%3BFXP8BgMdmqUg-SkPy59S7ZJwUzFAtsjGV9mbrQ%3BFR4ABwMdwZog-Q&t=h&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=14&via=1&z=10)

If you have questions, email me by clicking on my name and clicking the email link in my profile. Note that my cell is for emergency and day-of meeting purposes only, so that's not the best way to contact me until the morning of the trip.