RMD Hike #9 - West Wind Pass

Let's hike West Wind Pass!

Important Details:
Date: Saturday, August 24
Trail: West Wind Pass
Time: 10:00 am SHARP! Meet at the trailhead
Trailhead: Trailhead: Smith Dorian Trail Dirt Road, side of the road, West Wind Pass, Black Tacoma
Directions on google maps:https://www.google.com/maps/dir/TSUU+T'INA,+AB+T3E/50.97646,-115.32167/@51.0948675,-116.1003454,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x537171ea0c8bdce5:0xcb911f7a762c3f41!2m2!1d-114.1457448!2d51.020588!1m0?entry=ttu
Distance: 4.5km
Time: 3hrs
Elevation: 350m
Dogs: Of course!! Must be on a leash and friendly

Link to the trail on AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/ar/trail/canada/alberta/west-wind-pass

Highly recommend you have AllTrails downloaded and the trail saved this will make finding the trail very easy, there will be a bunch of crazy dog people there anyways so you can't miss us!

Trail details:
The West Wind Pass route is a favorite for locals outside of the popular national parks near the area, since the trail offers hikers both easy and moderate conditions with some steep sections. As a nice day hike, you should expect to spend much of their time along a steep, rocky slope where it can be easy to venture off-trail. It is important to follow the orange and pink ribbons and make sure to stay to the right when ascending. Some sections of trail pass through forests with deadfall, so take your time moving around fallen trees. This area is popular for misty and moody views of Spray Lakes which come into view early on the hike during the spring and summer season, giving a more Pacific Northwest feeling. This weather usually burns off, and in summer is less common. Hikers should tread carefully along the meadows at the top and stick to existing trails, especially using the offline maps to follow this route if confused. While ascending, hikers may require hiking poles since some sections move across slabbed rock and can be hard to cross. If you are not comfortable on the slabs, choose the "right" option which drops down steeply toward the creek at about the halfway point and follows what appears to be a less travelled trail (but easy to follow) that climbs up on a lower bench and then re-joins the original trail after the slabs. At the summit, the views are magnificent. There are great views of Windtower and Rimwall, as well as the Spray Lakes Reservoir in the other direction. It is normally extremely windy at the summit, with extreme weather such as snowstorms and thunderstorms normal. There is also a valley that users can see below Windtower and Rimwall from the summit.

What to bring (remember it is still winter in the mountains):

• Great hiking boots
• Poles are a good option
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Bring a lunch, snack and water
• Bring snacks and water for your dog
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Bear spray
• You need a Kananaskis conservation pass
• AllTrails app handy

You and your dog are coming at your own risk.

Disclaimer: The mountains can be a dangerous place, 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 (including your dog). All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, weather conditions, physical conditions, and trail conditions for the trip. You are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and physically fit to do this hike with the group.