Mount Haig + Gravenstafel Ridge - S6


Details
I saw this beautiful trail from Southfork trail and the decent weather forecast for this Monday are what inspired me to attempt this.
As usual all my hikes are weather dependent (especially with so much rain and stuff). We will turn back if the weather becomes dangerous/unsafe.
Approach Plan: We will approach counter clockwise. This should take us to the Gravenstafel Ridge first and another ~350 meter climb should take us to Mount Haig.
Due to construction in the area we will most likely return the same way. The blogger [Soistheman.com](https://www.soistheman.com/diary/page.php?id=gravenstafel-ridge-mt-haig) however descended down to the Haig lake via the south lake trail which is open. (other descending options are now closed. see https://www.skicastle.ca/2025trailclosure/) But whether we do that or not will be decided as a group after we reach the Haig summit.
Optional: If we have time, I am open to grabbing something from the restaurant after the hike.
**Rock Helmet and Bear spray are mandatory!**
Trail Description:
- https://www.soistheman.com/diary/page.php?id=gravenstafel-ridge-mt-haig
- https://bobspirko.ca/NugaraScrambles/MtHaig/MtHaig.html#
Stats:
Cumulative Elevation: ~1400meters
Distance: ~14km
Time: 7-9 hours + Driving + lunch
Pace: Moderate. The aim is to maintain at least a 2.5km/hr speed.
Difficulty: S6 or Class 2/3
BE READY for some hard work.
Proposed Route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-a1d5018-16?u=m&sh=vmrvmg
Weather:
https://www.windy.com/49.289/-114.447?49.287,-114.447,16
Meeting/Carpooling Details:
Time: 5:55am
Location: Somerset LRT Park & Ride - [288 Shawville Way SE, Calgary, AB T2S 0J2]
Trailhead:
Time: 8:35 am approximately!
Trailhead Direction:
Castle Mtn Ski resort/T-Bar Pub & Hub -https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ssud5mDVefk68ren6
Some Ground Rules:
- Must remain with the group and be willing to turn back with the group
- Must participate is route finding when necessary. MUST raise concerns if any
- Absolutely no complaining. Prepare to work hard
- We are out for the day. Don't rush the group because you have a birthday party to attend to in the evening or some other crap
- No guests and kids
- Be BEAR SMART
- Leave no trace
Required gear:
- Bear Spray
- Rock helmet
- headlamps
- Enough warm layers
- hiking boots, water (at least 2L), lunch / snacks, technical clothing (no cotton or jeans), hat/gloves for cold weather and wind
- first aid kit
- electronic or paper maps
- NO bear bells
Suggested gear:
- rain coat/windbreakers, scrambling gloves
- bug spray, tick tweezers
- gaiters
- light pad to sit on, hiking poles
- sunscreen, sunglasses, toilet kit
- SOS sending device (Garmin, SPOT etc.)
Waitlist and RSVP rules:
It is NOT an inclusive event due to it's nature and safety. If I don't know you, then you must answer the questions. Preference will be given to those who I know is a good fit for the event as well as the group. I reserve the right deny anyone access to this event if necessary. I will make additional inquiries if I am not sure about your fitness or experience.
WAIVER:
You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip. You will need to provide 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 meetup location and/or 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 (if applicable) 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.
(Photo Credit: SoIsTheMan)
(This event post is inspired by many organizers I have hiked with in this club - Mark & Terri, Lisa W, Atash, Wesley Cook, Mark S, Mark K, Michael K)

Mount Haig + Gravenstafel Ridge - S6