Rawson Lake with optional Sarrail Ridge - Relaxed Pace

I (Andy B) love Sarrail Ridge and Gary G loves Rawson Lake. They've both been closed due to grizzlies, but it appears that they are now open. Let's go before they close them again!

Gary and I are going to try something different. We're going to co-host two different hikes at the same time.

Gary is going to lead all of us on a relaxed
pace hike along Upper Kananaskis Lake and up through the trees to Rawson Lake. We will walk around the back of the lake to have lunch. For Rawson Lake only:

Distance: 7.1 km (plus a little extra to the back of the lake)
Elevation: 521 m

After lunch, Gary will take half the group back down to the trailhead and end his hike. I will take the more adventurous, experienced, hikers up the dusty, more challenging hike up to Sarrail Ridge and then back down to the trailhead. Sarrail Ridge is absolutely beautiful, but is a hard, slippery, slow, climb up to the ridge. There is a lot of elevation gain and the trail is dusty and eroded. You will need to use your hands, making this similar to a scramble. You will need good boots with traction, microspikes for grip, hiking experience, a positive attitude and teamwork. We will go slow up to the ridge and work together. The total up to Sarrail is:

Distance: 12.2 km
Elevation: 1045m

I (Andy B) usually only take hikers I know on challenging mountain hikes. Since this event is a little different, I will take some experienced, new to me, hikers. When you sign up, you will choose Rawson or Sarrail. At lunch, I will decide who I feel comfortable taking up the ridge. My decision is final. If I am not comfortable taking you up the ridge, you will head down with Gary's group. The rest of the group will head down with Gary. You can also change your mind at lunch after seeing the ridge.

It is very important to me that everyone hikes together as a group, you can always see the leader, and no one runs ahead, even on the way down. No exceptions. If you run ahead, you will not hike with me again. We are out for a group hike. This gives us safety in numbers and a chance to hike with other likeminded individuals. If you like to hike solo, or run far ahead, please don't join a group hike. Strong hikers, do not pressure the slower hikers to go faster than they are comfortable.

We meet at the Upper Lakes Day Use Area at 9:15am, to be ready to hike at 9:30am sharp. This will be a long day, please don't make evening plans. I cannot tell you what time either hike will end.

On my hikes, we take 4-12 experienced hikers. We do not run ahead or leave people behind. We are out to enjoy nature together, get to know each other better, and keep each other safe. If you run ahead of the group, we will feed you to the bears.

You choose to make your own carpooling plans once you are accepted on the hike. Recommended $25 gas fee. I recommend meeting at Shouldice Park and Ride or Petro Canada at hwy 22 and 1. I can take 3 (max 4) passengers from Petro, on the north end of the gravel road, on the hwy 22 side. Please plan your pickup times accordingly to arrive by 9:15am.

Bear spray is mandatory for all. For Sarrail, good hiking boots and microspikes are mandatory. Poles are optional, but recommended. Lunch, snacks, 2-3 litres of water plus electrolytes, poles, changes of clothes, medications, waterproof hiking boots, gaiters, required. First aid kit, tensor bandage, and emergency silver blanket are recommended in case things don't go to plan. Extra socks and plastic bags for your boots are also useful. A water bladder you can drink while you hike, plus a backup water bottle is ideal.

You will sign in on paper at the hike showing you agree to the waiver. Please have an emergency contact name and number ready to add to the sign in sheet.

Please read the slow and steady waiver and code of conduct in advance. You will sign in agreeing to the conditions of the waiver at the trailhead and leave an emergency contact name and number. You agree to follow slow and steady policies, listen to the organizer, treat everyone with respect, do your own research on the hikes, come prepared, and recognize that your organizers are volunteers who put in a lot of their own time to plan and lead these hikes for you.