Powderface Ridge Traverse, relaxed pace

This is one of the classic hikes in Kananaskis Country, leading to a wide, grassy ridge with beautiful views of Nihahi Ridge and other peaks such as Mount Glasgow, Cornwall and Banded Peak to the west. After the ridge, the hike descends into a forested trail and then opens up to a grassy col. From here, there are expansive views of the Elbow River valley to the south. This trail is suitable for intermediate hikers. Please note: this trip involves a short (7 km) car shuttle, which is described below.
Length: about 9 km
Elevation Gain: about 500 m
Difficulty: (T3) Intermediate hikers
MEETING PLACE: Meet at the end of Highway 66, at the junction with Powderface Trail (road). There is parking along the paved shoulder or nearby at Powderface road. This map shows the meeting place:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Powderface+Ridge+Trailhead/@50.8054269,-114.8437789,486m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x5370fb472e826009:0x602ef0a4f98f2308!8m2!3d50.8054269!4d-114.841204!16s%2Fg%2F11f8htgtcg?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MTEwMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
The plan: 1. Meet at the south edge of Powderface Ridge (map above). 2. Leave one or two vehicles there. 3. Drive 7 km along Powderface Road to the start of the trail (west; Sacramento Pass start). 4. Hike from west to south 5. Drive from south back to the west start to get people’s vehicles. There is a map showing the route in the “photos” for this hike.
LENGTH AND TIME: About six hours, depending on stops for photos, layering etc.
TYPE OF TRAIL: out and back.
PACE: Slow and steady; not fast. Please do not sign up if you are a speedy hiker or want to race ahead of the group.
PASS: A Kananaskis pass is required for this trip.
WAITLIST: A waitlist has been set for this trail, just to make sure that this is a suitable trail for you. There is a maximum of eight hikers for this trip.
REFERENCES:
https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/bragg-creek-sheep-river/powderface-ridge-hike/
Powderface Ridge
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/powderface-ridge-trail
Note: we will be starting from the west, (Sacramento Pass) not from the south as described in the above three references. We won’t be ascending the side hills that are shown on All Trails so our trip will be shorter than described there.
SUGGESTED GEAR: backpack; layers of clothes including a wind or rain layer, hiking poles, personal first aid kit, snacks and lunch. MUST BRING: icers, bear spray
CARPOOLING: I won’t be arranging carpooling for this trip as I don’t live in Calgary but you can use the comments section to arrange rides. Suggested gas fee contribution is $15.00. as well as a contribution to the Kananaskis Pass if you don’t have one.
WAIVER AND CODES OF CONDUCT: You will be asked to sign a waiver before going on this trip, and to respect the Slow and Steady Codes of Conduct.