Distance: 6.5km
Elevation Gain: 800m
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Access:
From Hwy 1 take Dead Man Flats turn off (#98) and then follow signs to Banff Gate Mountain Resort going over hwy 1 and drive past Thunderstone Quarry, then the next right is Skogan Pass parking lot.
Experience:
At the beginning the trial is very clear and easy, but when you get down to the creek it is so washed out that its a bit of a climb and maze to figure out where to go. Our skills at walking across trees were definitely tested because we crossed a lot of trees to get over the creek the first time. On the way back it we found a easy way to get over it all.
We actually got lost because I thought we were doing a completely different hike but we were doing Wind Ridge which I don't regret the change of location because the view is beautiful! You can see Mount Lougheed and Windtower most of the time and they are very majestic mountains!
The hike is mostly in the trees which is nice on a hot sunny day. The trail does get pretty steep for a while but it isn't that bad. There is also a lot of Douglas Fir, and Lodge Pole Pine trees in the area and we saw some huge trees which is a rare thing to see in Kananaskis.
Not many people were on the trail and we saw 4 piles of bear dropping which was a little alarming. The hike was amazing though. It is one of my favorite views I have seen in all the hikes I have ever been on. I will go back there some day!
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| Falls that go into ThunderStone Quarry |
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| At the trail head |
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| Just a note for future hikers |
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| Found a wild rose! |
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| Let the tree crossing begin!! |
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| Following the Carins |
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| Crossing the creek |
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| This Popular tree has had a tough life |
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| SO MUCH HORSE TAIL! |
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| Huge Douglas Fir! |
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| Mount Lougheed |
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| Mount Lougheed and Windtower |
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| Going up to Windy Ridge |
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| The View! |
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| YAY! |
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| Can you see the little bug? |
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| Love this view!! |
