Pocaterra Ridge

September 11, 2025 -- Peter Lougheed PP, Kananaskis

Stats: 10 km / 1067m gain / 2672m high

This was our final and fourth consecutive hike in Peter Lougheed PP with a friendly group of 25 Chilliwack Outdoor Clubbers. The ridge hike offered far-reaching superb views. There were three high points along the way, the first one being the most challenging.

One vehicle was parked at the opposite north end of the ridge which later transferred three drivers back to the starting point. We were in the forest about half an hour and then came out into this valley.

southwest

west

east

A pica.

At the end of the valley we turned right (north) to climb up to the ridge.

east

Larches starting to change color.

west

southwest

Group shot, L to R, front to back: Chelsey S, Sara, Irene H, Ton & Donna, me, Lonja J, Charlotte H, Denise D, Janice H, Al D, Greg P, Brian H, Lorenz B, Cammy P, Sonja J, Rose & Rob

Descending from the first summit involved a bit of scrambling.

Some supportive team work got everyone through this stretch.

Heading north on the ridge.

Two more high points to ascend.

Sonja, Sara & Chelsey.

northeast with Hwy 40 down below

At the second summit we had a longer break.

Elbow Lake in the bowl. This was the easier hiking option for the day. Mary Ann D led a smaller group there.

Starting to drop down into the forest.

A fairytale forest filled with larches.

Looking back at the ridge.

Lower Kananaskis Lake to the left.

At the parking lot, Cammy & Greg opened up their van and started serving us ice-cold drinks while we waited for everyone to arrive. What a treat!

As we were driving while dusk was descending, we saw this grizzly grazing along the side of the road.

At 5:00pm we met my other two daughters (Jeanette lives in Airdrie AB) at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. The next 4 hours we indulged in four various hot pools, 2 different steam rooms, two saunas, one quiet room (we were shushed in there) and a freezing cold pool in which I did two plunges!!! We had a birthday dinner for Jeanette in the restaurant there. It was sooo nice to relax there after four days of hiking. The following day we took a day off and visited Jeanette and Charlotte's aunt in Airdrie before doing the highest hike by Lake Louise (my next blog...)