In the middle of nowhere, down an unassumed road which is closed this time of year one can find the the trailhead which leads up to Jumpingpound Summit. It's in an area called Kananaskis, about an hour drive West of Calgary. There is nothing around for 20 kilometers in any direction except the odd path.
The summit is about 2200m above sea level and is just barely in what I would call the mountains. The hike is moderately challenging, being just over five kilometers there and back with 400m of vertical, the views are above average.
At some point along Powderface Trail Road, you will see some cars parked at the side and this sign. That's where the trail begins. Don't go down this road without at least all wheel drive and some clearance on your vehicle or you're going to have a bad time.
Like many trails, it starts in the valley and the ascent is gradual at first. There is a small creek and the trail is good. It's never too busy here despite being almost perfect weather on a Saturday afternoon.
After half a kilometer in, the grade picks up a little, once you get above 2000 meters things start opening up. There's a very long trail connecting all the summits in the area and the hiking possibilities are endless.
Horseback riding is popular in these parts but there is so much room you seldom see riders. There were a few hikers up at the top of the mountain enjoying the view. We love the relative solitude of these hikes and this is why we often go to Kananaskis- to avoid the crowds in Banff.
Big open spaces and skies, Alberta is just north of Montana. Being towards the end of the summer it is dry here. Luckily there wasn't a fire ban since we were camping later that evening. It was the first Saturday of September and things get a little chilly after dark, despite the mid 20s temperature throughout the day.
The vista is nothing short of stunning. I'd like to hike along this ridge for miles and miles. Maybe next summer we will get two cars and do a point to point hike.
I'm not sure if these cairns are for recognizing where the trail is, especially under snow or if they build them to get rid of rocks on the horse paths. In any case, they make for a nice photo.
We use Gaia GPS when hiking. It shows you where you are as there is no data or coverage in most of Kananaskis. The one bar might be because this was taken at the summit. You can see the ridge trail which connects the peaks and the parking at the side of the back-country road at the bottom of the valley.
Endless miles of nature all within an hour drive of a large city. This is why we love Western Canada. Nothing beats a Labour Day Long Weekend hiking and camping with friends and family.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the view :)
All photos taken with an S22 or Iphone 15 and are unfiltered
This looks fun! Will need to add it to my “to do” list.
It's a perfect moderate hike that isn't far at all, the road getting there is half the fun, especially if you go from Barrier lake. Might even see a moose by Sibbald Creek if you're lucky.
Beautiful nature, one would think that Canada will always have snow on mountain summits throughout the year, but I believe it's still cold there.
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Thanks for swinging by @livinguktaiwan, always a pleasure :D
That was an awesome place, and you are too brave to climb that top of a mountain, anyways you capture a great picture🤗
It's more of a hill than a mountain. We have high expectations of what a real mountain is living in the Rocky Mountains :D
Okay , sorry for my mistake🙂 keep safe always my friend😇
Wow! The place is a must-visit then. It looks so relaxing, perfect for having a hike. Thanks for sharing this one. I enjoy the virtual tour then. God bless.
Glad you enjoyed it, hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend
Thank you for your kind words then. I'll enjoy it for sure because we have a Girl Scout backyard Camporal in our school.
A great escape in nature
All those open spaces and sky give a sense of freedom
They sure do, thanks for stopping by
What a wonderful place. Interestingly enough, just a few days ago I published a post on a similar place I went to for my birthday. Saving the differences (my place is in Soroa, Cuba) nature is amazing anywhere in the world. It is worth it to get away from it all and go to a place like this after a week of work, it is revitalizing.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. I'd love to go back to Cuba one day :)
You have been un Cuba!! Come back whenever you want, you will be welcome.
The views are absolutely breathtaking! I can only imagine how it must have felt standing on top of that peak!
Photos never do justice so if these looks so good I can think the real deal looked fucking awing!!!!
!PIZZA
It was a little windy :D
I can imagine! 🤣
The open space and the sky give me a sense of freedom, comfort, and awe of nature that I can't feel in a tight city.
That's why hiking in the less crowded parts of the mountains is so amazing
Cool hike. The rocks are a really cool shot!
Trying to up my photography game :DDDD now all I need is a real camera and some decent lenses
I discovered the importance of lenses the hard way. Years ago, I bought a Canon Rebel T3i on eBay. The kit lens was nothing special, but I realized the shots I wanted required a lens that cost 3x more than the camera kit.
I decided to just edit it in post, BUT that defeated the purpose. Eventually, I got a bang for the $ portrait lens.
I think it was $99 but 85% as good as a $700 competitor. I still have it 10+ years later but I hardly use a DSLR now. Phones have gotten good enough to leave the camera bag home
The mountains and forests are very beautiful, I was so fascinated to see them
I could spend everyday and all day out there, the city isn't for me
Very beautiful, the boundless space gives an idea of the greatness of our land
!LUV
!COFFEE
Everyone likes to climb the mountains in this way because by going here we get to see many special and scenic places and if the weather is good, the fun of going here is doubled.
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