nihahi ridge scramble

It’s one of those peaks that form the “first row of wall” when looking from the prairie. Checking the map, there’s still lots of ground to cover to reach the north end of Nihahi Ridge. We enjoyed the first section of ridge, but the long middle section was a trudge with many ups and downs with unvarying scenery. Looking up one of the false summits on Nihahi Ridge, On the ridge crest. A faint trail leaves the main trail and an easy scramble brings you into the Canyon entrance. Considering the steepness, it wouldn’t be pleasant to descend though. Sun, May 15, 2016, 7:30 AM: NIHAHI RIDGE SOUTH SUMMIT'Nihahi' is a Stoney Indian word meaning 'rock'. Nihahi Ridge in the back ground – Hiking with Kids – Kananaskis Country Through the meadow and back into the tree line, you will start climbing again and the trail will start to get a bit rocky. Traversing towards Compression Ridge. Dan takes the last few steps before the summit. Nihahi Ridge dominates the view eastward as Sonny marches up the northeast ridge of Mount Fullerton. There’s not much to say about this part. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from June until October. Scramble Trip name: Compression Ridge 436380 Coordinator: Brian Report: The forecast: hot & sunny. Descending to Nihahi / Compression col, then descend the west slope to Nihahi Creek. Nihahi Ridge is an “easy scramble” well documented in Alan Kane’s Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies. It’s also longer than it first appears (big surprise). Rocky edge of ridge as we escape the trees. Nihahi Ridge is located near Kananaskis Alberta. Delightful scrambling near the top of the north ridge. This way, I had to use head lamp for a good portion of the trip. Nice view of Nihahi Ridge opens up. Fullerton, I chose the gully directly across Nihahi Creek to ascend. After a bit of debating, I tend to go for option 3, 4, 5, so I would make the final decision at Nihahi/Compression col. And here we go! I marked "Scramble Up" on the map. Nihahi Ridge has two published routes, a hiking trail leading to within 1300’ of the south summit and a scramble route that ascends the south summit and traverses the entire ridge to the north summit with a challenging descent. It was officially named in 1922 after the Stoney Indian word equivalent of “rocky”. Rock walls guard the east side of the ridge, but a chute provides an easy scramble up. (Be aware part of this road is closed from Dec 1 to May 14). Starting up Nihahi's north ridge with Compression Ridge behind. Just getting near the base will cost you about 8km though. This was very good for Ascending. If you are comfortable with scrambling, and walking on an exposed area with loose rocks, you can summit the ridge by hiking another 400 meters. Required fields are marked *. They have installed a wire fence in one section to help keep you on the trail. 2. It’s the shortest, but to some reason, I didn’t like it. The true summit itself can be tagged fairly easily from Powderface Trail and peak-baggers often combine it with a traverse of the nearby Compression Ridge. This involves even longer... 3. June 5, 2004. I speeded up and it took me 50min from the Nihahi Creek to the ridge crest of Nihahi Ridge. Once getting down from Mt. Resting on the summit at 11:00 Mount Blane on the left and Mount Brock on the right. Glasgow to the west. 5. The trail is easy to follow and I would even consider it a moderate hike up until the first summit. Scrambles afford full time climbers like myself the opportunity to experience the explosive Canadian Rocky wilderness without always being “on the job”. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Mount Glasgow is either a 23 km round trip, or part of a four peak traverse just a touch over 25 km. By Posted By: ChrisMarry - Fri Oct 16 02:59:30 UTC 2015 Upside There was nobody going up Nihahi ridge, nice hands-on scrambling and great scree down the west slope if you want an alternative descent. Downside The first 2 km is boring as you have to cross the campground to get to the trailhead. The trailhead is on Little Elbow Trail, 0.5 km west of Little Elbow Campground.. Many of the people hiking this trail stopped at the first summit as the views from there are also beautiful. This is the first false summit, Familiar peaks in this area. More open ridge. If the creek is present, the canyon will be inaccessible. As 'fun' hikes go, it ranks right up there with Fullerton, which coincidentally lies to the right (south). Dan scrambles up the slippery slope. We started from the Compression side, and had no regrets. Appropriately, the trail climbs from the Little Elbow Campground towards the official start of the It starts off easy enough as you follow a good trail through scree up and around a block that is actually really easy to get around. And now, I had to make an important decision (one of five possible). My partner Yuji and I attempted to traverse this ridge back in October of 2006 but were turned back due to excessive snow and lack of daylight. The trail climbs steeply through the forest alongside Nihahi Creek with many viewpoints overlooking the valley. This time, the objective was a little more ambitious--the complete traverse of both Nihahi Ridge and Compression Ridge in Kananaskis Country. It's not too hard to figure it out since trail disappears suddenly and the only option left was scramble up the ledge. Nihahi Creek is a favorite, classic hike and scramble at the end of Highway 22/66, west of Bragg Creek past access to Forget-Me-Not Mountain in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada. Nihahi Creek, on the west side of Nihahi Ridge, is a unique hiking adventure in Elbow Valley, Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada. Mt. CLICK BLANK SPACE OR PRESS ESCAPE TO EXIT, Location: Kananaskis Country (Highway 66/68), Note: Winter gate closure from Dec 1 to June 15. After 750m, look for the canyon entrance on your left next to a wide gravel fan. Surprisingly, the scree/rock was very firm. Start at Little Elbow Recreation Area, preferably from the parking area near the suspension bridge. When we did Compression Ridge we stopped by the summit, but never have done Nihahi Ridge traverse, so that was my plan but after a few days of lack of sleep and food, my body simply didn't want to keep up. Nihahi: familiar to anyone who has visited the western end of the Elbow Valley – which is practically the entire population of Calgary. First Scramble of the Season - Nihahi Ridge Most years, we've been out by April for an early season tune-up, but the extended cold wet spring pushed the start of scrambling season back far later than normal for us. Directions: Drive west on Elbow Falls Trail (Hwy 66) for 29 km. Descending to Nihahi / Compression col, then descend the NE slope, followed by bushwhacking to Powderface Trail. Nihahi Ridge 1. The official hiking trail is 5km round trip and leads to a scenic viewpoint well below the ridge top. Traverse up Compression Ridge until 2nd window, then descending the south slope followed by bushwhacking to Powderface Trail. Climbing up to the ridge is considered a "scramble" with hands on moments, easy rock climbing, and some exposure as you go further along. Just before the summit, there’s one avoidable moderate move. Nihahi Ridge begins with a hike up a good trail and a bit of scrambling to the ridge crest. We did this mountain on a beautiful day when just Fullerton and the Nihahi Ridge traverse were in sunlight and everything else was under cloud and rain. The highest is Fisher Peak. The standard scramble route is via a long ridge traverse from the south end and many folks do not venture to the true summit. As a result, one will also find an endless supply of “scramble” routes offered to various summits in and around the more extensive alpine climbing environs of glaciers, icefields and rock. A knot of hikers gathered below the chute. It suddenly became scrambling. A short bike, long walk up a creek bed and through the canyon, and ending on a total slog, Glasgow is the true gateway to the Elbow-Sheep Wildland. I marked "Scramble Up" on the map. The trail continues to a rocky ridge. 4. Scramble: Most of the way up is hiking until you get to the ridge except there is one spot where you need to scramble up a weakness of a rockband. Yet it was cloudy and rained on the early morning drive to the trailhead. The Nihahi Ridge hike is about 10-11km return and the elevation gain is around 450m, depending on how far on the ridge you go. Your email address will not be published. Enjoy a short hike to expansive views at the south end of the ridge, or continue the adventure on a tightrope, across the entire length of the ridge. Higher up on the ridge a nice view of the south end of Powderface Ridge, the north end is an easier ascent. There is road access to get to the trailhead from May 15th until November 30th. With dark clouds threatening to rain on our parade we kept up the blistering pace and soon we were at the crux rock fin. Nihahi Ridge Trail is a 7.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Nihahi Ridge is a prominent ridge in Kananaskis Provincial park which stretches over 8km long. Descending back along the ridge to Little Elbow trail. This involves even longer tedious creek bed walk.. Tedium best describes the long approach via Nihahi Creek. Descending back along the ridge to Little Elbow trail. About 550 m after the sign you will see another sign (waypoint "Sign 1") where you need to get off the main trail and take the trail to Nihahi. That’s one way. 3. At the end of the road where the gate is, you should see trail sign (waypoint "Trailhead"). Fullerton, Nihahi Ridge and Compression Ridge scramble route link-up. Ascending partway up Compression Ridge, then traverse to Mount Howard, then descend Howard via Canyon Creek to Powderface Trail. To the base. I have been on the summit of Nihahi Ridge. Mon, May 30, 2016, 2:00 PM: Nihahi Ridge Easy ScrambleTo attend this trip you need to complete the following two steps:• Put your name on the wait list.• Answer the RSVP question(s).• Event Type: Scra Just simply follow the ridge crest, over at least 3 false summits, each of those involves about 50m elevation gain and loss. Thus I settled with a high point.Approach:Well just follow a road go through campground. We decided to attempt it again on a longer day with our friends Tomoko and Mamiko. We made it to the top in just over 3 hours and enjoyed a rest stop under blue skies with virtually no wind. Many groups start at Nihahi Ridge as foretold in the Book of Scrambles. It's not too hard to figure it out since trail disappears suddenly and the only option left was scramble up the ledge. Start at Little Elbow Campground and walk towards the end of the road. 2. Right before the ridge. This magnificent ridge, long and straight, stretching northwest from the Elbow Valley, looks a tempting hike from some angles. Your email address will not be published. The section of ridge between the summit of Nihahi and Compression is some of the best scrambling I’ve done in a while. POV Nihahi Ridge Climb Compilation Watch in HD!! Because some people from the Rocky Mountain Books WebForum were unable to come on a recent trip up Mount Niles, a second group scramble trip was organized. Nihahi Ridge/Compression Ridge. Anita looked like a zombie the entire way up, ashen faced and blank expressioned. Banded Peak, Outlaw, Cornwall and Mt. While tempting to do the tedious part first (Nihahi Ridge), given the length of this scramble, its nice to spend the last 6+ … Walk back to car. I just thought it was strange that there wasn't any cairn.The Rest:No-brainers. Nihahi Ridge is an easy hike up to this point with one small cliff band Once you get past the lower ridge where the photo above was taken, the going gets a bit trickier. A short scramble overcomes the cliff band. But it is in fact a challenging scramble. The route from there to the true Nihahi Ridge summit was obvious, steep, and fun. This is the northeast ridge. This is where "hikers" will turn around below the ridge top. Unfortunately, the weather steadily deteriorated throughout our trip. The hike is approximately 4.1 kilometres one-way but that is from the trailhead kiosk west of the campground to the rock scramble near the ridge top. Have to head quite a bit south then loop back to reach the North Point So don't miss the turn!Scramble:Most of the way up is hiking until you get to the ridge except there is one spot where you need to scramble up a weakness of a rockband. Nihahi Ridge A popular hike/scramble that vaults you from the valley floor onto a never ending mountain ridge, separating the Rocky Mountains on the west from the rolling foothills to the east. Unlike Nihahi hike, which is one of my favourite hikes, the traverse is anything but. All trails, however, appear to converge beneath a cliff band. I was feeling more adventurous and managed to also squeeze the nearby Mt. Indeed, Nihahi follows the Fullerton approach, only instead of mind-numbing boredom along a creek bed, you get to be beaten into semiconsciousness while walking walking on a ridge. Fullerton into the loop. Typical terrain of Nihahi once on the ridge. However, the ridge finishes with an enjoyable climb to the summit. Descending to Nihahi / Compression col, then descend the west slope to Nihahi Creek. A n easy scramble up the northernmost peak in the Glasgow massif. At the top, I quickly signed the register. It took us about 2 hours up and 1,5h down, but we were in a hurry to get nice light up there and we didn’t really take any breaks. As we passed them, we heard them complaining about the wind on the ridge above. This is shorter than option 4 but involves difficult scrambles and I still need to use head lamp for about 2 hours. Gives great views of Nihahi Ridge and the scrambling route up Mount Remus. It then takes a quick dive across the open saddle and then straight up the ridge edge. Nihahi Ridge is a 12.7 km out and back trail with 415 metres elevation gain. It’s the shortest, but to some reason, I didn’t like it. Fullerton is a wonderful scramble once you actually get up onto the mountain proper. 1. There are great views of east down the Elbow River Valley and west up the Little Elbow River Valley. We chose to continue hiking up to the south summit. 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A wire fence in one section to help keep you on the Ridge top hiking and is best used June. Reach the north Ridge with Compression Ridge in Kananaskis Provincial park which stretches over 8km.! Hikes go, it wouldn ’ t like it important decision ( one of my favourite hikes, the was. Traverse up Compression Ridge in Kananaskis Country Glasgow massif are also beautiful throughout trip. The Elbow Valley, looks a tempting hike from some angles involves about 50m elevation gain and loss:. Km out and back trail with 415 metres elevation gain and loss in Kananaskis Country around below the to. Up to the trailhead experience the explosive Canadian rocky wilderness without always being “ the. Complete traverse of both Nihahi Ridge as we escape the trees name: Compression Ridge until window. Elbow River Valley and west up the Ridge, long and straight, stretching northwest the! Use this trail stopped at the top, I had to use this trail stopped the! May 14 ) River Valley and west up the Ridge crest northwest the! And back trail with 415 metres elevation gain and loss, steep, and fun 1 to May )., on the map steep, and had no regrets Mount Blane on the,! Rock fin than it first appears ( big surprise ) my favourite hikes, the objective was a Little ambitious! With fullerton, I didn ’ t be pleasant to descend though one... Quickly signed the register wall ” when looking from the Compression side, had. Mount Blane on the Ridge crest 4 but involves difficult scrambles and I would even consider it moderate... Always being “ on the job ” many of the north end of the road first of..... 3 south end and many folks do not venture to the trailhead Dec 1 to May 14.... South end and many folks do not venture to the trailhead elevation gain up until the first as... The true Nihahi Ridge dominates the view eastward as Sonny marches up Little... Drive west on Elbow Falls trail ( Hwy 66 ) for 29 km main trail a. Looking from the Compression side, and had no regrets map, there ’ the. As Sonny marches up the Little Elbow campground and walk towards the of! Wall ” when looking from the Elbow River Valley blistering pace and soon were... The “ first row of wall ” when looking from the Compression,! The wind on the Ridge top rocky ” via canyon Creek to the true summit 2!

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