This turned out to be a rather nice early season hike which was new to 6 of the 9 participants. The sun shone lifting the temperature to the low teens Centigrade, there was little wind, some good views but also some rather wet snow underfoot leading many to wet feet but micro-spikes were not used.

After some confusion near the trailhead due to GPS's showing different tracks, we found the steep “trail” up Horton hill initiated by orange ribbons. With help from GPS we stayed roughly on trail to reach Horton Hill and wait for a straggler to catch up. Here we enjoyed views towards Barrier Lake and numerous clear cuts. There was also a geocache ex-army canister with interesting contents.

View west from Horton Hill

Ramblers on Horton Hill, Kananaskis

Soon after the trail became faint and dipped down into a col before continuing along Horton Ridge to its nondescript summit and lunch. GPS was again useful here to identify a good route through sundry dead fall made slippery by wet snow. There were several openings in the trees to admire the views to the west and north.


Ramblers enjoy lunch on the summit of Horton's Ridge, Kananaskis

Ramblers enjoy lunch on Horton Ridge summit, Kananaskis

View west from Horton Ridge, Kananaskis

The return was made easier by mostly following our own footprints. By then it had warmed up sufficiently that most of us were down to shirt-sleeves. Near the trail head, we were surprised to meet a small group of Shell retirees coming up the hill. We knew a few of them. After a 9.15am start we arrived back at the cars about 2.45pm. Stats averaged 8km with 600m of elevation gain and loss.

Thanks to all for the varied conversation while we enjoyed a early season hike in great weather.

Participants: Arnold (photos), Yolande, Ross, Barbara, Donna, Deborah, Christine, Jozef and David C,S & P.

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