It was a first ascent for the whole group of 11 Ramblers, as we enjoyed great (albeit a touch smoky) views from the ridge up to the South End of Lawson, on a hot July day. We saw five Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep on the drive out, and on the hike saw three grouse and a pica at the lunch spot on the peak.

Curious pica made an appearance at lunch on peak

There were still very few bugs, a far cry from southern Alberta and Waterton, where they are now enduring a mosquito plague of biblical proportions, following their June flooding. The Trans-Alta Kent Creek flume, by which the creek is diverted to the Lower Kananaskis Lake, looked like a most inviting water slide on this hot day, but no one succumbed.

Water slide anybody? The Trans-Alta Kent Creek flume

We walked on the access road for over a kilometre, getting a view of the conical peak ahead.

The conical South End of Lawson

There is a well established trail, but like most hiker-set trails, it goes straight up the fall line, making it a bit of a grunt to climb and a little tricky to descend. On top the views enfolded of the whole Kananaskis valley, Kananaskis Lakes, and Elk Pass areas. Below was the long, isolated valley of Kent Creek, with Kent Ridge to the west, and King Creek Ridge, Grizzly Peak and Opal Ridge to the east. The view included spectacular Mount Joffre and the Mangin Glacier.

The isolated Kent Creek Valley and Mount Lawson

Mangin Glacier

Mount Joffre

The crux was a short stretch of knife edge ridge similar to, but not as intimidating as that of Nihahi Ridge.

The Kananaskis Lakes from the crux

Nine summitted and had lunch on the high point. We were back to the cars before 3:30. Participants: Harold, Marietta, Bruce, Mohsen, Teresa, Francisco, guest Maria, Susan, Gerry, Jeanne and Carl, coordinator and scribe.

Grizzly Peak--our next adventure!