Our anti-clockwise exploration of the Anti-Ghost Ridge was one of the most spectacular and rewarding hikes we have done in the Calgary area.  There was nobody else out there, and we enjoyed the silence of the wilderness all day long. 
On the drive out we saw bluebirds and a coyote.  We saw from the moment we left the city that the Rockies are pure white with snow after Thursday's storm, so we knew we would be hiking in some snow. (although the snow was only boot top at most and only on the north side of the mountain and in the trees, and in the 15-degree sunshine shorts and bare arms were in order)  The Transalta Ghost River Road was in reasonable condition to Trapper's Hill Lodge and not too bad from there to the parking spot above the river valley. 
This is an advanced route-finding trip for sure, but with our finely-honed skills for reading Gillean Daffern's guidebook notes and ability to pick out trails buried in snow, we followed the entire loop with no serious  mistakes.  You start on a horse trail with a great view of the Devil's Head, and we soon saw some bear tracks in the snow. 


Devil's Head from start of trip

Bear tracks in the snow

After a grueling climb straight up a steep slope (the mini-motocross hill) we came to the bottom of the infamous Motocross Hill, visible from space. 


The infamous Motocross Hill on Anti-Ghost Ridge

Next came the Castle Pinnacle and cliffs and spectacular views of Electric Lady Land. 


The Castle Pinnacle below Electric Lady Land

Peter on the cliffs of Electric Lady Land

We passed below the Yamnuska-like cliffs of the Anti-Ghost and rounded the Northwest Corner, with a stupendous view of the Devil's Head. 


Yamnuska-like cliffs on Anti-Ghost Ridge

Close-up view of the Devil's Head from Anti-Ghost Ridge

We had lunch on the ridge and two bagged the high point. 


Lenard, Doug, Peter, Black Rock Mountain behind

Coordinator Carl on the summit

The summit of the Anti-Ghost Ridge

Panorama of Devil's Head, Ghost River, Mount Aylmer

Panorama of Phantom Crag, Devil's Gap, Orient Point

We descended to Hidden Pass, with a view of the Finger Boulders. 


The Finger Boulders from the ridge above Hidden Pass

  It was well hidden.  At first we got bogged down on a flat bench of heavy spruce forest in deep snow, before reaching the escarpment and getting back to the ridge.  The route down was steep and slippery, with braided motorcycle trails and lots of snow.  Without actually seeing the junction we miraculously found the West Side trail back to the car.  Approaching the trailhead it sounded like a war zone as somebody was firing guns furiously.  We were back to the car by 4:45.
Participants: Lenard, Doug, Peter and coordinator Carl.