Yamnuska East Ridge 327658 Trail hike on 21-Jan-2022

What a lovely day to try the re-opened and improved Yamnuska East Ridge trail! Temperatures stayed slightly above zero in bright sunshine. There weren't too many other people on the trail, which was nicely packed with mostly soft snow. There were a few steep, icier sections, but our microspikes were more than capable of giving us firm footing.

Susan and Cheryl - Mt. Yamnuska above

There was lots of room in the parking lot both when we arrived about 10:15 and when we left shortly after 2pm. The trail has a lot more signage directing people to stay on the official trail, which is helpful. Trees have been limbed in the narrower sections, making the trail a bit wider. A one-way loop has been formed at the upper end of the trail leading to Raven's End and its chimney. There is about .5km of brand-new trail for the return part of the loop which has been cut out of the hillside above CMC Valley. It has a wide firm tread of gravel/sand and offers more views of CMC valley than the old route (now uphill part of the 1-way loop) offered.

Mountains across CMC valley from new part of trail

We had a shortish lunch by the chimney, partially sheltered from the colder wind gusts up there (we had no wind on the lower part of the trail), but we stopped for several photo ops to enjoy the day both on the way up and down.

Barb & Cheryl at chimney

Thanks to Susan and guest Cheryl, on her first Ramblers hike, for joining me, Barb (c/p).