Twelve Ramblers went to Windtower with a coordinator who had never been there, it was my first time, same with two others in the group. When we started out it was a bit cool and within 45 minutes of hiking uphill the layers came off. The views opened up substantially at West Wind Pass and we stopped for a break under a blue sky before continuing onto our peak.

Christine at West Wind Pass. Photo by Teresa.

Apparently there is a high and low trail and we chose the later. This required picking our way through the cliff bands while scrambling on icy rock and crossing patches of hard snow.


Crossing a patch of snow just below the cliff bands.

Once we gained the ridge it was a walk up to the summit. There was little wind and we lounged around taking in the views with Spray Lakes below. One Rambler even took a nap.


Summit shot.

While eating our lunch there was the buzzing sound of a drone as it flew above our heads, we felt this was intrusive, noisy and annoying. After a good hour we reluctantly packed up to descend as the clouds rolled in across the Spray Valley. Upon reaching the cliff bands we opted to return using the high trail that Zora talked about, I prefer this one.


Descending Windtower's broad ridge.

Bill taking pictures of flowers.

Jeanette on the return to West Wind Pass.

Typical spring terrain.

We stopped at the pass again before returning to the cars. One Rambler let me know they found a tick in their hair once arriving home. Thank you to Corey, Jane, Suzy, Yolande, Lenard, Aldis, Zora, Teresa, Tomiji, Jeanette, Brian and Bill for joining me on my first time to Windtower. Yours truly, Christine M, c/s/p.

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