The autumn leaves were at their absolute prime as we drove through the foothills, despite the overcast sky.

We had to quickly shed layers as we hiked the uphill grind on the trail up the south end of Powderface Ridge. The northeast facing part of the trail was, as expected, snowy and icy, but no traction device were needed. Just as we broke out on top of the ridge, the sun gloriously came out, and we enjoyed lunch on the sunny lee side of the hill, with good views of the foothills to the east. The mountains to the west were quite Himalayan in their coating of snow.

Banded Peak looking decidedly Himalayan

Romulus and Remus peeking over Nihahi Ridge

We followed the rocky ridge south and the cairned trail down to the saddle below Rainy Ridge.

Hiking along Powderface Ridge (photo by Cristina)

Group shot in the saddle below Rainy Ridge (photo by Cristina)

We got back to the cars at 2:45, happy for our late September adventure. On the return drive we saw two wild horses in Rainy Pass.

Participants: Rosanne,Philip,Joe,Bill,Francisco,Susan,Aldis,Bill,Corey,Jeannette,Janice,Clifton,Harold,Cristina (photos), and Carl, coordinator and scribe.