We left the Barrier parking lot shortly after 8:30 and were almost instantly greeted with the anticipated SW wind. On the other side, we took the convenient cutline shortcut trail then followed the regular trail around the west side of the lake to just before Jewell Bay, to meet up with the south end of McConnell Ridge.
Shortcut and preview of our ridge traverse
Since today's objective was to traverse the ridge from south to north via the 2nd ramp, we started up on faint trail used mostly by hikers going the other direction. We quickly gained elevation. Views to the east were plentiful to mark our progress, while the cliffband & trees to the west did a fairly good job of holding back some of the wind.
John ascending McConnell Ridge
It was surprising to encounter evidence of trailwork being done in recent years, likely by mountain bikers enthusiastic about the quick and thrilling descent. The trickiest part was when the trail suddenly ended at a steep scree section. This is where we spread out to minimize the risk of rock fall, and chose different routes to again attain the trail above. Scrambling opportunities presented themselves to the immediate right. A break in the cliffband was found farther to the right, but appeared excessively steep.
Yolande and Jeannette negotiating the steepest section
The best route up to regain the trail above is immediately to the left of the steep scree. From where our group rejoined and it was easy-angled to reach the main ridge's south highpoint.
Peter on the ridge (photo courtesy Jim)
There were patches of snow on the northside of the various bumps along the way, but we found easy bypasses to avoid post-holing. We took a well-earned late morning (early lunch?) break at a fine open flat viewpoint area to revel in the experience of just being here. The remaining ridge walk was quite pleasant, offering views on either side of the ridge and other points of interest.
Kananaskis Bonsai
Shelter along the ridge, complete with moss bedding
After joining the throng coming up the usual route, we had lunch near the Barrier Lookout helicopter pad, after which we leisurely rambled down the main trail back to the cars, enjoying lively conversations. We arrived at the trailhead just before 3 pm. Approx 13 km, 800 m.
We had a great group, none of whom had done this particular route in this direction previously, yet all cooperated patiently and amicably. Thank you to: Norman,David,Yolande,Jeannette,John,Peter,Jim, and Toshiko.
Brian, trip coordinator.