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Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

Trip Report
Trip Date:
20-Oct-2021
Activity:
Trail hike
Trip name:
West outlier of North Kent
Coordinator:
Kevin
Report:

The West Outlier of North Kent is a great shoulder season hike. Even though it is more often called as a winter snowshoe trip, the 670 metres of elevation gain over 3 km, makes for a moderate cardio workout. As a bonus, it is a shorter day trip and the views from the top are excellent. Our group of four left the Sawmill parking lot just before 9:30 am under windless blue sky conditions. We hiked up through the maze of of snowshoe trails and old skid roads without issue, and in less than an hour reached treeline at the base of the Outlier ridge.




David, Kim and Barb at treeline

It was still blue skies, but we could see clouds developing from the West.



Kim and Barb heading up the ridge

The views from the ridge provide a great view of the Smith Dorien peaks.



Looking West from North Kent Outlier Ridge




An imposing Mount Birdwood to the Northwest

There is a defined trail up the ridge all the way to the summit cairn. At the top we stopped for lunch and to admire the views.



David nearing the top of North Kent Outlier




Group photo at the summit of North Kent Outlier




Looking North towards Mount James Walker




Comfortable lunch spot below the summit cairn of North Kent Outlier

After about half an hour and with the high clouds rolling in from the West, we retraced our route back down the ridge and through the lower treed trail.



Heading back down the ridge with clouds to the West

We were back at the vehicles by 1:45 pm, having enjoyed spectacular views and lively conversation. My thanks to Kim, David and Barbara for joining meKevin (S/C) on a very pleasant shoulder season outing in K Country.