For the past 45 years, I've driven past McConnell Point, a hill adjacent to highway one just east of Lacs des Arcs and never realised that there is a network of trails up and around it. Only Clifton was familiar with the trails and he helped us find our way around and to the top: thanks. We hiked an anti-clockwise loop with a diversion to the actual McConnell Point and returned via a well maintained mountain-bike trail.
At 9.00am, it was -6c with a cool wind as we made our way up Quaite Creek trail past the campground to the Razor's edge trail. We all carried micro-spikes, but didn't use them as the trail was mostly dry. Much varied conversation with an evenly mixed male and female group. At 11.00am we stopped to observe Remembrance Day.
Remembrance Day Silence on McConnell Point Trail
Clifton spotted the side trail to the actual summit of McConnell Point which we reached at about 12.30pm for lunch. While scenic, it was rather cool in the wind (+2c?).
Razor's Edge Trail Section to McConnell Point
Approaching summit of McConnell Point
Lunch at McConnell Point
Near the summit we again ran into friends from Canmore who were adamant that they were not copying our trip ideas. (we met them on Pigeon Mtn 2 days ago). Even with the ugly cement factory the views of the Bow Valley corridor were rather good in the clear air.
View east from McConnell Point
View west from McConnell Point
We backtracked east to the main trail which swung over and around the NE corner of the hill to parallel highway one back to the cars. Although this was mostly a well maintained mountain bike trail, you wouldn't catch me cycling it even with full body armour. I found this loop walk very interesting and recommend it. Thanks to Carl for his GPX track which Damian and David used to keep us on the correct track. Clifton pointed out many possible variations.
Razor's Edge loop
Stats: 13.5km, 660m elevation gain, in 5:40hrs car to car. Others will be faster. McConnell Point is named Engagement Mountain on some maps.
Participants: Sim,David photos,Damian,Patrick,Clifton,Sonja,Teresa photos,Jane.