It was a 2-hour drive from Calgary to the Turtle Mountain trailhead in Blairmore. We started out close to 10:30, following a well-defined trail adjacent to the ridge. The trail gains the ridge proper about halfway up. There were patches of snow closer to the top, but they could easily be circumvented. Surprisingly, there was very little wind, and it was coming from the SE - a gorgeous day.
Frank Slide from upper ridge
The smaller NW summit offered an amazing vantage point from which to view the Frank Slide disaster over 100 years ago.
Alda and Jeannette at the first top
Devastation in 90 seconds
After a leisurely rest we then contemplated the scramble over to the higher SE summit.
SE summit from NW top
It entailed a bit of route-finding through blocky boulders and deep cracks between.
Typical terrain between the tops
Near the SE summit
We had another enjoyable break on the helipad at the SE summit, taking in the amazing views.
Looking NW from the true summit of Turtle Mountain
We made our way back over to the NW summit and headed down. It was a very pleasant trip. I thank Alda and Jeannette for joining me, Brian, Coordinator.
Turtle Mountain from Livingstone trailhead the following morning
