Four of us arrived at the Little Highwood Day Use area and set off shortly after 9:30. After a short section across the creek we headed up the north end of the Pocaterra ridge. The frosty temperatures made the steep climb much easier and we soon reached the grassy first peak in brilliant sunshine. The larches were still brilliant as we moved towards the second peak stopping frequently to take photos of the larches.


View towards second peak

Aspens on approach to second peak

As we reached the summit of the second peak, we spotted two rams that quickly moved down the col between peaks 2 and 3 and down into the valley.


Rams on second Pocaterra peak

We took an early lunch break at the second peak and could gaze down to the blue waters of Elbow Lake


Elbow Lake from second Pocaterra peak

At the col beyond the third peak, we looked at the snow covered route up the fourth peak.


Dave surveying fourth Pocaterra Peak

Dave and Doug took turns breaking a trail in knee deep snow on the east side of the sharp ridge and up the steep snow to the summit ridge.


Sue coming up fourth peak

Three of us reached the summit of peak 4 where we could look down to Highwood Pass and towards Mist Mountain.


Doug at top of peak 4

The descend on the steep snow was fun.


Descent from fourth peak

We chose to keep to the top of the ridge until it got a little too narrow for everyone's comfort.


Narrow ridge on descent of fourth peak

We then did the short downclimb to our up path, where Doug found a hip-deep hole. After a leisurely return back to the first peak, we basked in the sun in shirt sleeves and admired the views.


Final break on sunny first peak

The larches, brilliant blue sky, no wind, warm temperatures, new snow and an interesting route up snowbound fourth peak made this one of the best hikes of the season for participants Evelyn, Dave (P), Sue and Doug (C,S,P)