I thought of trying this ridge traverse as a total off trail hike originally. I, however, googled "McConnell ridge" and came up with information on a trail along it courtesy of Tony and Gillean Daffern s' web site / Alf Skrastins (thanks). We planned to try a variation on the trail route described by going off trail and up the steep rocky section to Barrier lookout and then out to Barrier dam.


Morning light on Barrier Lake

We completed the car shuffle this route necessitated and were on our way by around 9:15 am I think. The start of the trip is not very aesthetic as you are alongside the roar of traffic on the TransCanada. It is short though and soon we were ascending on trail to the ridge with views of Yamnuska and Goat etc.


Hiking along Mcconnell ridge

Big Sister and Rundle

Below the steep rocky section of the ridge the trail leaves the ridge but we took off into the bush to go up the steep rocky section.


McConnell ridge - approach to Barrier lookout from the west

The OT5 ascent to the lookout was a little more challenging with the fresh snow and ice in spots.


Rest stop on off trail section up to the lookout

We all got to the leeward side of the lookout for a warm lunch in the sun around 12:30 pm.


Barrier lake and Mount Baldy.

An easy hike out on the trail and we were finished by around 3:00 pm.

I was fortunate that the large group behaved mostly quite well - though they did tease me about needing a third hand when I counted to see if we had lost anyone! Thanks to my teasing companions: Jeannette, Yolande, Rita, Carl, Kevin, Christine, Carolyn, David, Peter, Philip and Rosanne, from numerically challenged coordinator John. Thanks to Kevin and Philip for the photos and Carl for helping out up front.