Cat Creek loop (Ridge 660878, Junction Hill traver Off-Trail Hike on
We started from the Cat Creek Recreation Area at 9:30AM, the temperature a chilly -22'C. It warmed to -10'C at noon, then to -6'C when we arrived at the shuttle car at the Highwood Compound at 4PM. The whole day we enjoyed a bright sun and clear sky. There was a very fluffy 10cm snow-cover throughout the hike, which didn't slow us down. Shortly after the start, we made a quick side-trip to the Cat-Creek Falls. Some route-finding was required to pick up the logging road across the creek past the remnants of two, 100 year old small coal mines; there is no trace left of the little village that once proclaimed to have a 1000-year coal reserve. After some time, the logging road becomes a trail, and a small creek needs to be crossed and then followed up the the gap in the Cat Creek Hills Ridge (If you take the old road shortly before the crossing you will end up in a jumble of deadfall). Continuing up the ridge is easy, and sweeping views open up, as shown by the pictures below. There were plenty mountain sheep and elk tracks, but they kept out of sight, since it was hunting season for humans and cougars; we saw large cougar tracks on the descent opposite Junction Hill.
Brian, Sim and John contemplating a shower under the Cat Creek Falls.
Cornelis, Brian, Sim and John on the Cat Ck Hills Ridge
Sim approaching Cat Ck Hills' Summit (2220m), The Highwood Range in the background, Mist Mountain in the far distance to the left (3138m)
Cat Creek Hills Panorama, Highwood Range at right. (Click on image to enlarge)
Hoar Frost on Cat Ck Hills Ridge
Looking South along Cat Ck Hills Ridge (Click on image to enlarge)
View to the SW off Cat Ck Ridge (Click on image to enlarge)
After descent opposite of Junction Hill, looking back North to Holy Cross Mt and Mt Head, Cat Ck Ridge at left (Click on image to enlarge)
Brian and Sim on the descent, Mt Burke in the right back-ground
We had a great day! Participants: Sim, Brian, John, Cornelis Coordinator.
Cat Creek Hills Hike Track Satellite Image (15Nov14. Click on image to enlarge.)
Cat Ck Hills Hike Map. Cornelis' favourite hike before winter road closure (15Nov14. Click on image to enlarge.)
Cat Creek Hills Hike Profile (15Nov14. Click on image to enlarge)
Trail details: Details:Cat Ck Hills 15Nov14: Distance 14km; Elevation Gain ~650m & Loss ~80m; Total Climbs ~900m. Trailhead at Cat Ck Rec.Area, NAD83 11U 662365/5586782; elev. 1,573m. Trail-end at Highwood Compound Rec.Area 668729/558445; elev. 1,492m. Ridge Summit at 8.3km, 665890/5588096; 2,221m elev. This track optimizes astounding views of the Front Ranges. Follow rock-outcrop 666070/5587804 to 666341/5587174 (RL04), then an easy OT4 scramble down. Descending from the Ridge opposite Junction Hill, avoid going all the way down the valley to cross to the other side, pick game track at 666509/55585537; Avoid old exploration Road. Note: HW40 does not twin at Cat Ck Rec.Area, which was partly washed away in June'13 floods.
