Wednesday was a superb day to do a ridge hike in Kananaskis Country. After the usual convoluted start at the Sawmill trailhead, we headed along an overgrown logging road which connected with an overgrown trail leading around the North Kent Outlier. After a short distance, this trail led to open meadows and to an easy South facing gully.


Our easy South facing ascent gully to the col

 We followed the gully up (mostly on the right side above the gully) to the col between the outlier and North Kent. The group enjoyed a long refreshment break at the col. We then headed up the upper slope following the vegetated sections wherever possible.


Marg heading up the upper slope of North Kent

The moderate slope and good footing led the group to the ridge where we were rewarded with great views in all directions.


Kent Creek drainage

A short walk along the ridge led to the summit cairn.


Scenic ridge walk leading to the summit cairn

The warm sunny windless conditions on the summit resulted in a very enjoyable lunch break of over an  hour.


Great view of Assiniboine from the summit cairn

A very long lunch on the warm windless summit of North Kent

Looking NE towards Mt James Walker and its two cirques

Reluctantly the group headed back down towards the col, encountering numerous ptarmigan on the upper slope.


One of many Ptarmigan on the upper slope of North Kent

At the col, the group made the decision to return via the outlier rather than retracing our route back down the gully.


Heading up the outlier with North Kent in the background

A short ten to fifteen minute hike on moderate terrain brought us to the top of the outlier. We followed the outlier ridge back down into the trees and a good trail which took us back to the parking lot.
Thanks to Inge, Sonja, John, Peter and Margaret for their great company and for joining me Kevin (S/C) on a very enjoyable midweek ridge trek in K country.
Total distance 9 km, total elevation gain 1120 m.