It was a perfect day for Mt. Sparrowhawk: sunny but not too hot, negligible wind, great group. We started just before 9.00am, spent a leisurely lunch from 12.30-1.30pm and were back at the cars by 4.30pm. We saw one black bear near the treeline on descent, 2 young people lower down and 2 others partway up as we descended.
As reported in Bill's report of 2018, we started up the High Rockies trail towards Sparrowhawk Tarns, before turning steeply left up a well trodden trail towards Read's Tower. We emerged above treeline to extensive views of Spray Lakes and our destination.

Ramblers emerge above treeline enroute to Mt. Sparrowhawk: Gary on right.

Spray Lake south from slopes of Mt. Sparrowhawk

The visible trail now continued up to a col adjacent to Read's Ridge where we took a longer break.


Col at Read's Ridge enroute to Mt. Sparrowhawk

A braided and sometimes faint trail continued upwards to the summit block which was surmounted by a wide drainage on its SE side (climber's right). Up to this point, the walking had been mostly on firm talus but nearing the summit there was some mild scrambling (Ramblers SC5). This was all well described by Alan Kane and also shown on my Gemtrek map.


Ramblers ascend Mt. Sparrowhawk above Read's Ridge

Ramblers approach the summit of Mt. Sparrowhawk

Time for a leisurely lunch and many photo possibilities. Nearby to the north was Lougheed one, two, three and four (Wind Tower), Bogart and Ribbon Peak stood out to the SE, and Mts Nestor and Old Goat were immediately east across the Spray Lakes Reservoir. In the distance, Mt. Assiniboine and neighbours were also visible.


Brian, David, John, Susan and Gary on the summit of Mt. Sparrowhawk

Mt. Lougheeds 2 and 3 from the summit of Mt. Sparrowhawk

Panorama east from Mt. Sparrowhawk (click this and any photo to enlarge).

In a good mood, we started down the faint trail at 1.30pm. We passed 2 fellows ascending before another longer break near Read's Ridge.


Descent near Read's Ridge with Mt. Sparrowhawk behind

John makes a point to Susan, Ulrike, Gary and Brian near Read's Ridge on the slopes of Mt. Sparrowhawk

A few metres lower, we spied a black bear on the treeline ridge. But, alarmed by our shouts and a loud rendition of "Yellow Submarine" by the Ramblers "choir", it moved off down into the northerly drainage never to be seen again. I should mention that this "choir" has a very limited repertoire (mostly choruses) and would never place in any competition but is very effective at keeping bears away. Below treeline, we passed another couple with a small dog who had heard our commotion and were relieved to know that it was harmless.Although steep, the trail through the trees was dry and spat us out on to the dusty Smith Dorrien road by 4.30pm in time for an uneventful drive back to Calgary or Canmore.
We measured 13km and 1415m gain in 7:45 hrs.

Thanks to participants: Gary,John (driver, photo),Susan,Brian,and Ulrike (driver, photos) for staying together to make this such a fun trip. From C,S & P David