Cat Creek Hills via SW ridge Off-Trail hike on 19-Apr-2025

We were all sceptical of the forecast: most areas were supposed to get rain but spotwx was forecasting mostly dry conditions for our particular "spot". So we took rain gear and even a couple of umbrellas, but ended up with dry skies and great hiking conditions.
This trip was new to all of us. The 3-km road walk was painless in the morning, and the steep climbs up the various bumps along the ridge were invigorating thanks to the great views from the mostly open terrain. Only one stretch of deep postholing was encountered, and lunch was on the highest point in surprisingly warm and sunny conditions (several ticks were found at lunch, and at least one came back to Calgary with me.) The journey down was quite fast, but the 3-km section of road seemed a lot longer the second time.
Several types of flowers were blooming, including crocus, buttercup, draba, and even androsace (fairy candelabra). Wildlife on the trail included grouse, deer and birds of prey, and the scenic drive added swans, ducks, longhorn cattle, sheep, and wild turkeys.
Participants: Sim, Alda, Gary, Jane, John, Donna, Ingrid (coordinator), Deborah, Tina

Climbing up in the morning

1st and 2nd high points

Tricky ice in the trees

Elaborate cairn

Last climb to the top

Lunch

Coming down with 2 out of 3 high points visible in background