The Zephyr ridge loop is a very enjoyable hike in the Highwood area. We were a strong, compatible group for whom this hike was new except for the coordinator who has also done part of this loop on horseback. Less painful on foot!

In the photo below you can see our up route, the ridge on the right, and our down route, the ridge on the left. Behind these is another ridge we ascended to our lunch spot. The area between these two ridges is scheduled to be logged by sometime in 2021. It will obliterate the horse trail up this valley.

Ridges of Zephyr ridge hike - valley to be logged

Descending the high point of Zephyr ridge

It was a windy day which didn’t detract from our pleasure. For lunch and breaks we were able to find warmish spots out of the wind. It was mostly sunny though a few isolated flakes fell during our lunch break. Eight of us lounged while two, Alda and Brian, just had to do the extra distance to a nearby peak on a connecting ridge which they accomplished in 30 minutes.

Ridge to high point and extra bump completed by two enthusiasts

Lunch time out of the wind

Last break before continuing down the east ridge

The photo below shows Zephyr ridge on the far left. We descended to the col where the cliff starts. We then hiked up to and along the ridge traversing the photo and up the ridge we are descending in the photo. A previous photo shows the ridge we went up to its high point. Peaking behind the ridge that traverses the photo is the peak of the ridge we descended.

Descending summit ridge - hiked up ridges in background

The river was quite low so it was possible to cross without getting the knees wet.


Crossing river at Sentinel day use area

We left the cars at 9:00am and returned at 5:30pm. Within 10 minutes of getting into our cars a squall arrived so our timing was fortuitous. Distance about 18kms and 1200m elevation gain.

It was a pleasure doing this trip with the following participants:

Participants: Yolande(c/s),Alda,Brian,Audrey,Gordon,Jenny,John,Jo,Marianne,Jayninn.

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