We had a good time on the Heart Mountain Loop.

Although there is still considerable flood mitigation construction in the area, there is a good marked trail with bridges both up Heart Mtn and along Heart Creek.We proceeded up the ridge at my sedate pace, stopping occasionally for clothing adjustment, to the crux 3 metre cliff. Most of us used the marked cliff route which is now well polished but some preferred other routes. Then onto Heart Mtn summit and Grant Macewan Peak to lunch nearby out of the gusty cold wind. We were joined briefly by two friends from Canmore. The skies were generally clear and the temperature tolerable, but more winter than summer.

Ramblers pose on Grant Macewan Peak (Heart Mtn)

Lunch at Grant Macewan Peak (Heart Mtn)

Some post-holing led to the east peak for a brief photo stop before continuing down the east ridge. A dusting of snow made for caution, but I found progress best on the dry pointy rock. Poles were useful.


Rambler descends ridge of Heart Mtn Loop

At treeline, it was noticeably warmer for another regrouping. We made it back to the highway without incident and followed the somewhat tedious "flat" trail to the cars by 4.00pm. Only two of the group used micro-spikes, while four, including me, managed fine without. Except by Grant Macewan Peak, there was less than 3cms of snow and this was very patchy. But cautious foot placement was required which partially accounts for our slow time. Conversation covered many topics including the best films of the recent Banff Film festival.
Thanks everyone for an enjoyable trip on a cool day and for sticking together.

Stats: 7:30 hrs, 11km, 930 m elevation gain. -6c at start, +4c at finish. Some wind gusts as forecast. Initially this trip filled in 30 minutes, but several members canceled later.

Participants: David (photos), Jim, Clifton, Peter, Toshiko (photo), Krzysztof.

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