Peaking on Ha Ling Trail in Canmore

Peaking in Canmore! What a day yesterday was. My best hike so far in 2009!

First I had to get up early and move my base camp (travel pod) to Spray Lake in the north end of Kananaskis Country. I also wanted to tackle two more popular trails for our upcoming AlbertaEH.com website on the same day. Lots to do means an early start.

I figured I would hike and research the Prince`s Lake Trail on the way to the new campground.  So there I was at 8:30 in the morning parked at the trailhead,  clouds misted overhead, eager to get going.  The trail was a 4 .5 kilometre loop hike leading to a couple of remote alpine lake. Today I had time to hike to the main lake only.

The trail started out cruising along an easy enough route until the big hill. Many trails in Kananaskis involve hiking a mountain which means going up.  this one was about a kilometre uphill.  The hill climb did me good on this morning.  I found it invigorating and a great way to wake me up.. since I did miss my morning coffee.

After the hill the rest of the route was easy going. I met no one on the trail. When no one is on the trail I tend to sing.. lucky me singing without a shower. I am usually out of tune so wildlife sightings tend to be rare as I scare them off.

Once at the lake, the camera started clicking. The entrance to the lake was surrounded by huge avalanche boulders, moved by glaciers. All around the trail was rock and plenty of loose rock.  Spained ankle country I am sure.

Across the lake was a huge  towering beast of a mountain with the centre  bowl showing signs of a past avalanche.  The scenery was spectacular. Good spot for an apple and a reflective moment.

The highlight of the day was my next hike – the Ha Ling Trail leading up to a mountain peak.  I was humming and hawing if I should do this hike today as the weather for the next couple days may not be good for mountain peak exploring. Plus I just hiked 6 kilometres.

I was set up for the challenge.  I had found a good campsite on the shore of the lake so I had a recuperating home base for later.. he he he.  I was set up for three or four days. I took on the hill!

The Ha Ling Trail is a 5.5 kilometre hike straight up and straight down. No flat areas. It is a  LEG BURNER!!

Hiking to the peak on the rockwall

The trail starts off and ends with switchbacks all the way up from the parking lot to the tree line. This part of the trail is mostly single track and in the shade of trees hidden from the sun. This is a huge plus, as I was already sweating buckets.. could you imagine if the hike was in the sun. Spoke to soon.

Once at the tree line the views open up and the exposure to the sun and wind becomes a reality.  From here the hike crosses shale rocks, loose boulders and follows along a narrow ridge path.  You can see the peak and mountain ridge in the distance.. it looked so close, but people were so small, so far away.

It is still a ways to the peak during the last quarter of the hike which is hiking on loose rocks and around boulders.  Ahhh..yes, but once at the peak.. the world is your oyster.  The whole valley opens up. One side of the ridge provided views of valleys and lakes  and on the other side of the ridge was Canmore and a very big drop off.  Straight down. What a rush!!

Clouds dancing on Miners Mountain

I walked the ridge of the mountain range to Miners Mountain enjoying the views on both sides.  Then I walked back to the peak where everyone seemed to gather.

At times I was standing in the clouds.  At other times the clouds were dancing below me and blue sky was above.  The wind was fierce, blowing, howling like a wolf by my ears. It was natures way of saying hello and welcome.

Along the hike you meet many people as the pace of hiking varies greatly for each person.  The hike is no easy journey. Be well prepared on this hike as temperatures and conditions change when on the peak. Lucky for me.. I have done this before and I was probably the warmest on the mountain – well prepared.

During my hike back, the rain started pounding and the rocks became slippery.  Had to slow my pace down because I am not keen on ankle sprains. Once in the parking lot, I was happy with my time of 3.5 hours.  My legs felt pretty good, but obvoiusly tired.

Bring on the next adventure I say!

Be well, Be active