* Day hike. Out-and-back. No signs, but fairly distinct path.
* Difficulty: Moderate / challenging hike
* Distance: Roughly 11-13 kms (5-7 hrs total)
* Elevation gain: At least 800 m
* Trailhead: On Hwy 40 (Wasootch Day Area parking lot)
* Dogs: On leash (no warning for fines)
I’m kicking off this article with a quote meant for all of you: «Tell everyone that your very smart boyfriend thinks that this is a Top 5 Hike in Kananaskis». Ta-dah! You’ve been informed.
So what makes this hike so much fun? Well, you’ll have non-stop views throughout, once you’re up onto the first hump. It’s the hike that keeps on giving! You’ll trek up and down 4 or 5 peaks, so there’s a lot of diversity. Think of it like walking along the back of a brontosaurus. The wind adds a fun challenge and may very well push you slightly off kilter, so hold onto your hats and your sandwiches.
You’re definitely into the moderate hiking zone here. Wasootch Ridge isn’t really for beginners and might test your nerves if you’re afraid of heights. There are very few exposures for most of this hike (until the scramble at the end, which is completely avoidable), but it is a ridge walk and the trail can be narrow at times.
I am afraid of heights (Can you say vertigo ?) and I haven’t been concerned both times I did this hike, but… I don't think it’s suitable for young children. The occasional steepness is prohibitive for the wee ones. And I’ve seen a few enthusiastic dogs go bottom-over-head on the steep forest trail.
Wasootch Ridge is maintained by Alberta Parks but there is no signage throughout the hike. The trail is fairly straightforward; just keep to the top of the ridge and don’t hang out too close to its edges. If there’s a hint of snow at the parking lot, bring crampons and gaiters. Keep in mind that this is a great spring hike as the snow melts relatively early in the season.
Make sure you purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass (the annual pass is 90$ with two registered cars); the fine for parking without one is 150.00 $. Before setting out, check the Kananaskis Country Trail Report for possible trail closures and warnings; you are in grizzly territory. Hike in a group and bring your bear spray.
Lastly, I do find hiking poles to be helpful, as I tend to lean too far forward when walking uphill and they help my knees on the way back down. They also provided extra traction with the steeper sections on this trail.
OK, let’s check it out!
TRAIL DESCRIPTION
The trail begins at the sign near the large parking lot (behind the picnic table), leads into the trees and immediately shoots up. Follow the trail uphill through the forest and use the occasional tree to pull yourself up (they’ll be useful to catch yourself on your way down). Check out how quickly you gain elevation; the valley bottom is visible throughout.
You’ll reach the top of the first hump after 20-25 minutes. Some flat walking will give you the chance to breathe and take in the sights before starting your ascent of the 2nd hump. You’ll likely hear people walking down below along Wasootch Creek, as the canyon walls reverberate rather clearly. Not a great place to share secrets.
It’ll take a good 40 minutes of uphill walking to get to the top of the 2nd hump. I think this is the most tedious part of the hike, though you’ll have several flat areas to catch your breath. The top of the 2nd hump is lengthy, so you’ll walk a good 20 minutes with a few ups and downs. The views here start to make your efforts worth it.
To be honest, I stopped keeping track of all the ups and downs after the 3rd hump. Just be prepared to rollercoaster up and down the ridge; everything mellows out after you’ve crowned the mighty 2nd hump.
Keep your eyes on your feet; stop walking before gazing around at the view. As much as this ridge isn’t hugely exposed, you don’t want to trip. Death by rubbernecking? No thanks.
We’ve never made it to the summit of Wasootch Peak (ran out of time on both tries), and there’s no need for an official place to stop. When you’ve had enough, turn around and head back down the way you came. (The views are amazing at the 4th hump, if that helps).
If you wish to keep going and summit Wasootch Peak, you can scramble along an exposed arête that looks like a dinosaur’s crete on your way to the peak. Not gonna lie, it looks a bit intimidating. From the cairn, Wasootch Peak is another 1.6 kms and an extra 250 m in elevation (give yourself two hours to summit and get back to the cairn).
Wasootch Ridge is another gem of a hike to check off your list in beautiful Kananaskis Country, Alberta. I hope you enjoy it enough to place it into your Top 5 Kananaskis hikes!
See you on the trails.
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