Wasootch Peak

On my first hike of the season post-Covid restrictions along Porcupine Creek, I had dinner while looking at Wasootch Peak, thinking I could make it my first summit of the season. While I attempted other summits before getting here, they were all snow-bound and I had to retreat down every time. But two weeks later, the conditions were good and the timing was perfect for me to give it a shot.

Wasootch Peak shares its trail with its neighbor Kananaskis Peak for a while before turning left along its numerous ridges.

Wasootch Peak with the summit just above the snow patch on the left.

As soon as the trail emerged from the thick forest, wildflowers started to cover the ground. It was beautiful.

Pulsatilla Ludoviciana – Pasque Flower

Along the cliff that seperates Wasootch Peak and Kananaskis Peak, I was greeted by these two Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep right on the trail. They looked surprised at first but one of the two quickly went back to eating grass while the other one kept an eye on me.

He was either fascinated by my wild beard or perhaps just curious? Anyhow, I had to skirt off-trail to give him his space and while he let me walked through, his eyes were locked on mine the entire time. They are beautiful creatures. I thanked them to share their space with me.

Stunning views of Mount Kidd to the south.

Early in the hike you can easily see the path you’ll be taking to reach the summit. Once out of the trees, a series of rocky ridges and steep scree slopes will need to be negotiated to stand on the very top.

The majority of the trail was snow-free but it seemed like every snow patch was located in a tricky spot where slick evening snow conditions made it a little unstable to walk through.

From left to right, Mount Kidd, Ribbon Peak and a glimpse of Mount Allan with the Nakiska Ski Resort slopes on its south face.

I really enjoyed the more technical sections that required scrambling. The rocks were dry and I always had good footings.

After hiking, climbing and scrambling all the ridges, I was left with the last section. It was by far the toughest stretch. The wind was picking up and it was cold. Gaining 500ft of elevation over a distance of just 250m on extremely loose scree proved to be a good physical and mental challenge.

Just when I thought I had reach the summit of Wasootch Peak, I had a last obstacle… a 15ft long snowy ridge with exposure on each side. Good for me the horde of people who had been here before me today had left a perfect path for me to step in. My only concern was how slippery and soft the snow was. But I walked slowly and finally reached the summit. My first true summit of the season!

North summit of Wassotch Peak

Looking north: Barrier Lake and Mount Baldy on the right.

Porcupine Ridge with Midnight and Midday Peaks at the back.

Wasootch Ridge and Kananakis Peak on the right.

I only stayed on the summit for a few minutes. The relentless wind made it hard to enjoy my time up there. I was cold because of my sweaty base layer so I wasted no time down the scree run. I chose to stop for a snack lower down the main ridge where the wind was way calmer and the views as equally beautiful.

The Kananaskis River was what I was looking at. From above, no doubt that I had a future packrafting trip in mind for this river!

Almost at the bottom of the mountain was a creek draining all the melting snow from the gully between Wasootch and Kananaskis Peaks. I left the trail at this point and followed it down all the way back to the trailhead. It was quite a mess… packed with deadfalls and I believe this was also the result of the 2013 floods.

Back at the truck, I decided to drive down south for a while to get a good view of what I had just climbed.

Fisher Peak, along Highway 40.

And there it is, Wasootch Peak in all its glory at sunset.

It made me really proud to think that I was on top of it just an hour earlier. I’ve said it before, I am a hiker way before I am a mountain climber. But I am happy that in a way, COVID-19 has forced me to try and discover new things.

Mount Lorette and the Kananaskis River.

I was starving and spent the rest of the evening eating and relaxing near Porcupine Creek. I ate my favorite backcountry meal, my homemade dehydrated bolognese pasta dish with mushrooms and Tabasco sauce. Delicious!

Before rehydration.

After rehydration.

I watched the sunset and left just a little after dark with a couple of ideas in mind to continue my mountain climbing in the next few days.