Warning: if you’re looking for a 5.10c, multi-pitch ascent that can be done in crampons, then you’re out of luck with this one.
This multi-day ascent of Black Cow Hill is intended as a conditioner for more athletic endeavors later in the summer; it will also help you shake down your equipment, see where the blisters form on your feet, and encourage
you to enjoy some delightful and varied front range scenery.
We will ascend about 2000’+ and ramble some 12-15 km most days, usuaally on trails; we will try to camp high up to enjoy the views and escape the mosquitoes.
The only possible perils might be a couple of stream crossings (bring wading shoes), snowpack (consider carrying light snowshoes), the odd cranky bear (spray & bangers advisable), and rain. I will be carrying a satphone just in case it becomes essential to bail (there are several
places capable of vehicular access). I have waited to post this trip until a spate of stable weather appeared on the forecast horizon, and I am suggesting a Monday start simply because I have the following week off and other plans for the previous weekend.
Ok, so here’s a suggested and more detailed plan:
Day 1: hike up Cox Hill and camp at the S end of
Jumpingpound Mt.
Day 2: descend Jumpingpound; traverse Powderface
Peak/Ridge; descend to the Elbow road, cross the Elbow
River (bridge), ford the Little Elbow; ascend Forgetmenot
and camp at the S end. Note: if the ford is impassible,
we will have to hike up the trail and cross at the bridge
near Burns Crk and backtrack to the Three-Point trail).
Day 3: descend Forgetmenot, ford Three Point Creek;
bushwhack (light) up Black Cow Hill; camp.
Day 4: follow trails around the S end of Volcano Ridge
(pick-up vehicle could be placed on Gorge Crk road);
follow trails and open ridges to Sandy McNabb.
Note #1: I will take care of arranging a pick-up vehicle.
Note #2: We may wish to take an extra day’s food in case the pace over four days is too strenuous for this early in the season.
Remember: no ‘hard’ men (or women), no mountain
racers, and no suffer machines need apply. This trip is intended for those who enjoy wildflowers.
Required Items to Bring:
Overnight gear, including if possible a one-person tent;
food for 4-5 days; bear spray/banger; wading
shoes/boots; hiking poles; dry and warm clothes; whatever
other hiking gear and amenities you might desire
Recommended Items to Bring:
Light snowshoes; headlamp; sense of humour; treats for the
leader
How to Get There:
Event Directions:
Take the road to Sibbald Flats, turn S on the Powderface Rd,
at the sign (about 3 km) turn left into Dawson
*Cancellation Policy*: If a participant is unable to attend a paid course or trip, there will be no refund unless the participant finds a suitable replacement that is acceptable to the trip coordinator. Acceptable waiting list candidates will have priority. It will then be the participant's responsibility to recover funds from the replacement. If the coordinator cancels an event, participants get a refund (less any non-recoverable costs). Note that ACC National does not refund hut fees due to weather, delay, closures, or any other reasons. The Calgary Section of the ACC is a not for profit club and we only charge attendees what it costs us to provide courses or trips.
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Registration for this event closed on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 05:00 PM.