Bull

Creek  
Hills

November 8, 2009

Mountain height:         2179 m
Elevation gain:            approx. 800 m
Roundtrip time:           6 hours          

Hiking with Mark.

A white-knuckled drive down the length of Highway 40 preceded this hike. We didn’t have a specific objective in mind when turning south onto the road, but were hoping something in the Highwood area would look appealing. Nothing did, however, because the entire area was socked in and the snow was coming down. In search of better weather, we continued south towards the Holy Cross Mountain area. Clear skies loomed over Bull Creek Hills and so that became the day’s objective. We didn’t have a route description, but the Gem-Trek map depicted a trail up one side of the mountain and down the other.

 

The scenery was very pleasant from the beginning, thanks in large part to clear skies and fresh snow. In addition, strong winds ripping through the entire area lifted huge plumes of snow from the ground, further enhancing the experience. At lower elevation, this wind was refreshing….higher up…not so!

Although views on the mountain itself were not what one would call breath-taking, there were several scenes which did fit the description, including a lone, dead tree hanging off the side of a small embankment; the tree’s orientation an obvious testament to the strength of the wind in the area. The gusting wind continued to violently transport snow across the slopes in huge quantities, as we followed the easy terrain up.

 

At higher elevations, the refreshing wind became a vicious, biting cold one. Travel consisted of running from one group to trees to the next to find any kind of shelter from the wind and blowing snow. I didn’t even stop at the summit to look around, but instead jumped over a snow bank to the north side of the ridge, where the wind and cold were less severe.

After warming up and taking a few seconds to absorb the fine view of Holy Cross Mountain, we continued heading west, in order to complete a loop route. The map depicted a trail going to Grass Pass, but we decided to follow Fir Creek out to the highway.

An excellent day on a terrific shoulder-season route.

     


Starting off


An interesting tree near the road


The tree and the Moon


More branches


The first highpoint ahead


Same as above


The first signs of windy conditions


Same as above


The Tree


Checking out The Tree in calm conditions


Same as above in not so calm conditions


Mark tests the remaining strength of the tree


More snow violence


Same as above


Looking east to the foothills and prairies


One of many stints taking shelter from the wind behind a tree


Another way to avoid the brunt of the wind


Snow piled high by the wind


Same as above with more blowing snow


Heading to the summit


Mark at the summit


Taking photos of Mark at the summit, while I cower behind a snow bank


Same as above


Same as above


Holy Cross Mountain


More cool snow scenery


Descending


Traversing


Holy Cross Mountain again


Snow blowing off the summit ridge of Holy Cross


Clouds and Mount Head


Getting ready to descend to Fir Creek


The pleasant surroundings of Fir Creek


LOG