Parker Ridge II
May 10, 2015
Mountain
height: 2800 m
Elevation gain: 800 m
Snowshoeing
with Nicole.
It doesn’t take long to figure out why Parker
Ridge is an exceedingly popular trip year-round, even if it is a 3.5 hour drive
from Calgary: the ascent starts at treeline, has minimal elevation gain and
options to reach other highpoints, and of course the scenery is spectacular
from the moment you step out of the car.
I had always wanted to try this trip on snowshoes
and was lucky to be joined by Nicole.
Within 40 minutes we were on the ridge, taking in the breath-taking
views. The Saskatchewan Glacier was a treat to see, recalling a LONG day on Castleguard Mountain. As a
Saskatchewanite (?), Nicole was also thrilled to see a glacier named after her home
province!
We then headed west, towards the next
highpoint. Reaching a wide plateau, Nicole decided to hang back and engage in
more creative activities, while I continued on. The remainder of the ascent was
straightforward and the view from the summit, remarkable. For a few seconds, I
considered the traverse to the next highpoint (Mark and I had reached it in 2006), but
common sense (i.e. a desire to continue living) had fortuitously decided to
hang out with me at the summit and so we enjoyed the view together and then
returned (together) the same way I had ascended.
Reunited with Nicole, I was happy to see a
snowperson had been born in the interim. Still with time to spare and enough
energy, we then went to the closer east highpoint of the ridge, took in yet
another splendid view and then returned to the parking lot. A terrifically
scenic and enjoyable trip!
The start of the trip
Within 10 minutes of leaving the car, we are nearing treeline
Nigel Peak, to the northwest, is a terrific Kane scramble. So is Wilcox Peak at the far left
Mount Saskatchewan Junior (just right of centre) and Mount Saskatchewan in the background
Nicole on the ridge
Another view towards Mount Saskatchewan and company
Mount Athabasca (centre) and Hilda Peak (right)
Nicole and some of the unnamed mountains to the east
Losing a little elevation to check out the Saskatchewan Glacier
Continuing along the ridge
Nicole continues up the ridge while I go for the next summit
Distant Mount Bryce (left) and closer Mount Castleguard
A skier comes up the ridge
Beautiful snow scenery and Hilda Peak
The highpoint for the day sits between Athabasca and Hilda
The major highpoint just right of centre is part of the long ridge extending from the east side of Mount Athabasca
Mark and I reached the highpoint back in June of 2006
Great views in every direction
But Athabasca and Hilda receive most of the attention
Mount Athabasca
Summit view. Note the ski tracks coming down from the next highpoint
Reunited with Nicole
She had some time to build a snowman (person)
A pretty good one at that!
Two skiers coming down
Heading over to the east side of Parker Ridge
All smiles, as we enjoy the stellar weather and amazing views
View from the east peak of Parker Ridge
Last look at Castleguard and the infinitely long Saskatchewan Glacier.
The End
