Horton Hill

      
 
February 23, 2025
 
Mountain height: 1725 m
Elevation gain:    352 m
Ascent time:        0:50
Descent time:      0:50
 
Hiking with Mark. 
 
Somewhat surprisingly, we both thoroughly enjoyed this short jaunt up Horton Hill, well described in Gillean Daffern’s Kananaskis Country Trail Guide, Volume 1, 5th Edition. The Hill was not the original objective as we drove in. However, rain, snow, and next to zero visibility was cause to downgrade to something short, easy, and not terribly scenic. 
 
Basically following Bob Spirko’s GPS track we made our way up the lightly forested slopes. Views were very limited, but again we both enjoyed the ease of travel and occasional glimpse of the surroundings.
 
Knowing the summit was almost all treed, we didn’t have the usual negative reaction associated with viewless summits. There was an opening a short distance down the ridge, however, the miserable weather persisted and the view was lacklustre.
 
We did have a little of clearing on descent, necessitating a short detour over to the north side of the hill to check it out. This was definitely the highlight of the day. Clouds rolled in and out for the remainder of the descent.  
 
At stated, a very enjoyable little trip, even with the horrible weather.



Typical weather and views for the trip



Traversing right, onto an open slope



Open, but not for long



Mount Baldy is in and out of the clouds throughout the trip



Brief patch of Sun on McConnell Ridge



The source



The only rock band we encountered



The odd patch of blue sky was cause for some guarded optimism



Same as above



A glimpse of peaks to the northwest



Gap Peak



Mount Fable



Mount Yamnuska is always instantly recognizable



Enjoying the clearest skies of the day



At least the clouds are offering some entertainment



Baldy disappears again



Grotto Mountain immediately right of Barrier Mountain (Yates)



Everything to the northwest



The only view of Barrier Lake we got



Same as above with lots more



The Sun tries to break through the clouds



Taking in the last of the views



Baldy is back, but that was short-lived again

The End

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