Victoria Ridge

Victoria Ridge – May 21, 2006

Mountain height:       approx. 2,300 m (7,544 ft)
Elevation gain:          approx. 850 m
Roundtrip time:         8:50

Scrambling with Linda.

This could very well be the best ridgewalk I’ve ever done (and I’m sure Linda would agree): astounding colours and breath-taking scenery throughout, that were second to none.

The day got off to a decidedly bizarre and frustrating start. We left Calgary at 7 am and drove into the West Castle area, with the intention of trying Southfork Mountain. It seemed the only obstacle was fording the West Castle River, about 5 minutes into the trip. Unfortunately, the river may have been swimmable, but it was far from fordable. We retreated immediately and decide to try Cloudy Ridge via its east ridge. Again, we started along a trail but soon turned around as an easier route became clear. That route was blocked by a gate and a “No Trespassing” sign and so again, we abandoned the attempt.

Our last options were Prairie Bluffs or Whistler Mountain. When we arrived at the Prairie Bluffs trailhead, however, a sign outlined a route up Victoria Ridge. Given that the trip was only 12 km roundtrip, with a mere 550 m of elevation gain, we opted to cut our losses and give it a go. We finally got under way at the depressingly late start time of 1:45 pm, almost 7 hours after leaving Calgary.

In truth, my expectations for the trip were not very high, having ascended much higher peaks in the surroundings area - Victoria Peak, Drywood Mountain and Pincher Ridge (almost!). I should know better than to underestimate any trip in the beautiful Castle area.

After 5 km of easy and pleasant hiking, highlighted by great views of Pincher Ridge to our left and Victoria Peak to our right, the well-worn trail curved right and we started to gain elevation. Higher up, deep snow covered the trail and it became difficult to follow. We lost it (and our bearings) a couple of times, but with some searching and a bit of good luck, found the trail, as it crossed underneath the steep walls of a very prominent outlier of Victoria Peak. When the trail disappeared under a thick blanket of snow, out came the ice axes. The slope was somewhat steep here, and a slip would have resulted in a rather long involuntary glissade. Linda was particularly excited to try out her new lightweight, Black Diamond axe. The snow slope was easily traversed, getting us back onto the pleasant, snow-free trail.

At this point, we both became a little confused to where Victoria Ridge was actually located. We had far surpassed the 6 km mark (one way distance) and the end of the trail or a highpoint was nowhere in sight. We continued on the trail for a while, but soon, it seemed prudent to turn right and gain the ridge above us, via a steep slope. Again, the axes were needed, though the slope was quite short. This was a good decision – the view that awaited us atop the ridge was spectacular: a mind-boggling array of colours on shapely Pincher Ridge, the most striking forms of Windsor Mountain and Castle Peak, Victoria Ridge extending in graceful lines to the south and sharp, jagged ones to the north, and a host of other long, colourful ridges and beautiful peaks. We took a long break, enjoying the phenomenal panorama.

It now became clear that although we were on Victoria Ridge, the trail led to a low pass, a little further south. A very prominent peak stood above the pass and seemed like a worthwhile objective, however, it was quite far away and the ridge to the north, towards Victoria Peak, looked equally inviting (and much shorter!).

This ridgewalk was by far the highlight of the day. The colourful views of Pincher Ridge continued to mesmerize us and the almost alarming variety on rock Victoria Ridge itself was unbelievable. Of course, lingering snow patches and beautifully clear skies added further to the astounding scenery. We reached the first highpoint, where yet another amazing view was revealed - this time, it was the west side of Victoria Peak, that, like Pincher Ridge, boasted graceful contours and vibrant colours. The jagged intervening ridge between the highpoint and the Peak was also breathtaking - a precipitous drop on the right side contrasted beautifully with the gentle and colourful slopes of the left. Traversing this ridge was one incredible scene after another. It was one of the most gratifying ridgewalks I’d ever experienced.

Unfortunately, it had to end, because that was what the day was doing. We started the descent at 8 pm, expecting to complete the trip in the dark. Thankfully, we were able to find a fast and easy escape off the mountain and made good time on the easy trail (complete with old grizzly diggings), back to the car. We finished the day at 10:35 pm. A thoroughly outstanding trip that we will both not soon forget.