There are several ways to hike to the top of Cox Hill. The most common route is from Dawson Trailhead on the Powderface Trail via the Tom Snow trail. I choose to take the Jumpingpound Ridge trail further south in Lusk Pass with a pullout for parking at the trail sign. Along the drive west from Calgary, south and west on the Sibbald Creek Trail and south on Powderface Trail, there are good views of Moose Mountain and nearby Cox Hill in Kananaskis Country.
Moose Mountain on photo left and Cox Hill on the right from Sibbald Creek Trail
Cox Hill from Sibbald Creek Trail in the Alberta Foothills
Sibbald - Jumpingpound Trail Sign and Self Portrait
The deceptive trail sign shows a straight line ascent. After crossing the creek, the excellent trail ascends a steep slope on long, broad, well-graded switchbacks.
Crossing the wooden bridge over Jumpingpound Creek at trail beginning on the way up to Jumpingpound Ridge
Wide, excellent, well-graded trail ascends on many switchbacks up the side of Jumpingpound Ridge
Near the top of the ridge, the trail levels and straightens over terrain reminiscent of ancient glacial moraine travelling through pine forest on the right and spruce forest on the left with sunlight through trees creating shadows over substantial deadfall. It is a mesmerizing and artistic display prior to arriving at the top of the ridge.
A trail view from the ascent of Jumpingpound Ridge over to Cox Hill, Alberta, Canada
The trail sign at the T-Junction about midway near the top of Jumpingpound Ridge
To the right is Jumpingpound Ridge which goes to the summit of Jumpingpound Mountain. To the left, Cox Hill Ridge leads to the summit of Cox Hill.
The beginning of descent into a valley (est loss of elev 950 ft) between me and Cox Hill in the distance.
Views along Cox Hill Ridge on the trail to the summit of Cox Hill.
Views along Cox Hill Ridge on the trail to the summit of Cox Hill.
Making the final approach to the summit of Cox Hill at 2,220 metres (7,283 ft)
A view of Moose Mountain from the summit of Cox Hill in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada
Cox Hill will forever be associated with Memorial Lakes when two planes went down near here on June 14, 1986 in the search for Orval Pall and Ken Wolff who crashed their Twin Otter plane near Guinn’s Pass.
A view towards Jumpingpound Mountain and the Fisher Range beyond
A view towards Jumpingpound Mountain and the Fisher Range beyond
A final view towards Moose Mountain prior to the return hike by the same route
Buddy ' chipmunk' tries to convince me to stay by placing his full body weight on my hiking poles
The hills are alive with the sound of spring flowers
The return hike is outstanding in the late afternoon sun. The slog through the valley is as expected and the even, downhill grade on the switchbacks is welcome.
A view of Jumpingpound Mountain from the top of the valley.
Tapestries of light and shadow over deadfall in pine forest
The day has warmed up substantially and a thermos of ice water mixed with Crystal Light Pink Lemonade hits the spot on the drive back to Calgary.
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Good morning, I live in Scotland but plan to go to Canada (Banff) on holiday next year. When trail running, are there any problems with bears or other aggressive “beasties”?
Regards Alfie
Alfred recently posted..Lower Bertha Falls – Waterton – Hiking Alberta
I am not a trail runner however, the danger of an unfortunate encounter with any animal is exacerbated by the element of surprise. There are countless articles on bear awareness including a post on my blog. Bears wander. That is what they do. They are opportunistic feeders and defend their young and their territory. You can check for trail alerts before you begin. If you make a lot of noise, bears will generally go out of their way to avoid contact. I make a lot of noise. I generally hike solo so the risk is increased. I have never had a problem but unfortunate incidents can happen. You will be moving at higher speed. This will increase the risk factor. I suggest you ask this same question on a blog called Banff Trail Trash who are trail runners extraordinaire. They will be better qualified than I am and may be able to counsel you on the very best trails for your level of expertise.
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