The Ribbon Creek area of Kananaskis Country, Alberta is a central reference point for a large variety of excellent hikes. On this day, I have been invited to join two workplace colleagues, Cheyenne and Justin. We shall hike Hidden Trail from the Ribbon Creek parking area near the confluence of Ribbon Creek with Kananaskis River near Nakiska in the shadow of Mount Kidd and Mount Allan. There are many options we can choose from the Hidden Trail trailhead. I am the first to arrive and enjoy a few minutes taking these photographs from the Ribbon Creek parking area.
Mount Kidd from the Ribbon Creek parking lot in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada
Ribbon Creek in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada
Hidden Trail is an old coal mining road which begins at the kiosk near the Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel. Quite frankly, it is not all that well hidden.
Our trek takes us west and north up gentle, consistent grade road to the junction with the Centennial Trail heading left (west) to the Coal Mine Scar. We decide to continue straight on less used road and after a short offtrail foray into meadow, and a bushwhack back to the trail, we arrive at the location of an old mining cabin.
Nearby, trees host evidence bears have recently marked territory here. A short walk from the old, metal-clad cabin we discover the remnants of the water well, littered with debris from decades past.
Our trail leads to Coal Mine Scar, a reclaimed coal strip mining operation. Although I have been here many times. I have not previously noticed the lifespan markings on a smooth boulder near the top of Coal Mine Scar. I am curious. From this vantage point, there are spectacular views of the Kananaskis Valley.
Coal Mine Scar is a grassy field created after the open-pit coal mine closed in 1952 and was filled in to create the large meadow which is a landmark on the southeast flank of Mount Allan. It is a welcome, homeward-bound marker on the descent from Olympus Summit on Mount Allan which hosts Nakiska and the incredible Centennial Ridge Trail in the shadow of 3,107 m (10.194 ft) Mount Lougheed.
Coal Mine Scar is our place to enjoy lunch in the sun. Justin scrambles to explore the face of the ridge while Cheyenne and I enjoy solo walks down the slope of the grassy plain.
Justin, scrambling the upper wall at Coal Mine Scar in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada
Cheyenne returning from her solo hike at Coal Mine Scar with Mount Kidd in the background.
This brief video will share the panoramic view of the Kananaskis Valley we are enjoying from Coal Mine Scar. The expansive panorama brings back fond memories of many hikes, over many years in this spectacular area of Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada.
Following lunch, we decide to increase altitude on the Centennial Trail which climbs aggressively through forest onto steep, grassy slopes. There is time to relax and absorb the incredible scenery.
Photo by Justin – Yours truly on the ascent of South Mount Allan with Mount Kidd behind.
Justin and Cheyenne studying the surrounding topography of Kananskis Valley
From this day’s high point on Mount Allan, the huge meadow of Coal Mine Scar is minimized below us. I illustrate the Sherpa Step. We rest and appreciate the sun, the fresh breeze, good company and the good fortune we have to be in close proximity to the natural wonders of Kananaskis Country in Alberta.
We return to Ribbon Creek the way we came and make our separate ways back to Calgary. It has been a grand day and a pleasant departure from my customary mode of hiking solo.
Free subscription to Hiking With Barry
Hiking along Hidden Trail a number of years back, heading to find the coal mine, was the first time I ever had a grizzly encounter. We were only 30 minutes into the hike when the bear crashed out of the bushes onto the trail about 25 feet ahead of us. We were new to hiking and did not have a clue about anything bear related. We did everything we should not have done but thank goodness we lived to tell about it. It even made the newspaper. The following morning, I had about an hour phone call from a park warden who told me everything I need to know for the next time it happens, and he pretty much said there will be a next. Well, there have been many more encounters but now I know what not to do! I have only been up that trail one time since and that was to hike Mount Allan.
Andra recently posted..Exceeding When The Chips Are Down!
Yes, that would be a character builder. The day we were on Hidden Trail recently, there were many signs of bear activity including marked trees and a lot of poop in offtrail meadows, but we had no visuals with bears. Today I had an excellent black bear encounter on the return hike from Hummingbird Plume Lookout. I popped out of the forest into a clearing at one of the trail junctions and the bear was scracthing in the ground for food about 10 m to my front right. The bear was not aware of my presence because of nearby rushing water drowning out the sound. I did a ‘Yo bear’ and the bear and I looked at each other for a few seconds. I spoke softly and took two slow steps backward and stopped. The bear accepted this as an invitation to retreat. Normally the bear runs away in the opposite direction. This adult and very beautiful black bear ran across the trail in front of me and disappeared into the forest on my left. I waited for half a minute then proceeded with my descent hike. I hollered ‘Yo bear’ several times over the next few minutes so the bear would be aware of my location and return to the feeding area when comfortable. It was a good sighting. We all got along. There are several good books on the market and I think everyone should read one. Like you, I did not, at the beginning and I have been lucky. Now, because I hike solo most of the time, I make sure the animals are aware of my presence. In my experience they will stay out of the way. Today was special. A very good experience.
That looks like an especially pretty hike Barry – especially with new lime green foliage. What a hike for expansive views. I had planned to cross country ski here in the winter but someone never made it – next year.
Leigh recently posted..An Outstanding Shoulder Season Hike Near Banff, Alberta
There are a labyrinth of trails in the area but the hike up the south side of Mount Allan is particularly scenic. In summer, the hike across Centennial Ridge is a special experience. Thanks for your comment, Leigh.
Great pictures. This brings back good memories of our Mount Allan traverse. It seems there is still quite a bit of snow at higher altitudes. Do you notice any difference this year? I would like to hike the Centennial Ridge again one day. This area of Kananaskis is very beautiful.
Thanks for your comment, Bill. The snow pack is heavy and lingering in this year’s weather patterns and there are increased bear encounters at lower elevations because the bears are waiting for the snow to melt so they can gain altitude and feed higher on the mountains. The patch on Mount Cornwall has not yet begun to take shape. There are signs the pace is increasing and runoff is heavy. Kananaskis Country is an incredible natural resource and well managed for preservation, human enjoyment and commercial development, in my opinion. Not everyone would agree but everyone never agrees with anything. Thanks for your kind words. Glad you enjyed the photos. I thought many times of our Mount Allan traverse on this hike with Justin and Cheyenne.
Pingback: Mount Kidd Lookout - Kananaskis Country - Hiking Alberta
Pingback: Mount Allan Traverse– Kananaskis – Hiking Alberta
Pingback: 10 More Great Kananaskis Trail Hikes - Hiking Alberta