The early day drive west from Calgary holds promise for a variably sunny day and the 50 KM (31 mile) drive south on Kananaskis Trail is on good road under lightly overcast sky. As always, the views never cease to amaze me and I collect a few photos of The Fortress for my son, Bill, to enjoy. They bring back good memories for us from August of 2002. Some of the best views are from Wedge Pond beneath The Wedge in Kananaskis Country, Alberta.
The Fortress from Kananaskis Trail
Mount Kidd from Boundary Ranch in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada
The Fortress from Kananaskis Trail near Wedge Pond in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.
The Fortress across Wedge Pond in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.
There are sweeping views over mist trapped in the Kananaskis Valley. The Fisher Range of mountains is on my left and the Opal Range is on the right. It is a practiced art to drive safely, keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy this spectacular scenery, all at the same time. At the winter closure gate (December 15 to June 14), near the junction of King Creek and Kananaskis Lakes Road, there are plowed spaces for parking at the gate.
View into King Creek Canyon near the winter closure gate in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.
The winter closure of Kananaskis Trail is the beginning of the Wintour Snowshoe Trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.
I don the gear to continue my journey along Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40) on snowshoes. The sun is beginning to peek around the mountains on my left, causing the camera to rebel against the broad range of light and stark contrast.
Looking down on the Pocaterra Power Plant in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.
The trail is well packed on snow which is not very deep. The tips of my hiking poles are frequently striking the pavement underneath, where wind has swept away surface layers of snow. The view of mist in Kananaskis Valley is a recurring image and is very beautiful and mesmerizing as the heat of the sun gains strength and the mist gently begins to rise. The broad road provides intermittent sweeping vistas worthy of the time to stop and enjoy.
At the turnoff to Elpoca Mountain viewpoint and Opal Creek Waterfall, I decide to turn around. The trail continues south but I must be close to where avalanche risk terminates safe travel without the appropriate gear and training. I am snowshoeing solo this day. The following photos are captured on the return snowshoe over the same trail. The best views are near the beginning of the Wintour Trail.
The Opal Range on photo left and the Fisher Range to the right on this return snowshoe along the Wintour Trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.
There are several artistic photographic image opportunities on the return snowshoe as the sun swings around to the west. There is great beauty here. Elevation gains and losses are subtle and sweeping bends open revised views.
Roadside creeks under the snow create moguls enhanced by contrast from the low angle of the sun.
A water seep over rock along the east side of the Kananaskis Trail in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.
Ripples on this rock at road side on the Kananaskis Trail suggest this vertical slab, long ago, may have been horizontal and under water near the shore of a shallow sea or river bottom.
As I near the end of my Wintour Trail Snowshoe, traffic signs, relevant in the spring, summer and fall, announce my arrival as I enjoy magnificent views north through Kananaskis Valley. From a substantial distance, I can see my car is still there. That is always reassuring.
This is an ideal first snowshoe for someone learning new skills. To be perfectly honest, it is too much effort for too little reward. I turned around on expended time, over monotonous terrain and becoming bored with the process. Expansive views are spectacular but intermittent and redundant. The wide road is highly exposed to wind and, when chilling wind is an issue, should probably be exchanged for another nearby trail alternative where forest provides shelter. It was not an issue for me on this day. On the south leg there was no chilling breeze and on the return north a gentle, developing breeze provided an encouraging push against my back.
The Wintour Trail is 5 KM (3.1 mile) relatively linear trail on a wide road with 75 m (246 ft) of elevation. A map of the Wintour Trail Snowshoe route can be found on page 2 of the Alberta Parks Maps link.
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That’s another snowshoe tour I’ve never heard of that looks lovely. It may have to wait till next year. You have some great photos in this lot.
Leigh recently posted..Snow and Ice Equals Winter in Canada
Thanks for your comment, Leigh. Yes, there are plenty of excellent snowshoe routes. Several winter seasons are required and the more you do, the more you find. We are very fortunate to live so close to these winter adventures. There is a lifetime of joy for those who choose to start. For me, better to live my own life than to watch someone else live theirs.
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