Elevation: 2874 m
Degree of Difficulty:
Moderate
Time to Complete Round Trip:5 - 7 hours
Information:
A fun scramble with one notable feature, a natural arch not far from the summit. Don't be a fool and stand on the top of this arch like I did. The rock is very crumbly, as my friend Steve can attest, and it is bound to collapse one day. The results would be catastrophic, with a sheer drop on one side of the arch.
Where to Park:
On the Kananaskis Trail, Highway 40, park at the Highwood Meadows parking lot.
The Route:
Follow the interpretive trail for a few minutes, but turn left along a path that heads to the mountain. Refer to Kane's book if confused. This will lead you to Pocaterra Cirque. Make your way up to the Grizzly col. From here head up to the Arch window. I stupidly stood on top while my friend snapped a picture. Then he made his way up to have his picture taken. He pulled himself with one hand into the arch to pose, and hopped up to stand on a higher rock. The rock came loose and he fell down into the narrow gully right over the cliff. Miraculously he was able to stop before going over the edge! A good wake up call for both of us, the dangers being highlighted with this one frightening episode. Please always be careful up in the mountains, and never let your guard down. (Refer to Alan Kane's book, "Scrambles in the Canadian Rockies", under the section "Hazards". Take it seriously!!)
After you get to the summit, enjoy the views and return the same way.
