Mount Sparrowhawk… a 3rd Time!

Such pretty green among a sea of rocks
Such pretty green among a sea of rocks

I am a glutton for punishment. Why would I hike Mount Sparrowhawk for a third time??

Well, Sparrowhawk probably has the best summit views that I have ever seen in the Canadian Rockies, so even though the hike is quite epic, long and exhausting, it’s worth it. At 3121 metres (10,240 ft), it’s the highest peak in the area. The third time around, I was hopeful I would beat my time of 8.5 hours, but alas, we did not.

From Canmore, drive about 20 kilometres until you see the Sparrowhawk parking area on the right. The trailhead starts across the road near the signpost. After a short hike through the forest, there will be a cairn and a left turn. Someone has even created a sign so you know where to go. Then the hike to the summit is many hours away: through the forest and across a meadow; up the gully on the left side of Read’s Tower; across a huge expanse of rocks; and then a scree scramble to the summit. Do the hike on a  clear sunny day- again, the views are INCREDIBLE- but take lots of water (at least 3 litres) and many snacks. You’ll need them!

If you’re looking for a long day scramble, this is one not to be missed.

Look for the sign and turn left
Look for the sign and turn left
1) Hike through the forest to the meadow. 2) Hike up the gully to the left of Read's Tower. 3) Lots of rock. 4) Scree scramble to the top.
1) Hike through the forest to the meadow. 2) Hike up the gully to the left of Read’s Tower. 3) Lots of rock. 4) Scree scramble to the top.
The Spray Lakes provide an fantastic backdrop to the hike
The Spray Lakes provide a fantastic backdrop to the hike
Hiking up the rocky gully
Hiking up the rocky gully
Read's Tower: I still haven't scrambled it, but one day...
Read’s Tower: I still haven’t scrambled it, but one day…
It's a trilobite! (All fossils are trilobites in my eyes...)
It’s a trilobite! (All fossils are trilobites in my eyes…)
View of Memorial Lakes and Mount Boggart to the right
View of Memorial Lakes and Mount Boggart to the right
Mount Sparrowhawk. After so much rock, we're almost there. And by almost, I mean there's still a ways to go!
Mount Sparrowhawk. After so much rock, we’re almost there. And by almost, I mean there’s still a ways to go!
Some much needed shelter on a crazy windy descent
Some much needed shelter on a crazy windy descent
Snow cornice before the final scree ascent
Snow cornice before the final scree ascent
Mount Sparrowhawk has the best summit views I have ever seen. 360 degrees of mountains!
Mount Sparrowhawk has the best summit views I have ever seen. 360 degrees of mountains!

 

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Author: rickohikes

Avid hiker, mountain lover and fitness enthusiast with insatiable wanderlust. Usually battling with an injury and my mental health, but I always persevere!

2 thoughts on “Mount Sparrowhawk… a 3rd Time!”

  1. These photos look amazing as always! Want to come out there in the Fall and do some more hikes! Great photo post =)

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