Today’s mountain view comes from the summit of Mount St. Piran, high above the water and crowds of Lake Louise. With rewarding views of the lake below, Mount Fairview, and a snow-capped Mount Temple, what’s there not to love?
As an introvert, I try to venture out to the mountains for a solo thinky trip at least once a summer. It allows me to be at one with myself and my thoughts while surrounded by pristine natural beauty. This hike was one of those trips. Continue reading “Gratitude on Mount St. Piran”
For some reason, the south peak of Opal Ridge is a scramble I had forgotten about, so when a friend suggested we hike it, I was total on board. Four of us headed to the Fortress Junction Service Station on Highway 40 in Kananaskis and geared up, ready for a long day. From the north side of the parking lot, we headed north through the grass and crossed over the drainage creek to start the ascent on trail that leads to the top (Note: You want to be on the left side, or north, of the drainage as you ascend). This one has it all: a steep ascent, loose and large rocks on which to scramble, lovely wildflowers, a grassy meadow before the last push (equipped with the perfect rock on which to have lunch!), and then a final hike up to the south peak with views of the surrounding valleys and mountains that will leave you breathless. As an added bonus, you can scree down parts of the descent. Squeee for the scree! Photos don’t do it justice, but it’ll give a pretty good idea of the awesomeness to expect. 
HIKES & HAMSTRINGS 