Although the days are getting shorter and colder, the mountains remain open and available for adventure. When my friend Adriane decided to put together a group to hike Pocaterra Ridge in the Highwood Pass area, I immediately said yes. I don’t do a ton of winter hiking, so this was a chance to complete another scramble and hike in my favourite playground before the snow hits. I had visited the area a few weeks prior to see the larches, and Pocaterra Ridge certainly makes a wonderful larch hike around the third week of September. Regardless, the scenery of Highwood Pass can’t be beat any time of year.
We completed Pocaterra Ridge as a shuttle hike. With two cars for the four of us, we parked one car at the Little Highwood Pass parking area on highway 40 and then headed to the main Highwood Pass parking lot to begin the hike for a south to north traverse. With 10 plus kilometres of forest, larches, four peaks, mountain and valley views, and a stream to cross, there’s no shortage of variety. The ascending and descending over the four peaks will also give your legs a great workout. Every day is leg day in the mountains…
Glad you’re having a great time hiking through my home province. I was too young when I lived there to enjoy this aspect of it, you’ve inspired me to explore more of my geographical/environmental roots.
These mountains are roots that you must explore! You certainly will not be disappointed. It’s interesting how we can travel to other ends of the world, but leave so much of home to still explore…
Amazing pictures. Looks so different when there is no snow! :)
What a great hike before winter comes! I’ve never been to the Canadian Rockies. They are beautiful!
Thanks for reading! I highly recommend a visit to the Canadian Rockies. I may be biased, but some of the most impressive mountains I’ve ever seen :)
I admire the photos and experience you have,I cannot agree more what you said that we” need to slow down and smell the proverbial roses, and the world will give back in kind for the soul” for we are droped in a world where needs a soul to appreciate the beauty of the life.
Thanks! Sounds like we’re definitely on the same page…