52. Wind Ridge

Distance: 15.4km return
Elevation gain: 762 m

June 30 we biked and hiked to the Ice caves with Naylis and Skyler to celebrate Skyler's birthday. It was a workout, especially biking to the caves but we were still ready to do another  hike on July 2 to help us get in shape for an upcoming Assiniboine adventure and because we had heard of this beautiful hike which was not too far away. The trailhead was by Deadman's Flats with Pigeon Mountain and Centennial Ridge, both of which we had done and would see again from Wind Ridge.

So July 2, at 9:10 we started up to Wind Ridge after taking this picture of the distant ridge from the parking lot.

First we walked along a stream damaged from the flood and repaired with various quality bridges.

Then through the forest (Herm only found one ripe strawberry) and finally out to the open meadows with grass, steep slopes, the ridge before us and beautiful flowers all around us.

Fleabane and gallardia dotted the hillside, along with white yarrow, roses,pussytoes, stonecrop, scorpion weed etc. Higher up were a variety of saxifrage in the rocks.

Perhaps it was the time of year, but numerous butterflies livened our trek through the open areas, blues, fritillaries, white admirals, white and yellow sulphurs, swallowtails, and others we don't know because they wouldn't sit still long enough. The yellow sulphurs made the most contrast with the green grass but the orange and spotted fritillaries were the most numerous.

As we climbed we paid attention to Wind Pass beside us and noted the small mountain peak peeping through.

We had been warned repeatedly of the crux we needed to climb to get up on the ridge and were a little leery but if others could do it, we would try.

 As we ate our apples restoring our energy for the climb, some hikers came by from the right and told us there was a much easier access around the corner. We checked it out and sure enough it was nothing we hadn't done before, steep with lots of grip spots. We were thankful especially for not having to go down the cliff face.

Once we were up on top of the ridge, the view of Exshaw and the Bow River were expansive. Even Banff Resort is visible on the right.

The mountain views from the ridge were fantastic. The ridge was covered with grass and very friendly feeling. One fellow hiker at the peak took our picture in front of the Three Sisters.

We looked over at Wind Pass from the top of the ridge and could see a lot more now.

After a warm hour eating, sunbathing and swatting the pesky flies we went down. The forecast clouds were nowhere in sight.

It was hard to believe we hadn't noticed this blue-eyed grass right along the trail on our way up.