71. Pickle Jar Lakes

Distance: 9 km
Elevation gain: 442 m

Tuesday, July 31, we got up early and drove to a day use area near the trailhead. There, in the sunshine, beside a creek we had a leisurely breakfast and start to the day. It was much warmer than in our wooded campsite. We had done this hike before but needed to refresh our memories. Since fishing was now catch and release and since I had given up fishing from my bucket list, we just hiked up for a look.
The flowers on the slopes were perfect, especially the fleabane.

Much of the climbing trail was on the side of open slopes.

We remembered an extremely steep section but now found that switchbacks replaced it. Still steep, but they brought us to the first lake where several people were fishing.

A short distance further was the second lake.

Then we continued to the third lake.

We had to walk around it along the scree and through clouds of fleas to get to the fourth lake.

Here we ate our lunch and took the picture.

70. Mist Ridge

Distance: about 16 km (walk on ridge)
Elevation gain: about 800 km

Monday, July 30, we set out for Mist Ridge, anticipating the pleasures of a new hike. There were only 3 others on the trail, a welcome peace from Sunday.
We started out on an easy walk through alders.

After a few kilometers the trail opened up and we could see our switchbacks up ahead.

This trail had lots of open slope, a favourite feature of mine.

One of the many flowers along the trail was the umbrella plant, in it's prime.

Finally our first view of the ridge in the distance. Soon we were up on top.

Mist Mountain could be seen across the valley. It was quite distinctive with its rows of corrugated rock.

After a beautiful hike along the crest of the ridge we returned to the cairn at the south summit for our photo.

Since it was a hot day, being on top of the ridge was the perfect setting.
We decided to go back the way we had come and see the sights again. This time a baby grouse surprised us along the trail. We watched as it made its way back to mom. There is always something different to see. Great hike!

69. Hidden Lake

Distance: 8km return?
Elevation gain: negligible

July 29, Sunday afternoon we went to Kananaskis to camp and enjoy 3 hikes.
We hoped to go to Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge late Sunday afternoon but alas bears had taken over the area and we were forbidden entrance.
We continued around Upper Kananaskis Lake a few more kilometres and went to Hidden Lake, our default plan.
A few kilometres from the trail head, was a lovely falls, great place for a snack and break from the many hikers.

The bear tape seemed to be serious so we continued on.

The views around the lake were clear and beautiful, much better that the previous year. We looked at Mt Indefatigible, reminisced about a past hike and rued the fact that it was also closed due to bears.

We found our turnoff to Hidden Lake and Herm suggested we swim since it was a warm day.

Hidden Lake hike was a good default choice and an easy start for our 3-day trip.