Mist Mountain: On Top of the World
Mist Mountain in Kananaskis Country is a difficult hike to attempt due to its exposure and how quickly the weather can change. Our beautiful weather held so we hiked and scrambled 10 kms (6 miles) with 1240 meters (4070 feet) elevation gain to reach the summit. Being the tallest mountain for miles around, the views from the top are exemplary.
The sunlight broke through the clouds and spotlighted the distant hills. The green mountains in the distance form Odlum Ridge.
Pausing to appreciate the scenery. The low, yellow mountain is Nameless Ridge and the ribbon far in the distance is Highway 40.
Adam, Anna and I beginning the steep ascent to the top of Mist Mountain.
Adam taking a break while Anna and Mark continue climbing.
Mark scrambling up the slope of Mist Mountain. One of the most beautiful aspects of Kananaskis Country is the varying colors of its mountains.
Mist Mountain is exceptionally steep which pictures fail to completely capture. There is no marked trail so we chose to climb on these large rock slabs which proved to be much quicker than the deep shale of other approaches. Surprisingly, the rock was quite grippy due to its composition. The most hazardous part was transitioning from slab to slab over the loose shale.
The mountains to the northeast are razor sharp with unusual color banding. They extend as far as the eye can see.
This is such an unusual shape for the edge of a mountain. You can see how immense it is from the size of Anna, Mark and Adam.
Mark hiking up the severe slope. This picture does a slightly better job of capturing how the angle appeared to us while hiking.
Mark looking up towards the final peak. At this point the angular rocks were mostly stable and only shifted on the most severe slopes.
Relaxing at the very peak of Mist Mountain.
Adam sitting on the peak of Mist Mountain with endless ranges of mountains fading off into the distance.
One of my favorite photos of Adam along the ridge. While this hike was a long slog up a very severe slope it was well worth the effort as the views of the surrounding mountains are truly unparalleled.
For additional information about this hike, contact the Peter Lougheed Park Discovery & Information Centre.
Photo Credit: Mark Kucharski, Adam Kucharski and Jolene Rempel
This post is part of the Kananaskis Country (South) series.
About Jolene
I’m an avid gardener whose mission is to bring more beauty into the world. I believe that with the right information anyone can create their own beautiful, small garden paradise.
When I’m not gardening you can find me exploring the Canadian Rockies. Learn more…
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