In the Highwood

 Tues. 27 May:  In the Highwood

Final trip to the Highwood on a perfect day.  First a bike ride beyond the closed winter gate at Highwood Junction as far as Lineham Creek.  A few white tailed deer but no other people except for a maintenance truck at Cat Creek bridge on my return. 

Followed by a short stroll up the enticing ridge directly beside the Kananaskis Country flags below the Bull Creek Hills, down to the saddle above Marsden Creek, then back down the main trail to the car.  The photos will tell the story.

Statistics:

Total Distance: x.0 km (bike) + x.0 km (hike)

= x.0 km

Height Gain:       x ft.

Max. Elev.:        x  ft.

Time on Trail:    5 hrs. 5 mins.

Start bike:           7.25 am

Lineham Creek:  9.30 am

Ret. to car:         11.29 am

Start hike:          12.00 am

Ret. to car:           1.01 pm

Temp:               +7 C to +16C

Weather:           Cloudless, a few clouds start to build later, cool earlier in day

Heading west beyond the winter gate at Highwood Junction

Dramatic roadscapes (Mist Mountain)

Lots of birds - wish I was a (better) ornithologist

Beside the Highwood River at Cat Creek:  Elk Range

On the open road (closed to traffic until June 15th)

Several white tailed deer along the way

Mist Mountain (10,302 ft.)

Lineham Creek flood damage from June 2013

Lineham Creek - a lively flow under the damaged road

The temporary diversion at Lineham Creek

The Highwood Valley: View SE from the ridge above the Kananaskis flags

Finally the wildflowers are blooming in abundance

The Bull Creek Hills

Stunning views to the west

The entry into Paradise