Powderface Ridge

BOU AVENUE
Powderface Ridge

On 4 June 2023, Zosia Zgolak and I did a one-way traverse of Powderface Ridge located in Alberta's Kananaskis Country Public Land Use Zone. Joining us were Andrew Chinnick, Wendy Kadar, and their dog, Ruthie. Most of our chosen route is well-documented on numerous websites and in Gillean Daffern's Kananaskis Country Trail Guide. After setting up a car shuttle, we started our hike from the Rainy Summit trailhead on Highway 66 (24.0 kilometres west of the junction with Highway 22). We had no trouble following a well-defined trail to Rainy Summit Overlook (Sunrise Hill) and reached the crowded top in about 80 minutes. We then descended westward to a pass and climbed up a trail on the other side to gain the crest of Powderface Ridge. From there, we followed the main spine of the ridge northward which included crossing a forested dip where we almost wandered off the ridge. We eventually picked up a good trail, but for some odd reason, it bypasses the actual high point of the ridge. Once we realized this, Zosia and I--being the hardcore peak-baggers we are--opted to backtrack a short distance to tag the high point while Andrew, Wendy and Ruthie continued along the trail until they found a shady spot to wait for us.

Upon reuniting, Andrew, Wendy, Ruthie, Zosia and I crossed another dip and left the main trail to tag an outlier overlooking Powderface Pass to the north. We then returned to the trail and dropped down to the pass which is also the location of a four-way trail junction (an old map sign here is illegible). Due to confusion on my part, we actually began descending the trail to Powderface Creek, but fortunately, we did not go too far before I caught my mistake. After backtracking to the junction, we headed north along a trail leading to Powderface North Ridge, but a little more than 400 metres from the junction, we abandoned the trail and plunged down steep slopes to the west. With some difficulty, we bushwhacked all the way down to where our second car was parked on Powderface Trail, but in retrospect, the better option would have been to stick with the main trail back at the junction. While the bushwhacking was not that heinous and saved us a bit of distance, it would have been far more pleasant to take the longer but uncomplicated trail without worrying about route-finding or footing especially at the end of long hike.

A big thank you goes out to Andrew and Wendy for inviting Zosia and me to join them for a delicious dinner at their home in Bragg Creek after our hike.

Wonder what they're protesting... Wild horses block traffic on Powderface Trail.
Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak

We're off to an unusually late start...
The group starts hiking along a good trail toward Rainy Summit Overlook (Sunrise Hill).

Feels bloody hot already! The trail follows a rocky rib through the forest.

Ruthie is lapping up water like there's no tomorrow!
The group stops for a water break at a plateau just below Rainy Summit Overlook.

Mmmmm...tastes great! Sonny enjoys a Coke Zero on top of Rainy Summit Overlook (2135 metres).
Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak

Doesn't seem that appealing from this angle!

Powderface Ridge stretches away to the north in this view from Rainy Summit Overlook.

	Ignoring the trail heading downhill, the group begins to climb up the other side of the pass west of Rainy Summit Overlook.
	Zosia, Andrew, Wendy and Ruthie gain the crest of Powderface Ridge.
	The group heads north along the crest of Powderface Ridge.
	After crossing a forested dip, the group reaches the most open part of Powderface Ridge.
	Sonny, Zosia, Ruthie, Andrew and Wendy gather around a cairn on the crest of Powderface Ridge. This is not the highest point of the ridge.
	After a bit of backtracking, Sonny stands on the actual high point of Powderface Ridge (2209 metres). Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	Zosia balances on a rock at a subsidiary high point along the ridge. Rainy Summit Overlook is visible in the distance to the left.
	The group makes its way toward an outlier which requires a detour from the main trail.
	Andrew, Zosia and Wendy surmount an easy rock band to reach the top of the outlier.

Pretty boring-looking ridge!

Here is a comprehensive view of Powderface Ridge from the outlier.

	The group takes another break on top of the outlier (2160 metres). Powderface Pass is just down the slope behind Zosia.
	This is the start of an off-trail route that drops down to Powderface Trail. This clearing funnels down into a steep gorge, but it is better to stick to the forested ridge at far left.
	The group bushwhacks down a steep forested slope to conclude the hike.
	Total Distance: 11.8 kilometres Round-Trip Time: 6 hours 10 minutes Cumulative Elevation Gain: 629 metres GPX Data

	Wild horses block traffic on Powderface Trail. Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak
	The group starts hiking along a good trail toward Rainy Summit Overlook (Sunrise Hill).
	The trail follows a rocky rib through the forest.
	The group stops for a water break at a plateau just below Rainy Summit Overlook.
	Sonny enjoys a Coke Zero on top of Rainy Summit Overlook (2135 metres). Photo courtesy of Zosia Zgolak