As expected, the Red Rock Parkway was still closed, but without any complaint, we simply parked at the pullout in front of the gate and started hiking from there.  Most of the paved road was dry, and we made fairly short work of the 4-kilometre approach to the base of Bellevue Hill.  Deviating slightly from Andrew's guidebook description, we walked a bit further west along the road and ascended steep but easy slopes to gain the southeast ridge.  From there, we had no problems hiking over a false summit to the top of Bellevue Hill.

For our descent, we backtracked partway to the false summit before dropping down and angling across the south-facing slopes below.  Except for a few snow patches, our hike back down to the road was largely trouble-free.  Good conversation and scenic views helped make the subsequent long walk out along Red Rock Parkway quite enjoyable.

Afterward, Andrew graciously offered the rest of us some refreshments back at his cabin before Raff, Joanna and I hit the road to return to Calgary.

	On a clear day, Mount Blakiston (far left) and many other peaks in the Waterton area are visible from Andrew's cabin.
	The group gears up at a pullout beside the seasonal gate for Red Rock Parkway.  In the background is Mount Crandell.
	Red Rock Parkway is itself quite scenic as the group enjoys views of Mount Galwey (left) and Bellevue Hill (right).
	Mount Blakiston is the highest peak in Waterton National Park.

Andrew and Raff run for their lives away from the grizzly bear on the side of the road.

 

	Andrew and Joanna put their climbing skills to the test on a retaining wall beside the road.
	Joanna leads Andrew and Raff up an easy slope.

From the southeast ridge of Bellevue Hill, there are nice views of Middle Waterton Lake, Sofa Mountain (left), Vimy Peak (centre) and Mount Cleveland (right).

 

	In this view from the southeast ridge, the true summit of Bellevue Hill is just right of centre.  The false summit is at right while Mount Galwey looks striking at distant left.
	The group follows the southeast ridge up to a false summit.
	The prescribed burn can be seen from the southeast ridge.  Note the parking spot at upper right (with blue cargo container) where parking was forbidden on this day.
	The group encounters some of the red argillite that Waterton National Park is famous for.
	After hiking over the false summit, the group heads for the true summit of Bellevue Hill.
	The group takes the last few steps before the true summit.
	Raff and Joanna show off their headstands on top of Bellevue Hill.

On top of Bellevue Hill (2116 metres) are Andrew, Joanna, Raff and Sonny.

 

	Here is a comprehensive view of Lakeview Ridge to the north.
	Notable peaks visible to the southwest include Mount Carthew, Buchanan Ridge, Kintla Peak, Kinnerly Peak, Ruby Ridge, Mount Lineham and Mount Blakiston.
	Mount Crandell dominates the view across the valley as the group descends the slopes below the false summit.
	There is a little bit of post-holing and bushwhacking just before reaching the road.

Raff, Andrew and Joanna walk back along scenic Red Rock Parkway.

 

Total Distance:  14.7 kilometres Round-Trip Time:  5 hours 26 minutes Net Elevation Gain:  814 metres GPX Data