Hiking the Windy Point Ridge



 June 16, 2016 - Country Lane Estates' Hiking Club

 

This was the first time Lorraine and I have participated in a hike with this club. Our destination was: " FORAN GRADE LOOP - Rated Moderate , Distance: 7.4km loop. Height Gain: 240m/ 800' with a High Point: 1686m."

We had a free Sunday prior to drive and scout this location. We made it to the parking area and then drove back to Turner Valley where we met up with Lynne and Kerry for a refreshment. 

 

 

 

 

So on Thursday we all met on the East side of the Club House with hats, walking sticks and water bottles.

It took only a half hour to get to the staging area following the directions below:

Driving: Hwy. 7 west to Turner Valley. Continue west on Hwy.546 ( Sheep River Trail). Pull out for parking is on the right, 1.6 km. west of the winter gate at Sandy McNabb Recreation Area.

GPS Coordinates : 50.652428 – 114.563792

After a short discussion it was decided to reverse the direction of our assent. We went counterclockwise. It made no difference to us, as we had not been on this trail to make a choice. We put our trust in those who had done it before.   

Hike: mainly easy walking on good, well marked trials with occasional short moderate hills. A connector trail starts across the hwy. from pull out. Hike is done clockwise to avoid fairly steep climb near start if done counterclockwise.

Connector trail leads to Sheep Trail at an unmarked T junc. Turn right.

Traverse aspen meadows.

Descend to a signed T junc.

Continue straight on Windy Point Trail and climb into meadows with benches overlooking the Sheep River.

Cross hwy. (2.3 km.)

Trail follows Swamsons Draw and climbs in short bursts to flat meadow.

Turn right at T junc. onto Foran Grade Trail (3.5km)

Trail switch backs up west Foran Grade Ridge before descending to south ridge.

Many viewpoints looking south and west to Windy Point Ridge, Sheep Valley, Gilbraltar Mt. and Bluerock Mt.

Trail continues down east flank to very large meadow.

Head across Meadow to gate in fence.

Continue through pine forest to parking area.(7.4 km.)

So off we went into the pine forest and through the gated fence. 

 

 

 And into a large mountain meadow.

 

The trail started to climb as we approached the heavier wooded area.

 

 

The trail was very colourful as we went up and up. Lorraine and I were left on our own as the rest of the group pushed higher and out of sight.

 

The trail was the only place where you could see any trace of human traffic, looking into the forest on both side of the trail, nature was undisturbed.

 

There were mountain lilies, paint brush in a bright red and wild rose plants everywhere.





I was great-full for the chance to stop and rest while photographing the flowers.

 

Lorraine led the way up the ridge over sometimes very rocky paths.

 

 

She was very patient with me as my knees were screaming at me to stop this.

 

Getting higher on the ridge and still going up, the trees opened to reveal a beautiful vista to the West.

 

Finally the steep trail up turned into a steep trail down and we knew we had passed the half way point.

We made it back to the cars to get a final photo of the group.

Next time we can make a choice as to whether we hike the trail Clockwise or Counter clockwise.

So until next time remember "Discover It and Live It".