Summer is running late in the Canadian Rockies—by an average of three to four weeks. Blame it on a warm February, followed by a cold, wet spring. Alberta roses, usually spent by July, are blooming, and the Kananaskis range is still snow-covered.
July Alberta Roses.
Dave and I decided to revisit Jumpingpound Summit after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. This shoulder (early or late season) hike seemed ideal for the end of May. It was cold and partly cloudy—nothing that a few layers and some gloves couldn't handle. If you go, remember your park pass—you’ll need it in K Country.
Powderface Trail
The drive up Powderface Trail (which opened on May 14th) was scenic and eerily quiet—not one encounter with the logging trucks that frequent this road.
Trail begins across the road.
Dave and I headed up the trail, undaunted by the snow bank across from the entrance. This hike is short and sweet—about five miles round-trip, with around 1,360 ft (415 m) elevation. A little snow wasn't going to make us change our minds.
And so we begin again.
About midway from the summit, there is a lovely respite, with a beautiful view.
A midway respite with a view.
The view from the bench, midway to the top.
Ok, so the snow did slow things down a bit—slushy and slippery in sections—rather large areas at that. Then magically, as we neared the clearing, it began to snow.
The view from the top was as expansive as I remembered— mountains as far as the eye could see.
A view from the summit.
And, by the look of our surroundings, it appeared spring was taking its sweet time this year.