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.

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.

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.

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.

About midway from the summit, there is a lovely respite, with a beautiful view.

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. 

And, by the look of our surroundings, it appeared spring was taking its sweet time this year.