Adventures from Arizona to Alberta
Viewing entries tagged
easy hike
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a quick getaway. Take, for example, when Dave’s brother Darrell texts and asks, “Hey, whatcha doing this weekend?” “Want to come down to Tucson?... Sure, you can bring Luci—no worries.” Dave’s response was ”ABSOLUTELY.”
Dave and I have a knack for turning an easy outing into something a little more challenging. Ask anyone (yep, you, Margaret) who has hiked with us—every trip is an adventure. Hey, it doesn’t matter if it’s a quiet walk around Canmore—take a few trail detours, and three miles can quickly turn to six.
Warspite Creek.
We were looking for a simple, scenic hike to spend a Sunday afternoon. Warspite Lake via Black Prince Cirque Interpretive checked all the boxes: easy, short, and beautiful. The out and back route was just over four miles with an elevation gain of 700 ft (220 m). A lovely, soft-padded walk through a lush spruce forest. What on earth could go astray?
Trail just before the lake.
Once at the lake, we opted to follow the trail around the lake counterclockwise to take photos and escape people milling around the entrance.
Warspite Lake
There were still frozen areas near the shoreline—unusual for late June in Kananaskis.
Lake ice.
Mount Black Prince, and Warspite, with Haig Glacier in the background.
Before long, Dave and I noticed a group who had passed us earlier was heading back. Soon after, we encountered a family trying to cross a rushing stream covered with downed trees. Dad scrambled his way across the logs to the far bank while Mom stood up to her knees in the icy water. Their kids stood silently—apparently wanting no part of it.
Nothing clear-cut here.
As Dave surveyed the situation, the parents retreated. The six-year-old glanced at her parents and then at us, exclaiming, ”This crossing is definitely for the young, nimble, and light of foot.”
Duly noted—and ignored. Dave deftly made his way across while I lumbered my way through the icy water.
No trail here.
Bushwhacking our way around the lake on a nonexistent trail covered with debris, fallen logs, and water was a bit unnerving initially but ultimately satisfying.
Bushwacking.
Once through the bog, the lakeshore became easier to navigate. The craggy white rocks surrounding this portion of the lake hosted several family picnics.
Heading back, we crossed paths with an outgoing spruce grouse.
It was an excellent way to spend a Sunday afternoon—detours included.
The days for hiking in the Phoenix Mountains are ticking down. Summer is rearing its ugly head, and as temperatures rise, the vibrance of spring quickly fades. Geez, how depressing is that?
Our plan started simply enough—drive up to Prescott, AZ for a visit with our friend Katherine, stroll down Peavine National Recreation Trail and grab lunch. Katherine, however, had other ideas.
There is nothing sweeter than a hike at dawn. Everything old looks new again, and when the sun rises over a mountain, it is nothing short of magical.
“We love the things we love for what they are.” ― Robert Frost
Sometimes a hike is just a long walk in the woods. Many hikers tend to pass on hikes that don’t reward them with wide open spaces, memorable vistas and physical challenges. I get that. But sometimes, the solitude and quiet of a less travelled path can be quite lovely.
Pocaterra Trail was one of those paths. The trail is a gentle upward climb through the woods, with glimpses of creeks, small lakes and mountains.
Pocaterra Creek.
We were completely alone that morning. The forest floor was damp and soft from the recent snow. Our first detour was to Pocaterra Creek, which we accessed following a game trail. Still in search of that elusive moose…
A sea of fern appeared, captured in early morning sunlight. Another brief scramble took us down to Rockwall lake, it’s muddy bottom covered with elk tracks.
Rockwall Lake.
As we climbed up the ridge, the mountains came into view; below us, lush green meadows.
The trail was wide enough to walk side by side, and easy enough to hold a conversation. Dave and I solved many of the world’s problems that day (hahahaha).
At one point we went off trail in search of Sparrow’s Lake. After foraging uphill through a mass of deadwood and moss we came upon a small meadow. A quick look at the map indicated that we would have to cross multiple ridges to get to the lake. That was not gonna happen. There was no real access from our route.
Strange and creepy mushrooms.
Oh—lest I forget, we saw some pretty weird mushrooms along the way, popping up under pine needles. I do not believe they are edible.
We were about three and half miles in when we realized our sandwiches were still on the counter at home. It was definitely time to head back.
Our favorite trails will open soon. The quiet and solitude will soon be replaced by an onslaught of tourists. But for a brief moment in early June, a quiet walk in the woods gave us both time to just be.
