At the beginning of November, the weather was still acceptable for hiking. Therefore, we agreed to attempt Cascade Mountain, which is located near the town of Banff. Getting closer to the mountain, we realized that it would have not been an enjoyable trip because the summit area, where the route involves an expose traverse, was coated with snow and at that moment, it was surrounded by clouds. Consequently, we decided to hike Squaw’s Tit, located close to Canmore. This peak, like its neighbor Lady Macdonald, belongs to Fairholme Range.

After we parked the car in Harvie Heights, we started enthusiastically to hike, without reading with attention the guide’s description. We reached a belvedere point and we remarked two ridges that lead to the top. We thought that the right ridge is more accessible and we continued on the path to look for the access to the ridge. Mountain bikers use the area and there are numerous paths and intersections. We spent around an hour looking for a trail to the ridge. Because we could not find one, we decided to hike straight trough the forest.

Some steep steps that we had to downclimb.

The exposure increased

We surpassed few crags and we encountered a step, which required a downclimb of around 4 meters. In that spot a fall would have not been a smart idea because the slope was steep on both sides.

After this step, I did not see major obstacles ahead.

Therefore, we returned the way we came up, hurrying because it has started to rain. We followed another “route” through the forest on a thick layer of moss.

We got in a canyon that separates those two ridges.

When we were at the car, I read the description again and I realized that the route goes on the left ridge. I have an idea for the next trip: hike on the left ridge and descend on the right one. The difficult part I plan to climb it wearing the climbing shoes.

Gelu's pictures