Sunday, June 2, 2013

First Scramble of the Season - Nihahi Ridge

Most years, we've been out by April for an early season tune-up, but the extended cold wet spring pushed the start of scrambling season back far later than normal for us. June 1st should be summer-like temperatures already and mostly snow free in the front ranges, but scrambling up Nihahi Ridge yesterday felt like a spring hike with patches of snow still dotting the route up. The top of the ridge was chilly as we sat unsheltered from wind, but otherwise, the day was awesome.

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The traverse goes on for 7km. We opted to call it a day and drink our beer.

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Celebratory Summit Beer!

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The only proof I was on this hike...

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The descent.

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The details: Nihahi Ridge starts at Little Elbow Recreation Area parking lot (not far from Bragg Creek). You walk through the campgrounds, and soon swing on the Nihahi Ridge trail to the right, quickly gaining elevation through forest, before emerging onto a bit of scree and then slabby rocks which you scramble up to attain the ridge. From there, you can traverse along the ridge for 7km.

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