Mid October 2016
6 km round trip
292 m elevation gain
Our destination, the Hoffmann Humps. A group of particularly unusual sandstone outcroppings on Mt. Hoffmann’s north face. Hoodoos. Stone faces gazing westward toward the front range peaks of Gibraltar and Bluerock.
It’s funny how the act of crossing a river, even a shallow one like the Sheep, can dissuade one from exploring an entire side of a valley. After the flood of 2013 destroyed the old bridge at Tiger Jaw falls, Mt. Hoffmann drifted from a summit worthy of exploring to one that was tossed to the side. Put on hold in favour of the Sheep’s north shore trails like Volcano Ridge, The Knob, or climbing Windy Pt. for the 10th time.
Then a new shinny bridge appeared and we wandered into a whole new world.
A great hike. Parking at Indian Oils Day Use area, then over the bridge and up the wide access trail. A few switchbacks to meadows and rose covered hill sides with sandstone and lichen. Hoodoo’s and views of Gibraltar to Bluerock. We turned back at the Humps instead of heading to the true summit and followed an off trail route over a small hill to the east before meeting with the main trail at a cairn in the first meadow.
Who are these humps named after? With their mind expanding views and shapeshifting hoodoos. Is it Christian or Albert?
– Kaptain Kananaskis
Hi we are looking at doing the Hoffman humps hike how difficult is it? I’m a moderate hiker. thank you.
Hi Anita,
I would say that this hike is moderate, even slightly less than moderate if you hike often. If you still have another couple hours of energy in you I’d recommend hiking all the way to the summit of Mt. Hoffmann. The humps are about 2/3 of the way up. Enjoy!
I should add that my route is offtrail for the loop section and can be tricky to navigate if your not used to it.