Mt. Allan (North Approach) – Kananaskis Country

July 2013

My knees, my friends knees!  Although this hike is a novelty from the Bow Valley we had no choice since the floods closed the Kananaskis Valley access.  The approach begins with a long and tedious forested section with a gentle incline.  Dead fall abounds at the creek crossings.  Once you feel like you’ve just about had enough of it, your reach the climb. Up, up, up into the sub-alpine.  Sublime beauty awaits on the ridge.  Rock Gardens, windswept dryas ridges, striking rock formations towards the peak, and a gentle finish to the summit.  This describes the North ridge of Mount Allan.

Succumb to the scenery.

Explore if you must, but remember the approach from the south (Kan Valley) is much quicker.

Signing off, KK

Some exposure, be especially wary as we were hit by a few sudden wind blasts!

Climbing up the North Ridge

The North ridge, looking North East

Mt. Lougheed rises above the north ridge

Kaptin Kananaskis navigating a sea of scree

Cliff Bands as we approach the summit

Approaching the summit

Mt. Alan Summit looking west. Mount Lougheed towers above