Black Rock Mountain


elevation: 2,462 m. height gain: 920 m.
area: Ghost River,AB map 82 O/6
2008-Nov-02



Ref: -Canada's Mountains
       -Ghost Forest Use Zone map
         (downloading: 10 min.) 

shortcut


South end of Richards road turns into Devil's Head Ranch. We came from the dirt road.
Scramble: RT 3.5. Coming out this way is a treat; it is very scenic. The forecast is definitely warmer and drier than Golden and we're up for another camping trip with the hounds before winter has a tight grip on the mountains. Getting to the trailhead was not as obvious as the trail leading to the summit! From highway 1, we exited in Morley and followed secondary roads through the Stoney Indian Reserve instead of the Forestry Trunk road (hwy 40). The circuit of gravel roads is indicated on the Ghost Forest Use Zone map. After driving on a poorly maintained shortcut, we ended on Richards road at the Devil's Head Ranch. We passed the highway 40 junction and soon thereafter we drove by the gate onto TransAlta road. We continued down to the creek bed, beyond the "use at your own risk" sign. The drive on the creek bed is nice and unusual, we parked at the end of the 37 trail marker; the trailhead could be seen across the dry creek bed. I left for the summit at noon. The trail is great and offers fast travelling. After treeline the scenery unfolds and stunning rock formations reveal themselves. The gully ascent is easy but definitely not boring. Soon after that, the objective comes into view. I enjoyed the hike to the summit, it wasn't too windy and actually quite mild. The view is amazing; something about the front ranges. 
transalta road

Start of TransAlta road and Daisy running towards me.

trailhead

Trailhead sign across the creek bed.

official trailhead


Official trailhead.


out of the trees


Out of the trees, the trail traverses climber's left.


towards rock formations


Beautiful scenery unfolds.


looking back


Looking towards Ghost River.


rock formation


Great rock formations.


popular picture


Pinnacle near the easy ascent gully.


follow the trail


The obvious trail veers away from the gully and back again through interesting rock.


rock pillars


In the gully.


up the gully


Top of the gully.


on the flats


Final stretch to the lookout.


narrow bit


Narrow section before the summit.


looking back from the top


Nice broad ascent ridge with an awesome view.


devil's head


Devil's Head and Mount Aylmer in the background.


blackrock lookout


Black Rock Mountain lookout.


back to my pooches


Great to come back down and camp with our happy hounds.
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