Park
at the trailhead next to the Bighorn Campground. Cross the bridge over
Bighorn Creek and locate the trail heading north along Ya Ha Tinda's
fenced pastures, this trail is called the Old Forestry Road (see
labeled trail map in the pictures). At the T-junction, turn left on Scalp Creek Trail.
From that trail there are a couple of options: following a pathway blazed
on the south ridge that circumvent or ascends The Hat or continuing
further on Scalp Creek Trail to climb the west aspect of Hat
Mountain (indicated on the topo map). Once on the broad ridge, Hat Mountain is the highpoint to the
north.
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Drove through lots of washouts and deep mud, good times!
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Snowshoe
trip: RT 11.0; 7.0 up.
Following last weekend's road trip to Pincher Creek, I felt ready for
another escapade; this time I was heading out to Ya Ha Tinda. I planned
an
overnight outing to break down a long loop going over The Hat and
continuing to the true northern summit of Hat Mountain. I figured it
would be
beneficial to camp and return from treeline in the morning when the
snow was
firm. I left Golden in the
afternoon and slept at the trailhead. I started hiking the next
morning, there was no snow on the Old Forestry Road. In good
Ya Ha Tinda fashion, I met a group of horses; they came to greet me,
curious to see if I would hand out food. I just love hanging out with
the horses, it's always difficult to leave them behind to continue
hiking. Further along, on the Scalp Creek Trail, I encountered
increasing
snow; it was supportive. I left the main trail to ascend the south
slopes of The Hat on a flagged trail. The slopes were snowfree but once
on the ridge in the trees, the trail wasn't discernible anymore and
some sections of deep postholing ensued. This was the toughest part of
the loop, I wondered if I would make it to The Hat... Luckily, I came
across patches of firm snow prompting me to carry on.
Eventually, I reached open terrain where the snow was supportive; with
The Hat in sight, my enthusiasm was renewed. I gained The Hat
where I got my first glimpse of the connecting ridge to the true
summit, it was snowy and a long ways! I aimed for an area at
treeline near the saddle where I could drop all my camping equipment,
it had to be an appropriate location facilitating my return down the
west aspect the next morning. The descent to the saddle was
straightforward and fast,
I
came upon a trail map sign and left my extras there.
The weather started to show signs of instability, snow was in the
forecast. I grabbed a quick bite and resumed my hike
towards the true summit. The ridge hike was pleasant and as easy as it
gets. From time to time, I stopped to enjoy the cloud formations and
scenery. This trip evoked a meditative state, I covered ground with
little effort or worry. After 7 hours, I stood on the summit. The sky
displayed incredible multi-layered cloudcover and the mountains were
now
shrouded by dark clouds.
There
was no wind, I felt at ease sitting down to eat and savour the moment.
The tall cairns and the sheer drop on the east side gave the highpoint
some appeal, that was kind of unexpected. The hike back to my gear was
very nice, the sky was moody and
textured; it
didn't start snowing until I reached my cache. Setting up was quick,
the water was boiling by the time I was ready to retreat in the
tent. The following morning the sky had cleared up and a good freeze
provided good travel down to Scalp Creek Trail below. This trip was
really special to me and I'm glad it turned out this great.
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Sign at the trailhead.
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My loop.
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Nice hiking on the Old Forestry Road, westside of Bighorn Creek.
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Horses come to greet me.
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Still lots of snow on the Scalp Creek Trail.
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Veering on a trail that climbs open slopes and lead to The Hat's south ridge.
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The open slopes are free of snow.
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The forest is still snowbound, the unsupportive snowpack made this stretch really tough.
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The Hat comes into view; in the open, the snow is firmer.
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Top of The Hat with Hat Mountain in between the cairns in the distance.
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Looking over the ridge I travelled and Ya Ha Tinda Ranch.
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Leaving The Hat to continue towards Hat Mountain.
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Looking back at The Hat.
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After following the long broad ridge, I'm nearing Hat Mountain.
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Summit cairns ahead.
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Well Site Mountain to the west.
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View north-west towards Scalp SE2 and Scalp Peak.
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Nice summit block with a steep drop on the eastside and fantastic cairns.
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The weather is very volatile.
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Looking north-east over Scalp SE5 towards unnamed peaks.
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Heading back under a moody textured sky.
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At times the cloudcover lowers enough to obstruct visibility.
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Although the view is reduced, the display of multi-layered clouds is stunning.
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Spectacular contrast with the sky and snow.
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More of the same.
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The clouds lower again.
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I'm set up where I'll be able to pick up my descent on the west aspect tomorrow.
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Well Site Mountain the following morning.
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The Hat on the left.
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Hat Mountain.
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Back on Scalp Creek Trail with Barrier Mountain in the background.
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Fresh Cougar tracks...
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The Old Forestry Road along Ya Ha Tinda's fenced pastures.
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Déjà vu!
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