Vacation in the Rocky Mountains July 2004
July 2nd Powderface Ridge
There are some rides you have this need to do again when visiting your favorate area. The first time was 1993, the second time was 1999, this will be the third time for me to ride this trail. It doesn't get easier, it doesn't get less impressive.
We parked at the corner of Powderface Trail ( 2wd road ) and Hwy 66. Little Elbow Campground is down the road in the distance.
We warm up with a 7.1km spin on the Powderface Trail
The 7.0km climb to the ridge begins in ernest.
Nihahi Ridge is ever present in the distance
After all the rain that has fallen the traction is pretty good! But you can see how the trail is worn!
Our first view of the ridge as we enter the sub-alpine zone
Here the air thins and the trail becomes more rocky
As we enter the alpine the views open up
Nihahi Ridge
A horse outfit from Moose Mountain on their trusted steeds. This area is shared by hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and ranging cattle!
One thing about rain, it really brings out the Alpine Flowers in this harch climate
We pause to take in this amazing vista!
The ever present contrast of existence and persistence on the ridge
We start the descent and enter this meadow where you can look down the Elbow River Valley. On the left of the picture the haze you see is rain. It missed us this day!
The grass was just bursting with flowers!
A closer look at the Elbow River Valley
We continue our descent. In 2.7 km we descend 600meters! Whoopie!
Home || Mist Ridge || Moraine Lake || Landslide Lake
Waterton/Glacier - Going to the Sun Road || Hiking and Horses in Waterton || Sunpeaks