When you drive the 30K stretch of the Trans Canada Highway between the Hwy #40 turn-off(I now call it Casino corner) and Canmore, how many peaks can you look at and say you’ve been on? I just added one more to my tally on Saturday.
Ray, Mary and Keith on the pinnacle of Windtower mountain. It was windy and cool, and we were being pelted with sleet when taking this photo
From the highway, Windtower is an impressive looking spire and I had no aspirations of conquering it until Ray, Mary and Keith invited me to tag along with them.
It’s a significant climb, with a net elevation gain of 960 metres, but it was not that difficult, even for me. There was still the occasional patch of snow but of little consequence. The peak offers terrific views in all directions.
Windtower mountain as viewed from the Trans Canada highway near Dead Man’s Flats
There are significant drops on both sides of the peak(at cairn), so be careful up there. A small man-made rock wall will help shelter you from the wind and provides some protection while having your lunch.
The trailhead is along the Spray Valley road and is the same one that you’d use to start West Wind Pass, which is a rewarding hike in itself.
View of Windtower from the east
Now when I drive along the highway, I can look up and see a number of peaks that I’ve enjoyed conquering including Barrier, Allan, Yamnuska, Heart, Pigeon, Grassi Knob, Lady MacDonald and Ha Ling.
Other hikers have written in detail about this trip on their websites, so here are some links that will give you more information about hiking to Windtower: Explora8ion, OutdoorEscapade, Summitpost, Trailpeak.
More photos from this hike:
You ok up there Bob?
We escaped unscathed. No flooding, and had power, gas, water, phone and internet at all times. Wish I could say the same for everyone else. The biggest inconvenience was walking Tessa in the constant rain(although she didn’t mind!). Thanks for your concern. -Bob
Peter and Henry, thanks for the comments. Sorry they didn’t show up right away. I’ve been getting so much spam that I had “comment moderation” on.
Well done Bob. It sure is a beautiful peak as viewed from the highway, and I’ve certainly been drawn to its mystique as well.
Hi Bob! Any sign of a summit register in a black abs container up there inside the cairn?
I placed one for the Alberta centennial climb in 2005. Last time I was up there was 2006 and it was still there.
Peter
I don’t know if anyone even looked. It might be there for all I know. -Bob