Ray said this would be an easy hike, so I was eager to give it a try. Glad I did. This enjoyable ridgewalk could be classified as spectacular, a description usually reserved for elevations above 1000 metres.
The tent ridge horseshoe is a spectacular ridgewalk
The round trip distance is 10.5K, net elevation of 650 metres with an accumulated elevation of 840 metres. Some areas of the hike where you are scrambling on rocks and ledges could be intimidating to the less experienced but our nine-year-old companion had no problems.
We saw no damage to the trails from the June flooding.
Lots of people on the ridge today(photo by Mary)
Here’s a more detailed hike report from Mary:
From a nice variety of terrain to perfect atmospheric conditions, and from late producing wild strawberries to genial company, today was a summer highlight. Our group of 9 hikers headed out just after 10 am and tackled the forest portion of the trail with aplomb.
We took a brief stop in the meadow below the bowl formed by the two arms of Tent Ridge Horseshoe. The rocky scramble of the east side was handled with ease and we lunched at Tim Horton’s (the red object – communication tower?) at the high point. 9-year-old Medina experienced her first real scramble, going up with confidence and determination.
Tryst lake below
The next step of the hike required a descent to the col with the loss of 120 m. and then a gain of 145m to the high point of the day (2554 m.). Our two first-time summiteers were Medina and Bob.
The west side of the horseshoe had a bit of tricky down-climb on loose rock and then a fairly straightforward ridge walk to the north end and a drop into the avalanche slope and forest below. While a bit windy on the ridge, the lower slopes and forest were quite warm, but a few late strawberries helped refresh us as we trudged, tired but happy, back to the parked Rv’s full of Kempoo supplies to make us feel at home and accomplished.
Hwy 40 south is partially open. You can now get to Highwood Pass https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=705138719511936&id=113146002044547
I recall that in fall of ’83 a group of us from the U. of C. outdoors club had a pleasant hike/scramble up the face of the west ridge with the larches in full colour. I’m not sure if there was an official ‘tent ridge’ hike at the time.
Anyway, we then went down to Tryst Lake and then kept going to the ridge of the Fist. The others started up the gradual slopes, and I had been photographing further up the shore of Tryst lake.
So, I spotted the scree cone and couloir that is so nicely shown in Bob’s photos 10 and 12. I had in mind to come around and sneak up on the rest of the group from the west. (Doesn’t it look inviting ?)
My goodness, the scree was easy enough, but there was old ice at the top. I took a few tentative steps on ice and rock and then had one of those moments when you realize you’ve done something stupid, and you can’t move either up or down!
After quite a pause for thought, I made a few desperate adrenaline filled moves to get to safer ground, but my heart didn’t stop pounding for a few minutes.
I did surprise the rest of the group, but not nearly to the level that I surprised myself at how easily you can get yourself into trouble.
What a beautiful area!
I did exactly same route on Aug. 31st (Saturday)!!
Ya.. view was spectacular… The Fist and Mount Smuts made me stop breathing. ^^ Ridge walking was so wonderful same as Gillean Daffern says in her book. I would recommend strongly this hiking route to everyone.
Strawberries were very delicious.
Ski season isn’t too far. I could see Shark ski trails from Tent Ridge summit.
WOW! I hope to do that Tent Ridge one day next hiking season. A group of us hiked Crypt Lake this past weekend. I was so impressed with that adventurous hike.