"Burn's Ridge"
Kananaskis
GR571085
October 27, 2001

We set out to climb Shunga-la-she but the pinnacles and window on the southeast ridge of Mount Burns proved to be a bigger draw. Although the elevation gain was only 700 m, the rock features made for a fascinating scramble. (Access: Drive to the end of HWY 546, west of Turner Valley, and park at the upper parking lot at Junction Creek day-use area.)

We hiked west on the 4x4 road, the Sheep River Trail. After a few minutes, we found a break in the trees where we could see a window. We continued up the road and passed a scree slope in the trees. About 45 minutes from the trailhead, we left the road and started bushwhacking up the slope (GR574073). Animal trails assisted and in a short time we emerged from the trees.

We were on a broad ridge. Ahead was good scree leading to a cliff band interrupted by pinnacles. We hit a couple of dead ends before finding a way through the pinnacles. After climbing out, we were on a scree slope leading to a ridge. We crested the ridge and hiked to the top. After a short stay, we started to head back. Instead of returning to the pinnacles, however, we continued east along the ridge. When we reached a point above the window, we dropped down. It was steep (note the contours on the map!) but we eventually made it to the window.

I was hoping we could go through the window but it was a vertical drop on the other side. However, after reaching the treeline, it was only 200-300 m to the road.