Vision Quest from the highway
Vision Quest (hiking portion) Before returning to Calgary we decided on a quick trip up Vision Quest. Following the directions in the David Thompson Highway: A Hiking Guide, the steep climb is nothing more than a hike. Although a short trip, the view at the top is worth the effort. On the ridge we met a Swiss who frequents the area, preferring to come here on his vacations than climb the crowded Swiss Alps. He told us he summited Mount Michener by crossing Abraham Lake in the winter. We considered scrambling up the rock face to the false summit above, but on close inspection it appeared to be a difficult, exposed scramble, not to be attempted in high winds without a helmet. After taking in the scenery, we returned the same way. |
The sign at the trailhead says, "This is not a designated trail. STAY OFF."
The views soon open up. Elliot Peak and Sentinel Mountain in the background.
Looking southeast down Abraham Lake
At the high point above the route levels off.
The high point took longer to reach than we expected.
Looking back down the ridge
Fossilized brachiopod
The rock face ahead marks the end of the hike.
Mount Abraham to the north (mouse over for a close up). The easiest way up this peak is on
the SE side,
via "The Neverending Gully of Pain".
Mount Michener
Panorama from the ridge: Abraham Lake appears to wrap around Mount Michener. The long
ridge (right) is Mount Stelfox.