"Kananaskis Peak"
Kananaskis Park
(Unmarked at 345441)

When I first climbed this peak in 2000 I didn't have GPS; I thought the junction of the three ridges at GR344442 was the highest point although I did scramble to GR345441. The following year I returned with a GPS but only went to GR344442. After reading Andrew's More Scrambles book I now realize that GR 345441 is the summit. Unlike Andrew, however, I ascended a gully, a moderate scramble.

From about 300 m north of the turnoff to Kananaskis Village (GR317440), there's some rocks that indicate a creek bed. Follow the left side of the creek where there's a trail that goes to Wasootch Peak. However, this trip description will take you to "Kananaskis Peak."

Follow the creek past where the trail heads up to Wasootch Peak. From this point on, you'll have to bushwhack. After about 30 minutes from the trailhead you'll come to a small but impressive waterfall (GR327444). From behind the waterfall, you can view Mount Allen!

After the waterfalls, a rock bed runs alongside a vertical face. Past this you'll reach a short, slot canyon. The rock wall on the left is near vertical so you'll be forced to burrow through the thick bushes on the right.

Go past the first gully and up the next one (GR335447). You're in the correct gully if it curves after a bend and then opens up. Continue up the gully to a col. (The third gully can be ascended but it's very steep and less interesting.)

At the col the way along the ridge appears blocked by a rock face. Fortunately, it can be circumvented. Drop down the other side of the col and go right around the rock outcroppings. Hike up a scree-filled channel to regain the ridge. After following the ridge a short ways, scramble up a narrow ridge of rock that's mildly exposed. After a short climb, the way ahead is clear to a high point where three ridges intersect. A couple hundred metres to the north at GR345444 is Kananaskis Peak which can be scrambled up although it is exposed.

For the return, head south to the col where you'll find fine, orange shale. Looking down the north side there was a natural corridor with steep rock walls and great scree: this is the fourth gully. Follow it down all the way to the creek.

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