Cegnfs

Cegnfs
Kananaskis, Alberta
October 1, 2004
Distance: 12.6 km (7.8 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1088 m (3570 ft)

When Dinah, Dale, Lori and I hiked up French Creek, we intended to climb both Cegnfs and Mount Murray. Unfortunately, we had trouble following the instructions in the Scrambles book; we gained the ridge too far north and were stopped by cliffs. To get back on track, we dropped down 140 m and traversed rubbly slopes. By the time we reached the summit of Cegnfs, it was too late to attempt Mount Murray.

According to comments in the summit register, other groups ended up on the wrong ridge as well. Like us, they too cursed the author. There's even a well-worn path leading down from the wrong ridge! Drawing from our experience, we returned the following year and found the correct way up Mount Murray.

Postscript: The third edition of Scrambles describes the approach clearer.

MOVIE

Cegnfs and Mount Murray

Mud Lake seen from the trail near the start

Hiking up French Creek trail

We started climbing

That's me, trying to get my bearings

We realized we're off course

We angled down, losing 140 m of elevation, to get back on course

Climbing up Cegnfs. Below is the "rock gate" where we should have started our ascent.

Below was this green pond

Nearby Mount Murray would be out of reach on this day

Going up a narrow gully

Looking down

This scree slope extends up to the summit. Behind is Piggy Plus.

Lots and lots of scree

We took in the scenery as we ascended

The Tower, Mount Galatea, Mount Gusty and Mount Chester

Taking a break

Some interesting rocks

I got off the scree and went left to do some scrambling

On the summit

Coming down from the summit

Heading down a scree slope

On the lower slopes of Cegnfs

Taking a break by larches

While hiking back we chanced upon a porcupine. Apparently it didn't like having his picture taken: he turned his back to me and thumped his tail on the ground!

82 J/14 Spray Lakes

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