Canada - Breaking in new boots on spectacular Nihahi Ridge

[ChrisW]

This report is an abbreviated look at a spectacular ridge that held top spot on my favourites list for quite some time. to see a route map and full description of the hike you can check my previous post for this hike

I set out today to break in new boots and drifted down to the Elbow Valley just 30 minutes from home with no particular hike planned. It was such a beautiful day I just kept going, the new boots were perfect and the scenery was stunning. Fresh snow over the weekend just added to the beauty until what was to going to be a 'diary only' entry on WH became a 'better share some of these pics' entry, so without further ado here's some pretty nice shots of the Elbow Valley

Approaching the end of highway 66 at the Elbow Valley Campground


Mt Glasgow, Mt Cornwall, Banded Peak and Outlaw - The guardians of the Elbow Valley still holding a good covering of snow from the weekend.


The snow, frost and wind has stripped a lot of the autumn colour form the trees as the car park coating shows.


Entering the Little Elbow Trail in order to reach the Nihahi Ridge Trail


After 4km I'm on the low end of the ridge looking over to the flat tops of Mt Romulus and Mt Remus and the sharp pinnacle of Fisher Peak.


There's still a way to go yet and some nice scrambling to be had before reaching the ridge top (shot shows the first of many false summits)


The worst part today is ascending 'the wall' where meltwater, snow and ice make the steep scramble much more challenging (shot from half way up)


Up over the wall and through a snow covered scree bowl to a stunning 180 degree view


Looking back down you can see my trail through the snow/scree bowl from the top of 'the wall' to the ridge


It's a steep climb up the ridge to the final step which is an easy 15m scramble


I'm quickly on the ridge top looking back over the steep ascent route


It's a wonderful view, to the right is the 'Little Elbow Trail' which leads around the western side of Mt Glasgow, Cornwall, Banded Peak and Outlaw to Tombstone Campground. On the left is 'The Big Elbow Trail' which leads around the eastern side of the same leviathans to reach the same destination.


Looking north along the ridge with Mt Fullerton across Nihahi Creek to the left


Fisher Peak in a snow shower to the left, Fullerton Massif centre and Mt Bryant to the right


Looking back over the route in, truck is parked at the bottom of Forget-me-not Ridge to the left of shot


At 7750 feet its thumbs up for the new boots which had no issues, though they will be out of use soon until next spring (fur lined winter boots replace standard boots when the -20's hit)


North along the ridge


There's no wonder this was my favourite Canadian hike for such a long time (it was usurped by Burstall Pass)


Safely down 'the wall' and following my own footprints out along the lower ridge


Saw a small group of Rocky Mountain Sheep who were (as always) happy to pose for pictures


A view back to Nihahi Ridge from the car park after a perfect day

[dav2930]

Absolutely stunning as ever Chris. Looks like Winter's setting in already up there. Great shot of the Rocky Mountain sheep and that ridge you were on looks fantastic.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Such wonderful fine autumnal light Chris, a real feast for the eyes

[Chris Mac]

Wow... great to see you get up on one of those bad boys Chris! Stunning scenery yet again and another great report! The local beasts certainly enjoy posing for your camera!

Glad the boots worked out well for it, I imagine with jaggy ridges like that to traverse that it won't be long until you need a new pair again!!

Those views and panoramas leave me speechless... incredible and not bad to have in your back yard, just stay bear-aware while you are up there!!

Mount Glasgow looks amazing, looking forward to seeing a summit pic of you up there at some point...

[ChrisW]

Absolutely stunning as ever Chris. Looks like Winter's setting in already up there. Great shot of the Rocky Mountain sheep and that ridge you were on looks fantastic.

Cheers Dav, I'm hoping the snow will melt away again in the week, this time of year it comes and goes as it's still pretty warm during the day

Such wonderful fine autumnal light Chris, a real feast for the eyes

Thanks JK, this one of my real favourites over here

Wow... great to see you get up on one of those bad boys Chris! Stunning scenery yet again and another great report! The local beasts certainly enjoy posing for your camera!

Glad the boots worked out well for it, I imagine with jaggy ridges like that to traverse that it won't be long until you need a new pair again!!

Those views and panoramas leave me speechless... incredible and not bad to have in your back yard, just stay bear-aware while you are up there!!

Mount Glasgow looks amazing, looking forward to seeing a summit pic of you up there at some point...

Cheers Chris, I get through some boots over here, the scree is like ceramic shards in places and really does eat em up As for the wildlife, I find most of the critters are OK if you are alone and quiet but if there's a couple of you talking as you go you never see a damn thing

I was up on Glasgow ridge recently sussing out the trail with a view to taking it on though it might have to wait until next year now due to snow

Here's a little shot from the ridge looking toward Nihahi Ridge which is the long ridge on the left here

[A Drunken Taffer]

Chris, these are some absolutely stunning shots! My in laws have just moved back to the uk from Canada, devestated I never got to do some of these treks!

[basscadet]

That ridge looked amazing.. Terrifying but brilliant

[trailmasher]

Another great walk and report Chris and just love that ridge You always seem to have the most perfect skies in your neck of the woods something we've been short of here this year . And those birch leaves remind me of a pirates hoard of gold sovereigns . And furry boots when it hits -20

[ChrisW]

Chris, these are some absolutely stunning shots! My in laws have just moved back to the uk from Canada, devestated I never got to do some of these treks!

Cheers ADT, I wasn't going to post this as I've done it so often but I though the pics were worth a share, glad you like em

That ridge looked amazing.. Terrifying but brilliant

Thanks B, my first time up there was incredible, I was so full of adrenalin I actually ran across a short section, it still gets me a bit like that too even though I've been up there 5 or 6 times now

Another great walk and report Chris and just love that ridge You always seem to have the most perfect skies in your neck of the woods something we've been short of here this year . And those birch leaves remind me of a pirates hoard of gold sovereigns . And furry boots when it hits -20

Cheers TM, I loved the look of those birch leaves in the autumn sun, in fact I really like most of these shots...I got lucky this day I think As for the winter boots, they are a godsend, fur lined, air -gapped insulated soles and crampon clips, but they are a bit longer in the leg and make my ankles stiff on long hikes

[jacob]

Canada and the Canadian Rockies are definitely on our to do list. It'll just take some while before we've saved up enough money for the flight. By the time we have I'll send you a pm for tips and advices, as every report you've written is accompanied by stunning pictures.

[ChrisW]

Canada and the Canadian Rockies are definitely on our to do list. It'll just take some while before we've saved up enough money for the flight. By the time we have I'll send you a pm for tips and advices, as every report you've written is accompanied by stunning pictures.

Thanks Jacob, I'd be glad to help There is so much to this place it's hard to select where to go sometimes. I know of some hikes that I've yet to do that are truly stunning....there are just so damn many

[martin.h]

Hi Chris, I'm sat at work reading this report and its really cheered me up, what a fantastic landscape.
Great report and lovely photos.
Cheers.

[Alteknacker]

Still working overtime with the photoshop tinting, I see .

Barely believable scenery as usual. And those ridges look just wonderful

There must be SOME down side to living where you do...???

[ChrisW]

Hi Chris, I'm sat at work reading this report and its really cheered me up, what a fantastic landscape. Great report and lovely photos. Cheers.

Thanks Martin, it's a spectacular country for sure

Still working overtime with the photoshop tinting, I see . Barely believable scenery as usual. And those ridges look just wonderful There must be SOME down side to living where you do...???

Cheers Alteknacker, the only downside is missing my son and grandson...and proper 'back' bacon ...not necessarily in that order

[HighlandSC]

I keep threatening it...but one day I'll have me some of these Canadian hills!