Endless prairie-and-mountain views

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Bragg Creek Trails

About two hours into our hike – our quest: to summit Moose Mountain – we broke through the pines and found our lunch spot on the bare, wind-scoured ridge. Thanks to a Thermos of hot coffee, delicious homemade Asian wraps, and endless prairie-and-mountain views, we lingered on our little perch. For late November, the weather was amazing. A warm Chinook wind swirled over the upper ramparts of the mountain and dramatic clouds shifted in the sky.

Most popular treks in Kananaskis

Accessed at the top of the Moose Mountain Road, which is located approximately 20 kilometers west of Bragg Creek, the hike to the fire lookout on top of Moose Mountain is one of the most popular treks in Kananaskis. However, it’s not easy. The round-trip adventure is nearly 14 kilometers long and the elevation gain, 766 meters, is significant.  While conditions can vary dramatically, the hike can often be done during the shoulder season and even during the winter months. Spikes or cleats can be essential “tools” for the journey to provide extra traction on snow and ice. Check trail conditions and the weather before you go and be prepared for high winds and sudden weather changes! A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended to reach the trail head. 

Enjoy the Alpine setting

I’d like to say we summited Moose Mountain…brought it to its knees, but we got a late start.  To be honest, our scenic lunch spot, just before the switchbacks to the false summit, spoke to us. It was a beautiful little plateau, just above the tree-line, and we decided to hunker down for a while and just enjoy the alpine setting.   So, with just enough light left in the short day to make it back to our vehicle, we decided to head down and save the summit for summer. After all, why push the envelope? Good things, they say, come to those who wait.  

Andrew Penner – Guest journalist and photographer

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