Heart Mountain Hike

Where:

• Heart Mountain

 

When:

• June 11, 2022

 

Who:

• Ed, Dave, Craig, Rod, Oak, Peter, Kent, Gerard, Carolyn

 

Trailhead:

• the trailhead parking lot is accessed via the Lac Des Arc overpass (exit 105) if you are coming from the east  (Calgary)
• from the west (Canmore/Banff) take the off ramp just prior to the Lac Des Arc overpass
• the trailhead starts out of the east end of the parking lot
• follow the trail until it turns right along Heart Creek and cross the second bridge and follow the signs down the path to the left
• shortly thereafter, there is a sign for Heart Mountain where you turn right to start the climb
• start heading up Heart Mountain by first following the orange markers through the trees and then the blue markers when you break out of the trees

 

 

Degree of difficulty:

• 950 meters
• 12.5 km loop (we did the counterclockwise direction, which is the most common)
• flat walk for about a km until you start the steep ascent
• the ascent involves some scrambling for about 4 km and tricky route finding, so pay attention to the markings
• after the long initial climb there is another steady climb to the second peak and then two shorter peaks after this
• the descent from the final peak involves some loose shale, so it’s best to wear gloves
• Heart Mountain is one of the most challenging hikes in the Bow Valley
• the hike took us five and a half hours

 

 

Interesting notes:

• the loop is known as the Heart Creek Horseshoe Loop

• there are panoramic 360 degree views at the top as you cross three different summits (the second summit is known as Grant McEwan Peak but the third one is unnamed)
• there are beautiful views of Mount Yamnuska, Grotto Mountain, Mount McGillvray, Baldy Peaks, and Engagement Peak
• Heart Mountain is named for the distinct heart shape of the mountain that can best be seen from Highway 1A