Route Climbed: Northwest Ridge Date Climbed: year round
I have done this scramble about a dozen times now, in every season of the year. It's really fun and being so close to Calgary/Canmore, everyone should do it! Good one to introduce new people to scrambling. It seems to stay fairly clear of snow the whole year due to chinooks.
Route Climbed: horseshoe loop Date Climbed: April 24, 2005
scrambled most of the way up on the slabs to avoid people on the trail. The rock is grippy so it was quite enjoyable to climb it. I was quite surprised by the view of the mountains on the backside.
Route Climbed: Main Trail/Scramble Date Climbed: April 10, 2004
This hike is always a windy one, as it goes straight up the ridge and is very exposed. A nice hike to do if you get a late start to your day or want to do a hike after work in the summer if you're from the Calgary area. If you have the time and it is late enough in the season, take the loop down, as it's a nice variation.
Make sure to park in the ditch just off the highway rather than in the heart creek parking lot, as it ensures your vehicle's safety against vandalism.
Park on the south side of TransCanada at Hearts Creek. Cross the creek and follow the sign marking a trail that ascends the mountain. This early in the season will require an ice axe and confident footing. The first peak is not the summit, but it does not take long to mosey on over to the true summit. There are alternative ways down, but not with this much snow. If you are going during the summer, definitely work out some circuit to make it more
interesting.
The first summit was howling wind while the true summit was quiet. Mountains to the south are what make this phenomenon possible. It was an interesting note while I was up there.
Crux- Early season like this means humping over some snowy-icy rock bands. I had to throw BJ (dog) up a ledge or two. Great day, no people this early in the season.
Route Climbed: From the highway Date Climbed: February 1991
I have done this enjoyable hike many times. It was a special place for my good friend Glen Wells. We spread his ashes here in February 1991. I have returned several times since. There is an excellent ridge walk if you choose a longer descent.
Route Climbed: From Trailhead off of Hwy to Summit Date Climbed: August 23, 2003
Made it to the summit & quick time w/ my friend Conn who lives in Calgary. Great views of the plains to the East & of Calgary. Great valley below the summit. On the other side of the summit of Heart Mountain, there is a great little ridge walk to take a for few minutes before heading back down. Good little summit.
pvalchev - Aug 24, 2005 2:22 am
Route Climbed: Northwest Ridge Date Climbed: year roundI have done this scramble about a dozen times now, in every season of the year. It's really fun and being so close to Calgary/Canmore, everyone should do it! Good one to introduce new people to scrambling. It seems to stay fairly clear of snow the whole year due to chinooks.
troycanadian - Jul 26, 2005 12:57 pm
Route Climbed: Scramble Date Climbed: 25 April 2004Nice day out in the early season. Good place to have lunch.
Had tried this in late September 2003 and was turned back by verglas above the gully near the top.
couchclimber - Jul 25, 2005 12:46 am
Route Climbed: horseshoe loop Date Climbed: April 24, 2005scrambled most of the way up on the slabs to avoid people on the trail. The rock is grippy so it was quite enjoyable to climb it. I was quite surprised by the view of the mountains on the backside.
CdnRockyGal - Jun 30, 2005 7:55 pm
Route Climbed: Main Trail/Scramble Date Climbed: April 10, 2004This hike is always a windy one, as it goes straight up the ridge and is very exposed. A nice hike to do if you get a late start to your day or want to do a hike after work in the summer if you're from the Calgary area. If you have the time and it is late enough in the season, take the loop down, as it's a nice variation.
Make sure to park in the ditch just off the highway rather than in the heart creek parking lot, as it ensures your vehicle's safety against vandalism.
Dow Williams - May 7, 2005 4:57 pm
Route Climbed: Scramble Date Climbed: April, 2003I have done this mountain three times.
Park on the south side of TransCanada at Hearts Creek. Cross the creek and follow the sign marking a trail that ascends the mountain. This early in the season will require an ice axe and confident footing. The first peak is not the summit, but it does not take long to mosey on over to the true summit. There are alternative ways down, but not with this much snow. If you are going during the summer, definitely work out some circuit to make it more
interesting.
The first summit was howling wind while the true summit was quiet. Mountains to the south are what make this phenomenon possible. It was an interesting note while I was up there.
Crux- Early season like this means humping over some snowy-icy rock bands. I had to throw BJ (dog) up a ledge or two. Great day, no people this early in the season.
William Marler - Aug 25, 2003 10:47 am
Route Climbed: From the highway Date Climbed: February 1991I have done this enjoyable hike many times. It was a special place for my good friend Glen Wells. We spread his ashes here in February 1991. I have returned several times since. There is an excellent ridge walk if you choose a longer descent.
Bodhi - Aug 25, 2003 9:59 am
Route Climbed: From Trailhead off of Hwy to Summit Date Climbed: August 23, 2003Made it to the summit & quick time w/ my friend Conn who lives in Calgary. Great views of the plains to the East & of Calgary. Great valley below the summit. On the other side of the summit of Heart Mountain, there is a great little ridge walk to take a for few minutes before heading back down. Good little summit.