Our day-after-solstice hike was up Mount Allan (named for the first professor of geology at the University of Alberta, he was responsible for going “Hey, there’s coal here… and here… and here…” all around this area).
There’s a good description of the trail at trailpeak, but in general: you follow Centennial Trail. There’s an old mine. It’s quite steep. Then it’s not for a bit, and there are nice views, and some meadows. Then there are some funky rocks. Then there’s some scree. Then you’re at the top.
For a 16km hike with 1350 metres of elevation gain it really didn’t seem that long. Although it took us seven hours, so perhaps it was just the gorgeous day making time fly. It was the first day after the end of the seasonal closure for the area (so the Rocky Mountain Sheep can raise their lambs in peace), and there were just two other people on the mountain with us. And apparently a bear, although we never saw him.
Summit: 2819m
Return distance: 16km
Elevation gain: 1350m
Trip time: 7 hours (with plenty of breaks for snacks, photos, changing baby, lazing in sun, admiring marmots and wildflowers etc)
Snow levels: There are a few snow patches, but nothing you can’t get around with ease
One reply on “Mt Allan”
Wow, it looks amazing. :)