South Pocaterra Ridge is a 5.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Kananaskis Improvement, Alberta, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Easy/moderate trail most of the way until you reach the ridge, at this point I would rate it as quite difficult as it’s a straight up incline to the top.
November 21, 2020October 12, 2020Completed on 10/06/2020. Very quiet along the trail. We found the trail pretty easy, the only elevation gain seemed to be on the last hike up to the ridge. 360 Views were beautiful at the top. Steepness can be a bit sketchy on the way down, especially if muddy. We also had one other at the summit with us who accidentally sent a rock at us. Luckily he called out and missed us
October 10, 2020Very busy
October 9, 2020October 7, 2020Amazing hike today! Was slightly overcast and a touch windy on the ridge but overall it was fabulous fall weather. Super stoked the trail wasn’t very busy today. As many have stated previously the trail braids off near the beginning but most of the paths run parallel to each other and end up at the cirque. Very gradual elevation until you get to the base of the ridge and then the real elevation gain starts. Definitely recommend poles which help during the descent as it decently steep. Nothing technical. The views from the ridge are a solid 10. Absolutely stunning! Completed with my 8yr old pup.
October 4, 2020“It’s work, but it’s worth it.”
October 3, 2020October 2, 2020Gorgeous trail. We went for the sunset and it was breathtaking. There are still a handful of larches but there mostly lost their needles now
October 2, 2020Did it last on last Saturday. The trail was so poorly marked that we at least saw ten groups were misled to a wrong way when we were struggling there. Be sure to turn right at the first fork junction. Also, super slippery and steep, poles are definitely necessary.
October 2, 2020We arrived about 9:30 on a Friday and the parking lot still had spots, but there was constantly people coming in as we were starting. This trail starts off in a forested area which is easy enough to get your blood pumping. You will come to a clearing where the sought after larches can be seen. Although most of the needles have fallen, it’s still a nice splash of colour. I can definitely see why this trail was so popular the last few weeks! This is where the rockier terrain shows up. You will eventually come to a fork in the trail. Keep right for the south ridge. You will cross a small creek and this is where the tough part starts. Do not underestimate the steepness of the reminder of this trail. It’s tough. Some spots you will have a good foothold on rocks and others your on loose gravel and sand. Every time you think your almost there, there will be another hump to go up. However. The view from the top of this ridge is gorgeous and worth every step! We sat for a little whole and had a snack and gave our muscles a break. The way down is just as tough so I advise poles and ensuring you have the appropriate footwear is crucial for this trail. Once getting back to the forested part, the previously frozen ground was very muddy. Overall, the trail is not marked overly well but you will notice ribbons tied to trees to mark it her and there. We passed a lot if people on our way back down who were unsure of where they were going, so hopefully the people we gave directions too found their way!
October 2, 2020Pretty easy for the most part till the end where there's about a km of steep incline to get to the ridge walk. Plan to do this early on in the day. It was heavily trafficked on the way back down and I had to step aside for a lot of groups that were trying to make their way up.
October 1, 2020Trails misguided its users to a totally wrong place. We followed its GPS guidance and ended up in Ptarmigan Cirque parking lot. There is no place marked or have any signage for this trail! Users be alert!
October 1, 2020October 1, 2020Beautiful hike with amazing views, but the first chunk of the trail is SUPER icy. People were falling everywhere, you honestly needed poles and crampons to walk in the forest. once you are out in the open its better but still a bit slippery. Larches were lovely. climb up to the peak is quite steep, bring poles. It's very busy this time of year with the larches so expect a crowd.
September 30, 2020September 29, 2020This trail is gorgeous, but it needs to be rated ‘hard’. It was muddy and slippery the whole trail, and extremely crowded. Nearing the top is dangerous if you’re not prepared for a steady incline! I’m active, but I’m not an experienced hiker, so don’t do this if this is one of your first hikes.
September 29, 2020Too many people this weekend, a lot of them came not prepared for winter conditions. Very slippery, as a result Stars had to evacuate someone with broken leg... This weekend was probably the last for larches viewing. With negative temperatures in the mountains, most of the larches have lost their needles.
September 28, 2020September 28, 2020Easy/moderate trail most of the way until you reach the ridge, at this point I would rate it as quite difficult as it’s a straight up incline to the top. Lots of snow this week made it more slippery and very cold. If you have an issue with crowds I would avoid this hike. I’ve never been on a busier trail, crowds and crowds of people walking inches within each other at some parts. Gorgeous views the entire way. Everything is covered in snow and the leaves are turning gorgeous colours of yellow and orange. Took about 4 hours round trip.
September 28, 2020September 28, 2020
