Wasootch Peak (GR334455) Kananaskis

Wasootch Peak (GR334455)	TOPO MAP

Elevation: 2400m	Gain: 900m	Difficulty level: Easy
Total trip time: 6 hours	Ascent time: 2 hrs	Conditions: Summer
Parking area: Side of the road. The trailhead is on the left (east side) of the Highway 40, approximately 300m before the Kananaskis Village turn off. There is a creek bed (usually only dry gravel visible from the roadside) marking the trailhead. Make sure to use the creek bed closest to Kananaskis Village WARNING: The correct ascent is the southwest face, not the northwest. The side directly across from the Mount Allan lookout/Nakiska is WRONG.

After getting spanked on two previous attempts, we finally decided to abandon the northwest approach. Finding the trailhead/parking spot was key. Once there, we found a surprisingly good trail. The perseverance was well worth it. Quick Ascent. Fantastic views. Amazing interconnecting ridgewalks allowed for multiple peaks, reminiscent of Munro bagging in Scotland. Scree skiing like Yam. What's there not to like?

ROUTE

Start at the correct trailhead (took us 3 times to figure this one out). Walk along the LEFT of the creek, and you will eventually find a very well worn trail running alongside the creek. The trail (LEFT side) then ascends rapidly with multiple switchbacks through the forest. Once again, ensure you remain just LEFT of the creek (which is now in a deep gully).


Near the tree line, you will then have to ascend up a meandering ridge. Looking from below, the ridge does not appear contiguous. However, have faith. Stick to the well defined path and you will make it to a final scree run to the top.
The view from up top can only be described as spectacular.


Best of all, the fun is only beginning. A series of interconnecting ridges allow you to hop from one peak to another. We spent 2 hours exploring the ridge system and just enjoying the view. However, once past the main summit, the ridges become more technical, and this can no longer be classified as easy.


The following represents what NOT to do:

In case you are still tempted to try a northwest ascent, this section is for you. Feel free to enjoy an exercise in frustration (we did... twice). However, beware. This is not a scramble. There is technical climbing (complete with crumbly rock to make the experience even more memorable)
	Looking out from the Mount Allen Viewpoint parking space, one might be tempted to believe the nice trail markers were an indication of easy scrambling to come. Besides, how can you beat a direct ascent with a short approach (literally seconds from the road)
Closer inspection looked even more promising. The cairn and trail markers look inviting, but RESIST!! If you choose to go ahead anyways, as if to tempt you even more, you will find yourself on a surprisingly well worn path. It is worn for a reason. This is the path leading to a rock climbing face. I suppose we should have clued in when we saw the anchors.
You can bypass the rockface by heading right, and then scramble up part of the ways. In truth, this part is actually quite fun, and represents moderate scrambling.
	However, as you approach the false summit, things get decidedly worse. This is definitely technical climbing; and should not be done without rope and experience. As someone who doesn't like the words 5.X (where X>3), 'fun' or 'enjoyable' weren't the first things to spring to mind.