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Home»Rockies 2012»Victoria Ridge, June 30, 2012

Visitors 112
Modified 4-Jul-12
Created 1-Jul-12
18 photos
The lush valley containing the headwaters of Pincher Creek made for very pleasant hiking. Pincher Ridge is on the right.This is the first view I got when I gained the ridge. I love the ruggedness of Windsor Mountain and Castle Peak amongst a sea a more rounded colorful mountains.The south side of Victoria Peak epitomizes many of the colors of rock found in the area.The great view to the west from atop the northern highpoint of the ridge. Thanks for this trip idea Andrew Nugara!These strange dirt tubes appeared from beneath melting snow on the ridge. I later discovered this is the excavations from Pocket Gophers foraging all winter.My favorite view of the day and dramatic lighting to top it off. I seriously could not stop taking photos of Castle Peak. Mount Darrah is on the right in the distance.The final stretch to the summit is very gentle and a surprise view down to the United State awaits you at the top. Kenow Mountain can be seen across the border in British Columbia.These alternating colors of rocks in ring formations on the south end of Pincher Ridge were absolutely fascinating. Erosion has never been so cool!Kenow Mountain is the triangular peak on the left and it bears an uncanny resemblance to Mount Glasgow near Calgary (especially from this angle). In the foreground is Mount Matkin.I went to the summit mentioned on Bob Spirko's website and this is the view of Windsor Mountain and Castle Peak from up there.The three farthest peaks (left to right) are Mount Cleveland in Montana's Glacier Park, Mount Blakiston, and Anderson Peak which are in Waterton National Park.More giants from Montana are seen to the south. Mount Peabody on the left with Kinnerly Peak and Kintla Peak right of the Agassiz Glacier.This shows most of what I had to do to return to the prairies. At 27 km, Victoria ridge was one of my longest day trips ever, at least over 8 km was on bike!I had to shoot this scene considering the great late day lighting hitting the peaks!Final look, but I will be back with my family someday.I really like the way the light shines through the large leaves of the False Hellebore plants in this area.On the way out I was lucky enough to spot this Goldenrod Spider with fresh prey with a Sticky Purple Geranium as a stage!Panorama from north high point.
© Calvin Damen
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