Pine Ridge - Balsam Link - Long Prairie Ridge Explorer - Sat, Mar 22 2014

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Pine Ridge - Balsam Link - Long Prairie Ridge Explorer (3/22/2014)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

20km west of Turner Valley

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Mar 22 2014 10:20 AM (Carpool Departure: 9:20 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, Mar 19 2014 9:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

However long it takes (probably anywhere from 4-6 hours)

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Barbara B.
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members & Guests, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests:

Minimum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests Per Member:

Number Registered So Far:

5 (Log in to see who's signed up.)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Please Note:
This is an explorer hike. You must have done hikes of similar difficulty in order to attend. Microspikes (or equivalent) are mandatory or you will not be allowed to attend.

Total Distance: 12 - 16km
Total Elevation Gain: 300 - 500m
This is an explorer hike, so distance/elevation gain/exact route and duration may vary.

With avalanche danger going haywire in the mountains, it's time to pull back and explore in the front ranges. This hike explores a couple of smaller ridges in the foothills just west of Turner Valley - one treed, one with open views - and it part of the Sandy McNabb trail network. Expect lots of mud (hello all those of you training for West Coast and North Coast Trails this year ;-) ), icy sections in shaded areas, maybe some horse tracks, and maybe a bit of route-finding.

The intent is to hike a counter-clockwise loop:
   · Start at Sheep River office
   · Head north on Pine Ridge Loop
   · Take the Balsam Connector
   · Return on Long Prairie Ridge

You can read more about the trips in Gillean Daffern's Kananaskis Country Trail Guide 4th edition Volume 4 - Sheep | Gorge Creek | North Fork (combination of trips 11 & 12).

Turner Valley Weather Forecast

Required Items to Bring:
ALL of these items are mandatory.
   · Proper hiking boots
   · Microspikes
   · Headlamp
   · Toque & mitts
   · Backpack with water, snacks, extra layers
   · Bear spray (there are cougars in that area)
   · Plastic bag for shoes on way back (they will be muddy!)
   · $ for carpool contribution
   · First aid kit
   · No jeans allowed!

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
· $2 COC donation or $25 for 12- month Premier membership

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Take Hwy 546 west of Turner Valley to Kananaskis. The Sheep River Office will be on the right hand side before the winter gates. Park at the Sheep River Office parking lot.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

140Km

Carpool Departure Time:

9:20 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $42.00 (calculated at total Km * $0.30, effective Thursday, April 18, 2024). This is based on $0.16/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.

Notes:

Winter Safety Considerations
Entered by Barbara B. on March 16, 2014.
Terrain Classification: Simple, front ranges.
Conditions: No avalanche bulletins available for this area as it is not in the mountains. Due to the warm weather, only lingering snow patches are expected.
Plan: These are trails in the Sandy McNabb area. Should we encounter snow that is more than ankle-deep, we will turn around and the event will be cancelled.
Note that COC event coordinators are volunteers and are not trained guides. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip.

- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com.

Cost & Payment:

Voluntary Donations:

Although there is no cost for this event, please note that the club survives on voluntary donations. Please consider making a donation based on the value you feel you receive from the club. See our How You Can Help page for more information.

Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: