Nihahi Ridge to South Summit (5/27/2017)

Distance: 10KM Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 735M

Hiking footwear required - Sorry no runners/approach type shoes or jeans

PACE: Please note that this is not a speed demon's hike (getting to the top in record time) nor is it for very slowpokes, we will be hiking at a moderate pace on gentler grades and at a slower pace on steeper terrain. If you're not sure about a hike, feel free to contact the coordinator and remember to always hike within your ability in order to be able to keep up with the group. If you have not hiked before or recently hiked with 500M+, this hike is not for you. If you're used to "very slowpoke pace hikes" then this hike is not for you.

"Nihahi" is a Stoney Indian word meaning "rock". The trail climbs from the Little Elbow Campground towards the official start of the Front Ranges of the Rocky Mountains.

1. From the parking lot at the Little Elbow Campground, follow the campground access road to the west, and after 1km, leave the campground behind as you make your way through a series of three metal gates.
   
   
2. Follow the wide course of the Little Elbow Trail until km 1.5 and turn right, following an access trail to the Ford Creek Trail, which you meet at a T-intersection after just 0.1km. Turn left on this wide horse trail and then right onto the actual Nihahi Ridge Trail at another signed junction.
   
   
3. The Nihahi Ridge Trail leaves the Ford Creek Trail behind and winds through a lodgepole pine forest with an understory of buffaloberry, nodding onion and a few patches of one-sided wintergreen. The climbing starts immediately as the trail begins a section of switchbacks along the lower slopes of Nihahi Ridge. While you climb, the lodgepole pine forest shows plenty of evidence of its fiery genesis in the charred remains of old trees.
   
   
4. Finally at km 2.3, the climbing levels out as you emerge atop a pleasant subalpine meadow. You can see the trail snake across the meadow toward the base of the summit ridge. Follow this path across the meadow. As you reach the far side of the meadow at km 2.7, you rapidly approach the base of the summit ridge. As you begin climbing, there is a cable railing placed at km 3.1 to help you pull your way up the slope. As you climb above the railing, you'll come across an unmarked junction. Both trails soon rejoin, so you can select either option. At this point, the trail begins climbing straight along the edge of Nihahi Ridge. There are excellent views to the east towards the rolling foothill summits of Powderface and Forgetmenot Ridges. to the south and west, the valleys of the Big and Little Elbow Rivers stand beneath Mounts Glasgow and Cornwall, along with Banded Peak.
   
   
5. At km 3.6, you must scramble up a short cliff face. As you climb the final easier section of the trail, it makes its way towards the base of a cliff at km 3.8
   
   
6. We will continue another 1.2km (210m elevation gain) to the south summit, weather permitting.

SUMMIT OPTION: Should anyone in the group decide they do not want to continue on to the south summit, they may wait at the base of the cliff at km 3.8.

Please note that your event coordinator has not hiked all the way to the south summit before. Please allow time and patience for unforeseen circumstances. :-)