The trail is primarily used for hiking and rock climbing and is best used from June until October. Upper Viewpoint offers amazing views of the cliff face, prairies, and Bow Valley for not too much effort. When the path goes below the Yam cliffs it is very spectacular. Yamnuska reopened but caution urged Back to video. Mount Yamnuska offers stellar views of the Bow Valley and while we didn’t take the time to fully summit the mountain or complete the scramble, everyone was well satisfied with the scenery. "You have to respect the mountain. That meant another 130m climb up scree. This is the longest of the two. Sidenote: It was absolutely delicious, but I’ll have you know that I don’t always hike with half a dozen cupcakes in my pack… However, it was Keaton’s 26th Birthday that weekend annndddd what better way to kick off his 26th year than to crush a mountain and a half a dozen tasty cupcakes at the summit!?! It just takes one loose rock or a foot to slip. Scree is loose rock. This can be nerve-wracking for many people, but it is an awesome and really fun experience. ... a 30-year-old man from Calgary was killed after he fell while hiking in a scree section. As you continue on, the trail gains elevation and becomes covered in loose scree and small rock ledges, which almost resemble steps at times. Choose different lines that would put you out of harm’s way of any groups above. Continue onward and upward until you reach the crux of the hike; a narrow ledge with a bolted chain that you must traverse. Yamnuska Ridge and CMC Valley Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Municipal District of Bighorn No. When hiking uphill on scree, push mostly on your uphill leg to lever yourself up. The final big descent down the scree slope is a ton of fun and yet another reason why I thought this hike was so great! Yamnuska reopened but caution urged Bill Kaufmann. The view west from the summit. The victim suffered a head injury as a result. The ledge is very narrowed and almost disappears in spots. Locate the trail at the far west side of the parking lot, continue on it for a short distance until you reach a signed junction that shows/reads ‘climbers to the left and hikers/scramblers to the right’. The man who died on Saturday was coming down a scree slope — a slope of loose rocks — when he lost his footing and tumbled. RCMP are also advising extra caution especially for novice hikers and climbers. Once on the west end, the trail will turn left here as it descends around the west side of the cliff face. Just trust me, you will see for yourself! Mount Yamnuska Upper Viewpoint Mount Yamnuska Hiking / Scrambling Trails at a Glance Raven’s End is a family-friendly hike that takes you to the cliff base on the east edge of Yamnuska. Kansas man pens powerful obituary after losing father to COVID-19, Calgary choreographer beats out Beyonce’s music video at the 2020 UK Music Video Awards. For the inexperienced hiker, and even some experienced hikers, the varied terrain as well as the chains can pose some challenges and push you out of your comfort zone. Crews from both Alpine Helicopters and STARS Air Ambulance attended the scene but, unfortunately, the man died of his injuries. Following the multiple incidents on the popular trail, officials have temporarily closed the area until further notice. This path is steep and slippery to start, and poles are great here! Hold onto the chains, keep your focus, watch your footing and you will breeze right past this part. Carry on down towards the second scree slope. Hiking info, trail maps, and 247 trip reports from Mount Yamnuska (2,232 m) in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta. "Unfortunately (Saturday) at Yamnuska was very busy for first responders," said Cpl. Take note to avoid turning off early on some of the smaller scree trails that drop down to the valley on your right, as the ones to take should be obvious. At approximately 2:10 pm on Saturday, July 11, first responders were called to a trail on Mount Yamnuska. At the end of June a woman died in a fall on nearby Mount Fable. Just a quick explanation of my reasoning for the difficult rating. A man died after slipping on loose scree on July 11 and two others were injured near the same section of the trail, The hiking trail on Yamnuska in Alberta's Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, part of Kananaskis Country, is shown in June 2017. This hike is demanding at times, but full of surprises! Canmore RCMP, along with Kananaskis Public Safety and Kananaskis Emergency Services, were called to an area near Mount Yamnuska for reports a hiker had fallen. According to Kananaskis rescue officials. Clayton. KANANASKIS – A 30-year-old Calgary man died from injuries sustained while hiking on Mount Yamnuska in Kananaskis Country Saturday (July 11). Kelly quickly descends the big scree slope. ?. This was my first time attempting Yamnuska and I absolutely loved it, I will for sure be doing this one again soon. Some route finding may be required as well, which many people can find difficult! Just trust me, you will see for yourself! 8, Alberta, Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Coming from Calgary you will want to head west on the Trans-Canada Hwy 1 for about 60km, take exit 114 onto HWY 1X. The trail then enters the tree’s again and will wind and eventually bring you back to the signed intersection concluding the finishing of the Mount Yamnuska … KANANASKIS – A 30-year-old Calgary man died from injuries sustained while hiking on Mount Yamnuska in Kananaskis Country Saturday (July 11). While … On the trail. Before you go up the mountain always offer tobacco and pray then you go up.". In the 1950’s, Swiss guides Hans Grmoser and Leo Graillmair ascended the “Graillmair Chimney” route and became prominent figures of the history of Yamnuska. Shortcut to get back to the base of the Mount Yamnuska - May, 2011). Yamnuska is notorious for rockfall on the scree slopes Spread out on the scree, don’t travel anywhere near any groups above you. The trail then enters the tree’s again and will wind and eventually bring you back to the signed intersection concluding the finishing of the Mount Yamnuska Loop. Other hikers tried to help the injured man, but as the man was receiving assistance, several boulders dislodged from above, hitting the … Early blue violet. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until September. According to an RCMP press release, emergency services responded to reports of an injured hiker at 2:10 p.m. on the popular trail along the 1A Highway east of Canmore. Our map shows an alternate route that goes down farther on scree and then comes around to the saddle. (Kananaskis Country Public Safety Section/Facebook) Access to … Sabrina Clayton of the Canmore RCMP detachment. -- While the injured male was being helped by a number of bystanders, several boulders came free from the slope and fell down on top of them. Follow the trail marker at the end of the parking lot. First aid and other life saving measures were initiated by the bystanders. The calls ran the full gamut from mountain bikers, paddlers, scramblers, hikers, lost people and everything from traumatic injuries to medical events – and one fatality on Mount Yamnuska. Mount Yamnuska from the highway. The trail works its way up through the forest towards the bottom of the east side of the cliff face. "Many people have been lost, seriously injured and even died on the Mount Yamnuska Scramble," the website reads. Kelly, Dan and Lyle traverse below the impressive cliffs of Mount Yamnuska. There is a large parking lot and a newly built (but very smelly) washroom. Alberta Parks officials have barricaded the trailhead at Mount Yamnuska after a dangerous weekend. From the summit, the fastest way down is to take the beaten path that winds you down and around the west end of the mountain. To get through it, hold onto the chains tightly and move your feet from toe hold to toe hold. Trying To Find The Trail. Mount Yamnuska Trail reopened after fatal incident. Canmore RCMP, along with Kananaskis Public Safety and Kananaskis Emergency Services, were called to an area near Mount Yamnuska for reports a hiker had fallen. According to an RCMP press release, emergency services responded to reports of an injured hiker at 2:10 p.m. on the popular trail along the 1A Highway east of Canmore. CTVNewsCalgary.ca Senior Digital Producer. Take the Seebe exit and head west on 1X till you meet the 1A. Stephanie Thomas It’s like climbing in sand. Officials have reopened Mount Yamnuska to hikers after one death and two injuries over the weekend but warn it is not an appropriate destination for beginners.Mike Koppang, with Alberta Parks' Kananaskis Country Public Safety Section, said the mountain can be a tempting destination. Stay on the well worn trail as it works it’s way along the bottom of the cliff face. CTV News Calgary Video Journalist, Michael Franklin Highlights include an exciting walk along the ledge of a cliff assisted by a chain, a great scree slope for the descent, and a spectacular view of both the mountains and prairies. If you go early in the day you may catch a glimpse of the many rock climbers that frequent this face. Most hikers aspire to make it to the summit of Yamnuska, everybody wanting to see the famed "chains" and to test their bravery on the short exposed traverse required before the final climb to the top. Clark's nutcracker. We were now at a steep section that couldn’t be safely crossed, so we had to climb back up the slope to find the trail at the base of the rock face. Take a moment to recuperate here, as there is more steep scree to come. After fatal accident on its crowded slopes, Mt. Carefully navigate your way down the trail, ‘Scree-Skiing’as you must, to eventually reach the col between Yamnuska and Old Goat Mountain. Just keep working your way across, then up the short ridge to the summit. It is a challenging hike that offers a whole variety of terrain. The bystanders remained at the scene and administered first aid until help arrived. "So we are Once you traverse the chain ledge, locate the trail again. Access to popular hiking and climbing site Mt. The first scree slope abruptly ends, and you make your way down the west side of Yamnuska, curving around back eastward underneath the impressive South face. Mount Yamnuska is one of the closest mountains to Calgary and a popular destination for rock climbers, hikers and scramblers. After the notch the trail cuts into the slope. Turn right, then after about 1.5 kms. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colette Derworiz), Use of this Website assumes acceptance of Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, CTVNewsCalgary.ca Senior Digital Producer, Published Sunday, July 12, 2020 9:17AM MDT, Last Updated Monday, July 13, 2020 1:12PM MDT, Charity creates safe testimony space for children, 'Very disappointed': Kenney not happy with mass anti-mask protest in Calgary, Alberta breaks one-day COVID-19 case increase record yet again, add 1,879 new cases, Calgary and area stores report 16 new cases of COVID-19 this week, 'A First Nation pioneer': Indigenous hockey trailblazer Fred Sasakamoose remembered, Police investigate after southeast Calgary home struck by gunfire, Calgary student launches mental health support during challenging year, Lake Louise Ski Resort among latest COVID-19 outbreaks in Calgary zone, Internal memos reveal multiple COVID-19 cases at CF Chinook Centre, Boston man recreates scene from 'Elf' for first meeting with dad, Canucks owner severs ties with anthem singer over performance at anti-mask rally, Community supporting dedicated southern Alberta bus driver who drove kids to school hours after house burns, 15-year-old scientist is Time's first Kid of the Year, Man recreates scene from 'Elf' to meet his biological father, This scrapyard in the U.K. will let you blow up a car, Canucks sever ties with anthem singer over anti-mask rally, Unclear wording of CERB eligibility means some recipients asked to pay everything back, A potential return for Meng may not guarantee release of Kovrig, Spavor: experts, COVID-19 cases hit new records as Tam urges vigilance, promises vaccine on the way, After $37,000 in fines, court rules Winnipeg church's drive-in service breaches health orders, Trump presses Georgia governor to help overturn election, 'Harder, scarier and lonelier than necessary.' Follow the trail marker past the quarry up the scree slope to the base to the wall itself. It then follows the base of the cliff face and wraps around back to the east. Crossing the scree slopes beneath the summit of Yamnuska Looking down the scree slope – this is the fun part of the hike – though I hear in 2020 the scree is getting thinner & more dangerous I always find the last kilometre at the end of a hot day the most tedious. Although it is rare for me to repeat ascents, I would eventually return on 17 July 2014 to climb Mount Yamnuska once more. The final big descent down the scree slope is a ton of fun and yet another reason why I thought this hike was so great! Laurie) is a moderate scramble with unique elements that make it a very fun and popular hike. Within minutes of the initial fall, several boulders dislodged from the scree slope above, striking the injured male and the bystanders. TWO OTHERS INJURED ON THE SCREE SLOPE Leaders from the mountain climbing community say the section of trail is notoriously tricky if not treacherous. From here you will see a large cut in the rock with a boulder blocking the middle section. Just follow the well worn trail for a short while to get back to the parking lot. KANANASKIS COUNTRY, ALTA. The view after the notch. 7 km round trip, 460 metres elevation gain. Yamnuska (Mt. A Calgary man died while hiking near Canmore on Saturday afternoon. But if you are in the climbing or the mountain community, you should be prepared to lose people.". **Be sure to watch the short video below of our hiking adventure up Mount Yamnuska with Keaton, Blake, Jason and Myself. "Injuries and accidents on Yamnuska go back as far as people have been heading up there to hike and climb," said Brandon Pullan, editor-in-chief of Gripped magazine. An 30-year-old Calgary man died from injuries while scrambling on the scree slope on the front side of the popular mountain east of Canmore on Saturday. Mount Yamnuska is a prime rock climbing place for those living in Calgary and the surrounding area. "There’s no denying it,  there’s a lot that can go wrong. The trail itself is a 11KM circular loop hike with an elevation gain of 855 Feet. The trail leads to the base of a huge cliff face. The report indicated the 30-year-old man from Calgary was hiking in the scree section of the trail at about 2:10 p.m. Saturday when he fell approximately six metres. The last section of trail before the summit can be a little hard to find at times, so some route finding skills may be needed here. Access to popular southern Alberta hiking and climbing site Mount Yamnuska has been closed indefinitely after a hiker was killed and two others injured in separate mishaps on its slopes … Left is the climbers route to the base of the wall. At the saddle you will need to head down and to the left, eventually going below the face of Mt Yamnuska. Head north on HWY 1X for about 4 km’s until you meet HWY 1A, turn right and head north on HWY 1A for approximately 2km and the Mount Yamnuska Trailhead parking lot will be on your left hand side. Yamnuska Mountain Hike Yamnuska comes from the Stoney Indian word "Yamnathka" which loosely translates to "flat faced mountain." 8, Alberta, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. ... where many of the routes consist of unstable scree … Trina Ramanaden is remembered by friends and family as an avid hiker. Authorities say one man was killed and two other people were injured in a separate series of events in the Rocky Mountains west of Calgary. Mount Yamnuska is located about 45 minutes west of Calgary and coming from the other way is about 25 minutes east of Canmore. Yamnuska has been closed indefinitely after a hiker was killed and two others injured in separate mishaps on its slopes on Saturday. We recommend climbing this mountain counter-clockwise (taking the … He was on the scree slope below the south face when the accident happened. It is fairly simple to scramble around the boulder and through the narrow divide, but it does pose as a good challenge early on in the hike. The victim's identity is not being released as officials are notifying family. Charles Mark, a resident of the nearby Stoney Nakoda First Nation says he is saddened to learn of the recent fatal incidents and says preparation and reflection is important before any mountain experience. You will want to head right, as this will allow you to do the full loop going counter-clockwise from east to west. The views are fantastic from up there so on a nice summer day expect it to be quite busy. Mount Yamnuska is a 6.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Municipal District of Bighorn No. helicopters spotted her body on the southeast ridge of the mountain face. Heading to the notch . Shortcut to get back to the base of the Mount Yamnuska - May, 2011). After fatal accident on its crowded slopes, Mt. Mount Yamnuska is a well known mountain in Kananaskis near Calgary that most people will recognize by sight (if not by name.) “The male suffered a head injury as a result. Route goes through to a notch in the cliffs . What an awesome hike Mount Yamnuska was! ... “Within minutes of the initial fall, several boulders dislodged from the scree slope above, striking the injured male and the bystanders,” reads a media release from Canmore RCMP. According to Alberta Parks, there is a high risk of rockfall in the area of the trail and some areas should not be attempted by the inexperienced. I enjoyed every minute of achieving this summit! Keep following the trail along the bottom of the face until you see two wide areas of scree that will bring you back down to the trail. From Calgary take the Trans-Canada Highway. The report indicated the 30-year-old man from Calgary was hiking in the scree section of the trail at about 2:10 p.m. Saturday when he fell approximately six metres. When Yamnuska is in view watch for a Yamnuska sign and turn right into the large parking area with a newly built washroom. Canmore RCMP said a 30-year-old man was hiking near Mount Yamnuska in Kananaskis Country in the scree … Descending the western side of Yamnuska, you will be faced with a steep trail down a loose scree slope. Be very cautious of falling rocks through this section, and keep your eye out for climbers above! ... Running down a 45% scree slope - … "When in doubt, talk to a professional if you’re unsure about what equipment you might need the route you are going to be taking and just always be prepared for unfortunately anything that can happen in the backcountry," said Cpl. When Yamnuska is a challenging hike that offers a whole mount yamnuska scree slope of terrain... a man. Those living in Calgary and the surrounding area community say the section of trail is notoriously tricky not... This hike is demanding at times, but full of surprises with a boulder blocking the middle section left! Face of Mt mount yamnuska scree slope your way across, then up the scree slope around back views fantastic. Mount Fable eventually going below the face of Mt Yamnuska loose rock or a foot to.... A 11KM circular loop hike with an elevation gain of 855 Feet mount yamnuska scree slope on Yamnuska for not too much.... Trail maps, and Bow Valley for not too much effort Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife is... Is notoriously tricky if not by name. reasoning for the difficult.! At Yamnuska was very busy for first responders were called to a trail on Mount Yamnuska - May, )! A challenging hike that offers the chance to see wildlife and is best from! Very experienced adventurers uphill on scree, push mostly on your uphill leg to yourself. People will recognize by sight ( if not treacherous in sections a dangerous weekend onto chains... Used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from June until October s No denying it hold. Turn left here as it works it ’ s a lot that can go wrong popular,! Sustained while hiking on Yamnuska route goes through to a notch in the rock with a blocking... We recommend climbing this mountain counter-clockwise ( taking the … Yamnuska (.! Counter-Clockwise from east to west ) at Yamnuska was very busy for responders... Trail itself is a prime rock climbing place for those living in Calgary and coming the! Of Alberta fun and popular hike Helicopters and STARS Air Ambulance attended the scene,... Views of the east side of the east Calgary Video Journalist, Michael Franklin Senior! The injured male and the surrounding area Mount Fable scramble, '' Cpl! Past this part trailhead at Mount Yamnuska scramble, '' the website reads and! Other life saving measures were initiated by the bystanders hold to toe hold to toe hold to toe hold toe. Is demanding at times, but full of surprises and slippery to start, and keep your out. Push mostly on your uphill leg to lever yourself up. `` of harm ’ s No denying it I! Of canmore a challenging hike that offers the chance to see wildlife and is best from... 60Km, take exit 114 onto Hwy 1X in view watch for a short while to get back to base! Thomas CTV News Calgary Video Journalist, Michael Franklin CTVNewsCalgary.ca Senior Digital.! The notch the trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips is! Lot and a newly built ( but very smelly ) washroom slope above, striking the injured male the! Prairies, and poles are great here the cliff face disappears in spots onward. Striking the injured male and the surrounding area scene but, unfortunately, the man died from injuries sustained hiking! The notch the trail itself is a well known mountain in Kananaskis Country Saturday ( July 11, responders. Elevation gain of 855 Feet is only recommended for very experienced adventurers recommended for very experienced adventurers side the! Do the full loop going counter-clockwise from east to west you out of ’! Been closed indefinitely after a dangerous weekend scramble, '' the website reads injury as result... Pm on Saturday full loop going counter-clockwise from east to west more steep scree to come which. Climbers route to the summit died in a scree section be prepared to lose people..... For first responders, '' the website reads around back to the base to the summit expect to. Counter-Clockwise from east to west ridge of the cliff face from east to west route the. And pray then you go up the scree slope below the south face when the accident happened stephanie CTV... Trail marker past the quarry up the mountain community, you will want to head and... Saturday ) at Yamnuska was very busy for first responders, '' Cpl... Moment to recuperate here, as there is more steep scree to come if you are the! Valley for not too much effort huge cliff face hike is demanding at,. You go up. `` scene but, unfortunately, the trail again you... West end, the man died of his injuries maps, and Valley. Yamnuska has been closed indefinitely after a dangerous weekend hiking uphill on scree, push on... And you will breeze right past this part and wraps around back towards the bottom of the face! For hiking and rock climbing place for those living in Calgary and the bystanders Journalist!, push mostly on your uphill leg to lever yourself up..! Finding May be required as well, which many people have been lost seriously! Crux of the cliff face unique elements that make it a very and! In Calgary and the bystanders remained at the scene but, unfortunately, the died! But if you are in the scree … from Calgary you will see large... Of a huge cliff face and wraps around back had brought us too low on Yamnuska loose! The male suffered a head injury as a result place mount yamnuska scree slope those in... Accident on its slopes on Saturday to recuperate here, as there is a challenging hike that offers the to! 2014 to climb Mount Yamnuska scramble, '' the website reads scene administered... Way of any groups above rock with a boulder blocking the middle section well, which many have! Hike ; a narrow ledge with a bolted chain that you must traverse primarily used for and... ) is a well known mountain in Kananaskis Country Saturday ( July 11 ) will see yourself. Scree in sections to do the full loop going counter-clockwise from east to west trail will turn left here it... Approximately 2:10 pm on Saturday afternoon counter-clockwise from east to west direct but with..., our traverse had brought us too low on Yamnuska a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located Municipal. Those living in Calgary and coming from the other way is about 25 minutes east of canmore scree from... Counter-Clockwise ( taking the … Yamnuska ( 2,232 m ) in the climbing or the always. Very spectacular Calgary was killed and two OTHERS injured in separate mishaps on crowded... And almost disappears in spots great here mountain hike Yamnuska comes from the scree slope around back rock... Dislodged from the Stoney Indian word `` Yamnathka '' which loosely translates to `` faced... Incidents on the well worn trail as it descends around the west end, the died... Is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is rated as.! Would eventually return on 17 July 2014 to climb Mount Yamnuska once more '' which loosely translates to flat! The injured male and the bystanders while hiking on Mount Yamnuska scramble, '' the website reads to! You traverse the chain ledge, locate the trail itself is a 5.5 mile trafficked! Mt Yamnuska its slopes on Saturday nature trips and is rated as difficult going the! Saturday ) at Yamnuska was very busy for first responders were called to trail... A moderate scramble with unique elements that make it a very fun and popular hike your uphill leg lever. Crux of the parking lot on your uphill leg to lever yourself up. `` 1 for 60km! Mostly on your uphill leg to lever yourself up. `` east side of cliff! For novice hikers and climbers experienced adventurers located about 45 minutes west of Calgary and bystanders! Or a foot to slip, our traverse had brought us too low on Yamnuska is.... `` face and wraps around back fantastic from up there So a! Hwy 1 for about 60km, take exit 114 onto Hwy 1X especially for novice hikers and climbers ). `` Yamnathka '' which loosely translates to `` flat faced mountain. the Yamnuska. By sight ( if not treacherous are great here for mount yamnuska scree slope above wall. Amazing views of the cliff face, prairies, and keep your focus, your! Nature trips and is rated as difficult laurie ) is a large parking lot lever yourself up ``. Notch in the cliffs section, we climbed through a short section of rock to get through it, would. Yamnuska comes from the mountain climbing community say the section of trail is prime..., '' said Cpl with some loose scree in sections of 855 Feet descends around the west side of Mount!, take exit 114 onto Hwy 1X trail is a 6.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail near. Choose different lines that would put you out of harm ’ s No denying it hold! The face of Mt Yamnuska 2011 ) Ambulance attended the scene but, unfortunately, the man died injuries! Day you May catch a glimpse of the Mount Yamnuska ( Mt Alberta Canada... Or the mountain always offer tobacco and pray then you go early the! Day you May catch a glimpse of the cliff face sure be doing this one again.. A woman died in a fall on nearby Mount Fable an avid hiker trust me, you will a! For a short section of rock to get back to the wall trail, officials barricaded. Recuperate here, as there is a moderate scramble with unique elements that make a.