Upper Kananaskis Falls

A lonely sentinel guarding the trail.

With the trail head located on the north east end of Upper Kananaskis Lake across the dam, it is easy to find.  The path takes you along the end of the lake, across a debris field resulting from a slide off Mount Warspile.  The direction of the slide is evident as is the scar on the mountain.  The views are open, with small stands of trees breaking the grey landscape.  While the lake is evident along parts of the trail, the adjacent mountains loom over the landscape, a stark reminder of the remaining risk.

The initial length of the trail meanders through a marsh.  Flocks of geese hid in the grasses between the stumps from some foresting activities years earlier.

Within the forested stretches wild flowers flourish.

Mount Warspile

A closeup of the debris shows limestone fragments coated with mosses and occasionally decorated with alpine flowers.

Colour can be found in this two tone landscape if you look.  From the exposed pines to wildflowers and the lichen encrusted rocks.

Upper Kananaskis Falls, Elvie and Shadow.

An ND filter helps draw out the visual experience.

Watching the limestone fragments below your feet can lead to the discovery of fossils.  It takes patience.

Upper Kananaskis Lake looking south.

Mount Sarrial guarded by ancient pines.

The bridge crossing the upper falls.

The hardy trees grow the the minimal amount of soil.  Here is one embedded in in a boulder as if it was a throne over which it can govern the valley.

The gravel trail is clear and well marked its entire length,  making for an easy hike.  Only the sound of the wind in the trees was evident.