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    Rummel Ridge

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4-6h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    7.0 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    680 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    9.8
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Panorama from Rummel Ridge snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

    The Snowshoe trip to Rummel Ridge is a relatively safe and easy ascent to an incredible viewpoint above Rummel Lake. The in-your-face view of Mount Galatea and those of massive peaks across the valley compete for your attention.

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    Route Description for Rummel Ridge

    Anyone on a snowshoe trip should have Avalanche training, we recommend AST 2 for all backcountry travellers, and AST 1 is the minimum. It is important to note that when travelling through avalanche terrain it is extremely valuable to always have a companion.

    Snowshoeing up Rummel Ridge is one of those trips where we seem to have to break trail. This makes the ascent a lot tougher, not only for route-finding but also physically. If you’re breaking trail, make sure you know where you’re going and have the fitness to complete this trip.

    The Rummel Ridge snowshoe is described in Andrew Nugara's Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies book, but his route up the steep west slope comes with some degree of avalanche risk. The route we use ascends the ridge via its northwest arm, essentially avoiding all avalanche risk.

    This is a common route for skiers and the first 2.0 km are a relatively easy 300 m ascent on already packed trail. At this point the steep banks of the creek flatten out and you will cross to the south bank.

    The route travels through trees, and you will find you end up following others tracks. Be wary that ski tracks likely are heading to a different destination, so don’t follow them blindly. In addition, you should be aware of your surroundings on this trip, it’s possible to get off the trail and into avalanche terrain pretty easily.

    Finally, you make it up the easy grade to Rummel Ridge. From Rummel Ridge, the views are spectacular and make the trip well worthwhile. The rewarding views alongside the easy grade of the ridge when the trail is packed makes this an excellent choice to spend a day outside.

    It is possible to ascend a portion of The Tower via Rummel Ridge, but we don’t recommend it. This addition is subject to potentially dangerous avalanche conditions and is not recommended unless conditions are stable, and your group has plenty of experience navigating avalanche terrain. There was a fatal avalanche on the ascent route up The Tower from Rummel Ridge.

    Insider Hints for Rummel Ridge

    • Consider stopping in at the delightful Mount Engadine Lodge for a snack on the way back. They have a variety of options for hikers, and their Sunday Brunch is great.
    • Snowshoeing in the Kananaskis is a remote activity. Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with warm clothes, extra food, matches and ideally a satellite transceiver, like a Garmin InReach. Cell phones do not work until you get to Canmore.
    • Always check the avalanche forecast for Kananaskis before heading out.

    Getting to the Rummel Ridge Trailhead

    From the Canmore Nordic Centre, continue west on the Smith-Dorrien (Highway 742) as it winds up into the Spray Valley for 34.0 km, and find a pull out on the side of the road, just north of Rummel Creek. If you reach Mount Engadine Lodge you have gone too far.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      December - April

    • Mountain Huts

      None

    • Toilets

      Several day use areas along Highway 742

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Avalanche Risk

      Simple

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      None

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Rummel Ridge Elevation Graph

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    Rummel Ridge Reviews

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