Mount Dyson and Wolf Creek Explorer Hike + Potluck - Sat, Apr 1 2017

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Mount Dyson and Wolf Creek Explorer Hike + Potluck (4/1/2017)

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:

Hwy 546, Southern Kananaskis

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Apr 1 2017 9:20 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:15 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Mar 31 2017 2:00:00 PM

Event Duration:

9 hours plus driving

Difficulty Rating:

D5: 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 Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests:

Minimum Group Size:

Maximum No. Guests Per Member:

Number Registered So Far:

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

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

IMPORTANT - Read:
   · This will be a combined trail/off-trail hike including water crossings.
     If you enjoy getting off the beaten path and like to explore, including some light bushwhacking, then this hike is for you.
   · We will be going at a relaxed pace , but keeping in mind that we have a fair distance to cover.
     If you are not willing to stick with the group, do not sign up.
   · You must have hiked 15km+ at least a few times in the past year in order to attend.
     Your coordinator will be checking your event history.
   · As this is a potluck hike, please bring something small (i.e., two bites per person) to share with the group.
   · Do not be in a rush to get back to the city. We are out to explore and event duration may vary.
     Your coordinator has a reputation for events finishing late and feeling pleasantly depleted :-).
   · I carry an inReach satellite communicator and GPS for emergencies.
     As we're going off-trail all day, if you have a GPS, please bring it as a back-up.

Distance: 200km
Elevation Gain: 600m+

The Sheep area provides great hiking in shoulder season when there is still too much snow in the mountains, but one is itching to get a good hike in. This will be an explorer hike, so you must be comfortable hiking off-trail, bushwhacking, and with water crossings.

Starting from the Sandy McNabb area, we will immediately need to cross the Sheep River on foot. Water crossing shoes and hiking poles will be essential and you will not be allowed to attend without these. The river is wide and can be up to knee- deep at this time of year. We will follow the Wolf Creek Trail to the West Fork. This portion of the trail will be a combination of exploration road, cutline, and trail. As Gillean Daffern's Kananaskis Trail Guide (Volume 4) notes, this is not "too exciting, one would think, but it does have a huge surprise in store as you'll discover". Now, what could that be?

While the trail has now been decommissioned, equestrians had secretly been improving a side trail up the west fork (northwest side of Mount Dyson). We will follow this path, though it may be in rougher shape after winter.

We will wander the meadows and possibly go as far as the now decommissioned Wolf Creek Backcountry Campground. This would turn it into an approximately 23-24km day, but with minimal elevation gain. For those of you who attended last week's explorer hike, note that this one will have very little repeat as we will be going further southeast. Travel is also expected to be much easier as we should be on double tack most of the way.

References:
   · GemTrek Highwood & Cataract Creek (South Kananaskis Country) Map
   · Kan anaskis Country Trail Guide Volume 4 - Sheep | Gorge Creek | North Fork by Gillean Daffern (a.k.a. 'the purple book').
     (Combination of trips 4, 4A, 6A, 7, and 8).

Required Items to Bring:
ALL of these items are mandatory or you stay in the city:
   · Water/drinks and lunch
   · Something for potluck
   · Proper hiking boots
   · Water crossing shoes, towel
   · Microspikes or icers
   · Clothes for varying weather conditions (incl. wind & rain)
   · Spare socks
   · Bear spray (they are out and grumpy)
   · Headlamp
   · First aid kit
   · Plastic bag for your dirty hiking boots for the way back
   · A smile and sense of adventure :-)

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
   · Hiking poles
   · Gaiters
   · GPS if you have one
   · Camera

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Take Hwy 22X west, then Hwy 22 south to Turner Valley. In Turner Valley, turn right (west) onto Hwy 546 to the Sandy McNabb Recreation Area, which will be in front of the winter gates.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

135Km

Carpool Departure Time:

8:15 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $40.50 (calculated at total Km * $0.30, effective Tuesday, April 16, 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 on March 21, 2017.
Terrain Classification: Unrated front-range terrain. This event is located east of the winter gates.
Conditions: [Not yet available for Saturday] at Alpine, [Not yet available] at Treeline, [Not yet available] Below Treeline. Read the Avalanche Report.
Plan: If conditions are unfavourable for or if deeper snow is encountered, another hike in this area will be selected.
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: