02/07/2023 - Mount Burke

 

Mount Burke

First hike of the season in the books!! I returned home from Ontario on Friday and it took a total of two days before I found myself re-immersed into Alberta's nature filled backyard. Upon some discussion with the parents, we decided that Mt. Burke would be a good place to start the hiking season, and that proved to be an excellent choice. An early departure time of 6:15 am meant we would beat the heat and the crowds - should there be any. After a quick pit stop in Turner Valley to pick up our final member of the trail family for the day, our sights were set on Burke. The trail starts with a section of up and down forested trail and after a very steep descent you find yourself going consistently up until the summit. I like to think the trail can be broken down into three distinct sections: powerline walking, switchbacks and exposed rock. I am fairly confident that when I say the powerline section is the least favorite part of the hike, the rest of the trail fam would agree. Even though it is still amazing to be in a forest this section is long and grueling at a fairly steep grade. Once past this section however the hike remains at a manageable grade until the summit. With no lack of elevation (875m total) do not be led to believe this hike is easy, however it is fairly manageable in terms of the actual trail quality and trail steepness. Once you hit the rocky section of the hike, the only thing that stands between you and the summit is a section of slightly exposed rock. Although the section is probably only 20 steps total, it is definitely not a place where you would want to misstep. After completing the final obstacle it is fairly smooth sailing until the summit, where you will be greeted by an abandoned fire lookout that is pretty much in shambles at this point. On this particular day we were also pleasantly surprised to be looking out over the clouds that had made a plateau well below our point of vantage. 

On the Summit

Well Above the Clouds

As is always the case when hiking, the descent back to the car proved to be much less strenuous than the ascent to the summit. Completion of my first hike of the season called for a pit stop in Longview on the way home for some cold drinks. Overall a very nice way to celebrate my ten months away and hopefully a good first hike of what will be many more to come this summer. The release of finally being able to experience the mountains after not having had the chance all year is something that is indescribable. I think having been raised so close to them, the mountains have become so deeply entrenched in me that I will never find myself too far away from them in my lifetime.