It’s funny how some stories stay tucked away, waiting for the right moment. This blog post about hiking Ha Ling Peak has been sitting in my drafts for eight years! Unfinished sentences, forgotten notes, little snippets of memory I kept coming back to.
I’d write a line about the steep rocky trail, then get distracted by a photo I took of sunlight hitting the trees. I’d jot down the sounds of the river and the chirping birds, then pause because I wanted to capture the feeling of the wind brushing my face. Over time, this post became more than a hike recap. It became a time capsule of a morning in the mountains, of a beginner hiker learning to find her footing, and of the awe that comes from standing in a place so much bigger than yourself.
Located at south of Canmore passing thru Kananaskis Country by Spray Lakes Road, Ha Ling Peak is one of the most challenging hiking trail for beginners like me.
Elevation Gain: 2400 ft approx
Hike Duration: 2 hrs (with few stops)
After passing cliffs and rocky roads, parking with portalets will welcome you from your bumpy trip. The trail starts 3 kilometers away from the parking area. We went on a spring season so it still feels cold.
Our hike started passing thru a reservoir, crossing a narrow bridge with flowing river underneath. The trail continued with soft mushy ground, view of high gigantic trees touching the sky, skipping huge roots impaled on the ground as if it wanted to escape the ground. Chirping birds, gushing water from the river and our voices surrounded the entire forest. We hear our voices echoing. It seemed like there was no one except us during our hike. We decided to go early in the morning to have a view of sunrise.
As we hiked, the trail led us to an opening path of mountain view. We took the opportunity to rest and stare at a breathtaking scene we were on. Fresh air was really different from the city. Our gasping breaths broke the silence of the forest. We enjoyed lying on gray steep rocks and had some stretch.
As we continued our hike, people are starting to come, It can get muddy (and rocky) at most times, we had to be vigilant and careful while walking because the last thing we want is to dislodge any rocks to those who are going up.
In the end, we didn’t got the chance to witness sunrise because we ran out of time (blame it to our endless stops and photo ops 😛 ) .
I found it easier to descent just by hanging on trees.
FREE Ha Ling Trail Map download here!
Map Source: albertaparks.ca
TIPS:
- One thing I learned as a beginner is that you have to have hiking poles (or some sort of stick) to get your balance.
- Wear PROPER shoes.
- You’ll never know how helpful a survival kit is until you need it. Always Bring one.
- Bear spray!
Even though we missed the sunrise, Ha Ling Peak was unforgettable. Every muddy patch, rocky scramble, and pause for photos was worth it for the fresh mountain air, the forest sounds, and the breathtaking views!
Just Joana 