[MCR] Elbow Lake/Piper Creek, Opal Range, Kananaskis Country

Subject: [MCR] Elbow Lake/Piper Creek, Opal Range, Kananaskis Country
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:09:05 -0600 (MDT)
Fall has arrived in Kananaskis Country!

Just got out yesterday from a few days into Piper Creek area via Elbow Lake on 
a personal trip. We hiked up the Elbow Lake trail, then followed it north past 
the lake for 3.5kms on the Big Elbow Trail. We then hooked up with the narrower 
but well-used Piper Creek trail that heads northwest at grid reference 419 148. 
The fall colours are spectacular with dwarf birch patches turning red and 
orange and larches yellow. All but the highest north-facing slopes are free of 
snow from the storm earlier this month. Piper Pass is snow-free as viewed from 
the south. No recent bear sign was seen. Plenty of moose and bighorn sheep sign 
in Piper Creek valley.

A great option for a hike that doesn't take long to get up into some excellent 
views and colours. Elbow Lake can also provide some productive fishing for 
brook trout, and they are in their fall spawning red and orange coloration.

Cheers!
Jen Stelfox
HG
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