Heart Mountain is close to Calgary, can often be ascended year-round owing to chinooks that blast the route bare, and has at least two variations for descent. Heart Creek parking lot once sat right at the foot of the mountain by the highway, and to climb this popular little peak you parked, tramped 10 m to the ridge and followed the beaten path to the top. Since then, the parking lot has been moved farther west. Despite a slightly longer approach, the ascent remains a favorite early season pilgrimage where you can reintroduce flabby muscles to the rigors of steep hiking. It also makes a fine after-work outing from Calgary.

The ascent route to the first false summit as seen from the trailhead.

The not always so pristine Canadian Rockies.

The obligatory summit photograph.

Cindy on an exciting rock outcrop as we descend.

Another one just for fun.

The view down into Heart Creek.

Remaining snow in the second trickier section with helpful signage.

View from the first false summit across the ridge to the true summit.

The standard shot across the valley to Mt. Yamnuska.

Another view across to the true summit.

An early start allows for some great wildlife viewing on even the most popular routes like Heart Mountain.

A younger dear shows a little more curiosity than the buck.

Panoramic view from the false summit.

Cindy makes her way past the second trickier section as we near the summit mass.

Cindy on the summit.

Me up on Heart Mountain with views west down the Bow Valley.

Ascent: May 11, 2002

Party: Jacob & Adam

Surrounded by snow clad peaks.

The view east to Mt. Yamnuska the foothills and Calgary.

Looking back toward the false summit mass.

Adam and the ridge walk over to unnamed twin high points.

The False Summit.

Adam wanders about other summit possibilities.

Another view of the ridge between the true and false summits

The view across Heart Creek

Looking across the Bow Valley to Mt. Yamnuska

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