Mt. SPARROWHAWK Scramble in Kananaskis (4K)

This is redemption for me. When I first started scrambling and hiking I came here as my 3rd hike. I turned around likely 30 minutes from the top because I got freaked out. I always knew I would come back. It just took quite a few years. No issues this time at all. Perfect day for a climb. Chrissie got to bag her first 10,000 foot peak.
This trail starts at the Sparrowhawk day-use area which is roughly 22.7 kms from the Canmore Nordic Centre turnoff. Park there and cross the road up the well-worn trail. You will get to 2 junctions in the first hour. Take the left-hand turn at each to head up Reads Ridge towards Reads Tower. Descend down into the drainage on a well-worn trail. From here there are many cairns leading you up towards the summit block. Trend right as you go up towrds this summit block. Head around back and ascend the loose rock to the top.
Disclaimer - Always scramble within your own abilities. Thoroughly assess the situation and research the route. Just because I may have done this route at this time doesn't mean you can or should. GPS and/or a topo map are a valuable tool to help. Leave a route description behind with the exact location should you not arrive home at a predetermined time. Have a way to contact rescue as well if you are in an area of no cell service(SPOT, Garmin, etc.). Also, if hiking in winter make sure you have the necessary skill and knowledge regarding unstable conditions and perform a proper risk assessment prior to engaging in this activity.

[@TonchyShultz]

Very interesting hiking route .Amazing views , thx for sharing video .Best regards from Calgary. 👌🍷🍁🌿🍹💕👍

[@famatiga12]

Wow, I just did Little Lougheed last Wednesday. And I’m looking at the Sparrowhawk mountain.

[@HarlanFox--Scrambles]

A nice 10,000 footer. I enjoyed it.

[@jimpetriko1435]

Watching those summit drop offs gave my stomach a turn from my chair! Well done.

[@HarlanFox--Scrambles]

... Thanks Jim! It used to make me queasy too buy not so much anymore.

[@moethecat4265]

Did it on the 10th of September. And it was a very beautiful and challenging hike/Scramble. Unfortunately I managed to slice my palm on the decent, but we always bring our med kit with us and the slice ended up not being a big deal. This steep hike was still very worth it and was a great mountain for my first 10,000 footer.😊

[@HarlanFox--Scrambles]

.. Congratulations on Sparrowhawk. Injuries suck for sure. At least you were able to keep going.

[@MrPuroylan]

Awesome vidz as usual. One of my favourite hikes!

[@HarlanFox--Scrambles]

Thanks! It is great.

[@derrekg8338]

Hey Harlan. Thanks for the video. This is the closest we've come to bumping into each other out there. I did Sparrowhawk last Sunday (08/22). Terrible weather. I climbed through the clouds and the scramble up the crown to the summit was more snow than rock. When did you record this one?

[@HarlanFox--Scrambles]

... I just climbed it yesterday.

[@HarlanFox--Scrambles]

No Snow at all to deal with..

[@derrekg8338]

@@HarlanFox--Scrambles Cool. Nice to get out on a weekday to avoid the traffic. Interesting to see how much things have melted in three days above that weather shack. It was unlocked, but I couldn't get the door open! Thanks again for the videos!

[@HarlanFox--Scrambles]

@@derrekg8338... Ya I didn't even go to the shack this time. Last time I did. Funny how things can look so dramatically different in a day or 2. Cheers!

[@dilbertmcfly5986]

Congratulations! I summited Sept23. I was inspired by your video. Its tricky to find stable slabs up Reid gully. The crux for me was the summit block. Too far right and you are sliding down. Too far left and big exposure. Ofcourse like the forest steep section, you only find the right "easy" way on way down.

[@HarlanFox--Scrambles]

Thanks again! Ya, this was my second time up here. I really like Sparrowhawk. The route up the backside can be a little challenging but no major obstacles IMO. Glad you got it done. Cheers!