Outbound Collective logo

Snowshoe Mount Tyrwhitt

Kananaskis, Alberta

1.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

5.6 miles

Elevation Gain

2132.5 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by James Hueser

A great scramble in the Highwood that overlooks Kananaskis Lakes that can be snowshoed before the Pass closes in December.

Describing snowshoeing trails is always a bit difficult, but luckily the way up Mount Tyrwhitt gets used heavily by people going to Pocaterra Cirque - first thing to remember is to take the first fork off the main trail to the left after you cross the bridge.

Even if the trail is snow covered and not travelled, it'll be really easy to follow as it meanders through the forest. You'll come out of the forest after a while and cross over a small drainage channel. The trail will follow the edge of the forest as it starts to thin out. You'll get to the edge of the forest and start heading up a small hill. From there, you'll start making your way up to Tyrwhitt. 

While you can bomb straight up the slope, I preferred contouring up the east slope to make the ascent a bit longer, but less strenuous. However, one problem I ran into was the snow on the slope was pretty crusty and was a bit difficult to keep balanced on snowshoes. But I pushed through! 

Once you gain the ridge, you'll head west to the summit of Tywhitt - depending on snow conditions, it might be an hour or two. It's best not to stick right on top of the ridge as there are a few parts where it cuts out. There's no perfect route, so you'll have to do some route finding. If I had to do it again, I'd try to stay a bit lower as there were fewer outcrops to hop over. It was a bit steeper and had deeper snow, so in reality I have no idea if would be better at all. I don't have all the answers, I'm so sorry.

So... I guess after the slog, you're at the top? That's pretty dope! Congratulations! Views to the north, views to the south, views to the west (Kananaskis Lakes), and views(ish?) to the east. 

Unfortunately it's not an epic loop but an out-and-back, but you can do some serious ass-pathing on the way down! Keep an eye on those avalanche conditions though because it's prime territory, especially if you're dislodging a bunch of snow with your butt. 

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Snowshoeing
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic

Snowshoe Mount Tyrwhitt Reviews

This would expose you to serious avalanche terrain that cannot be avoided. It's not appropriate for a site like this. Why would you post it? Seriously.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Pocaterra Ridge

Explore the Pocaterra Cirque

Scramble Mount Rae

Hike to Grizzly Ridge near Highwood Pass

Hike Ptarmigan Cirque

Hike to Little Arethusa