Cox Hill
I found myself with a few hours to kill so I did the quick drive out to the Dawson Equestrian Area, just off the Sibbald Creek Trail (hwy #68) on the Powderface Trail Road.
The trail leaves near the entrance to the parking lot - a bit confusing but once you find it you should cross a bridge across the creek almost immediately. Take the first obvious trail off to your right (signed) and follow to the summit. I was expecting more people on such a fine late summer day and was a bit nervous hiking solo through the berry patches. When I started finding bear scat on the trail my energy increased a bit. :-)
Great views from the top and a round trip time of just over 3 hours makes this a quick and worthwhile little hike "for exercise". Next time I'll bring the family and slow things down a bit.
The bridge near the trailhead.
I love fall colors!
Trail is well-travelled and easy to follow.
Interesting ridge traverse in open forest.
Getting steeper and closer to the summit.
Great views!
Looking west (click to view full size):
Looking ahead to the summit from the first summit (click to view full size):
Nice scenery.
Vern on Cox Hill summit.
Mountains to the west.
Moose mountain to the east.
The Glasgow to Banded traverse.
Summit panorama (click for full size):
Hiking back along the summit ridge (click for full size):
A small false summit. True summit just to the left (click for full size):
Back down.
Fall colors.
Only in Alberta!
