Grant MacEwan Peak Loop via Heart Mountain Trail(edit)

Counter-clockwise — 95% dry and good to go. The remaining 5% is snow, mostly on the north side of Grant MacEwan and then scattered over every hump (and there are a lot of them). OK without crampons though. As usual, we were about the first in and the last out — mostly because we took our time, soaking up the sunshine and making plenty of stops. There are a few fun scramble sections, a'la Devil’s Staircase, but nothing technical. As long as you follow the instructions, the blue diamonds, and don’t intentionally (or unintentionally) veer off into weird spots, there’s no exposure to worry about. Some people return the same way after summiting Heart or even Grant MacEwan — that descent is steep and punishing. But if you think the loop descent from Grant MacEwan is easier, think again. It’s less steep, yes, but also much longer. Expect endless up-and-downs — maybe 10 humps, maybe 20 — with lots of scrambling, occasional butt-sliding, loose rubble here and there, some ridge walking, and a general need to watch your step at all times. The last 3 km are a pleasant change: a shady forest trail that eventually runs by a pond and then along the highway — which you don’t see but definitely hear. Recorded 11.58 km, 952 m elevation gain, and 3898 calories burned. Google Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/VNuAAHFfUVak8rFR8 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12Kfy4cejfU/

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/20805800764

saw two towers