May 17th to May 25th 2025
You’ve looked at this summit a hundred times from the highway—now it’s time to climb it. McConnell Ridge East is a steep, little-known trail; it’s quiet, it’s direct, and it doesn’t mess around. Not many runners make it up here, time to challenge yourself on a path less travelled.
Getting There
Park at the Quaite Valley trailhead. It is located Eastbound on Highway #1 across the Bow River from the Exshaw Graymont plant. A yellow gate marks the start of a wide trail.
The Route
From the Quaite Valley yellow gate, run 120 meters heading South towards the Quaite Valley Campground. Start your watch as you turn left off of the broad path onto a narrow single track.
A rigorous ascent through dense forest awaits, eventually breaking into open ridgelines that offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
About a third of the way up, you'll encounter an important junction. Make sure you stay high along the base of the rock slab. See below - follow the red line:
As you progress, you'll encounter an old wooden shed near the summit, adding a touch of historical intrigue to your journey. This challenge has it all - steep loose climbing, runnable flats and even a descending section as you near the summit.
Stop your watch when you reach the summit plateau above the shed with the skull graffiti.
- Distance: 1.8 km one way
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 450 meters
- Where to Park: Quaite Valley Gate (Highway 1 Eastbound)
- Surface: Technical Trail
- GPX Track
- Strava Segment