Yamnuska (Îyâmnathka in Stoney Nakoda) means "wall of stone" and has been a sacred place for the Stoney Nakoda people since long before anyone was timing themselves up it. Move through here with that in mind. Stay on trail, leave nothing behind, and treat this place with the respect it's owed.
You can't please everyone, so this week we stopped trying. The question was asked. What segment would you like to see? Flat and fast? Steep and loose? Long and undulating? The answer was yes.
Yamnuska via the West Col route throws the full spectrum at you: flat approach, steep forest climb, open slopes, and a summit push on loose ground that has no interest in being kind to your legs. There is very little technical terrain to blame, no scrambling to slow the field down. This week is a pure engine test with just every texture of uphill this valley has to offer, back to back, all the way to the top.
A true test of mettle. You are welcome.
Getting there
Park at the Yamnuska and CMC Valley Trailhead.
Please avoid leaving valuable items in your car as much as possible, there unfortunately have been vehicle break-ins at this trailhead in the past.
The approach
From the parking lot, follow the Yamnuska hiking trail for 900 meters to a junction at the top of a steep rock staircase. This is where the challenge begins. Start your watch at this first junction and head left onto the "Climber's Access Trail" instead of continuing on the main hiking trail.
The segment
From this point you're essentially going up Yamnuska's descent route. The newer trail bypasses the loose scree and sketchy footing, taking you cleanly up to the West Col without any navigation headaches. Stick to the easiest established trail - the West Col trail - do not cut switchbacks. If you are caught cutting the course you will be disqualified.
At the West Col, follow the blue square markers all the way to the summit. Stop your watch, take in the view, and get ready for one of the best scree descents in the Rockies on the way down.
- Distance: 3.95km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Elevation Gain: 775 meters +-
- Where to Park: Yamnuska Day Use Area
- Surface: Everything and the kitchen sink
