Explored November 20, 2023
www.flickr.com/explore/2023/11/20
Little Arethusa/ Arethusa Cirque Peak is situated in the Spray Valley Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country, Alberta. The peak stands at an elevation of approximately 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike to Little Arethusa Peak is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) round trip. It is considered a difficult hike due to its steep sections and rocky terrain. The elevation gain is around 800 meters (2,625 feet). The hike to Little Arethusa Peak is challenging, with steep sections and rocky terrain, but the reward of reaching the summit is well worth the effort.
We started in the mid-afternoon, there was no problems finding parking as people were leaving. Following the well-marked trail, after about 2 kilometers, we reached a junction where you needed to turn left towards Little Arethusa Peak, or you could turn right to Arethusa Cirque (easy).
The trail to Little Arethusa became steeper and more challenging. While hiking up to Little Arethusa, we saw the valley opens up to reveal a picturesque alpine meadow dotted with wildflowers, surrounded by towering cliffs. The cirque is formed by towering cliffs and rugged peaks that enclose a bowl-shaped valley. Most hikers go to Arethusa Cirque. Only four of us continued hiking to Little Arethusa. The final stretch of the hike was the most challenging, as it involved a steep scramble over the rocks and boulders to reach the summit.
Just few minutes after we reached to the summit. It was snowing with strong wind and hail. We put all our clothes and gloves on, climbed down. It was just 10 minutes later, the trail was covered with snow, we could not see where the trail was, had to climbed zig zag patterns on meadows… In about half hour, snow stopped, we were treated with breathtaking view with fog and sunshine…!
This view was at the time when we hiked up to the Little Arethusa, there was a short time window with sunshine scattered on the bowl-shaped valley. Beautiful moment enjoying larch season!
Canon EOS R5, RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
ISO100, 24mm, f/11, 1/125s
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