Jumpingpound Mountain East Ridge

This hike visits popular Jumpingpound Mountain in Kananaskis, via the centre approach and extends the fun by taking in sections of the rolling east ridge. We went to the second bump, but you can go further, and even connect with Moose Mountain if you like. If you’re feeling ambitious that is. The trip to the summit is on an official Kananaskis Trail, so well planned out and signed, where as beyond, you’re more on your own.

This is the shortest of the three trails up Jumpingpound Mountain and for this reason the most popular. It’s a rather easy hike in fact, and comes with a nice payoff: those incredible views. The adventure begins at a distinct widening of the road about mid-point along Powderface Trail. So about eighteen clicks north of Highway #66 or almost seventeen south of #68. There always seems to be vehicles parked at the spot, so the trailhead is pretty obvious.

In many hiking guides the route initially used here is listed as Jumpingpound Summit Trail. Begin on the east side of the road, enter the trees and in almost no time get down to business. The climbing begins, but the trail is never that steep and over all pretty easy going.

You’ll be in the trees most of the way up, so views along here are non-existent for the most part. There is a rest stop with a bench, however, on a short side trail where the trees thin, about half way up to the summit where you can catch a glimpse of mountains to the west. What a barren impenetrable wall of rock.

The trail becomes decidedly rockier underfoot as you climb and soon enough hook up with the south approach trail coming in from the right. That route is often used in conjunction with the north approach for a long delightful traverse of Jumpingpound from end to end.

Turn left, climb some more, break out of the trees and shortly after the summit comes into view. You’ll likely see people up there enjoying the scenery and you’ll be joining them shortly.

Leave the main trail and head up right, come to a rocky spine and right after hit the summit. Moose Mountain is prominent in the east and if you look close you can spot the fire lookout on top. Jumpingpound’s north ridge, to the west, is mostly above treeline and you’ll probably see hikers or bikers working their way along that trail.

Further west, there’s the majestic Rockies and to the north and connected to Jumpingpound, Cox Hill can be seen. We’ve been there and it’s a great hike: Cox Hill.

To the south, the view is that of a sea of rolling green waves and if one points a bit to the northeast you can look to the plains beyond. This is the foothills, a place of transition – over there, it’s flat – over here, we’re up high and loving it. The summit’s a busy place (what with three trails converging) and everyone’s in a fine mood. Mother nature has a way of doing that. Look at those weather-ravaged trees, stripped barren on the windward side and hanging on for dear life.

Now on to Jumpingpound Mountain’s East Ridge, solo given Connie was struggling with those damn hormone therapy side effects. There’s several bumps along the route, each a little lower than the summit, and we’ll (or rather I’ll) take in the first two. The others further on are more forested and less pronounced. Drop down on a distinctive trail, and then climb up, first in the trees, and then on a grassy ramp. The west and east facing aspects of this bump are steeply pitched and cliff-like in places.

It seems most people turn around here, those who even bother to come this far, and head back to Jumpingpound’s summit. Continuing on, the trail is less obvious or seems to vanish altogether at times. When it petered out I simply scrambled down the rocks and did okay, but on the return leg found an easier, less hands on approach by looping around to the north. Lost my BIGDoer hat around here, I think (fell off the pack) and if you see it, please send it home.

The second bump is a mild-mannered affair and a simple walk up the grass to the summit. At this point I found myself alone and remained as such until I returned to the first bump. Well, as it turned out I wasn’t alone and unbeknownst to me, a bear was wandering lower down on the hill. Connie was watching from a distance and later shared her concerns and gave a play by play. By the time I returned to Jumpingpound’s Summit, we could see it crossing over the hill to within metres of where I was not that long ago. Look for the black dot in the photo – forgot to bring a longer lens.

Blissfully unaware and feet up, I take in the wonderful surroundings. Moose Mountain is that close and with some work one could make the summit from here. That’s a long day though. The third and forth bump on Jumpingpound’s East Ridge are not that far off, but one wonders if they’re worth the effort. The views here are pretty good and doubt they’d be better from there.

Spin around and take in the north ridge of Jumpingpound Mountain – it extends for a fair distance before dropping down. The south ridge to the left is more treed and slopes down quicker.

The mountains here function as gas domes and you’ll notice wells or well access roads off in the distance. Industry is allowed within K-Country and that’s much to the chagrin of some users.

A survey post and cairn marks the summit of this high point. A datalogger is found among he rocks, so I guess they’re monitoring temperatures up here, or something, for some reason. X-files stuff and now they know I’ve been here. Scan the sky for choppers…black choppers. Yes, the device was put back.

Reunited with Connie back on the summit, together we enjoy a leisurely lunch and just stare out at nature’s awesomeness. Several groups of hikers come and go in the time it takes us to finish up, but none hang around for long. Even after finishing, we find it hard to leave, so we wonder what they were all thinking.

Long ago, we visited the summit here via the north approach and on a cold, cold fall day. Note, there is no access to Jumpingpound Mountain via Powderface Trail in the depths of winter and the road is closed then.

It’s a quick descent back to the car and as usual, we’re one of the the last off the hill. Where as the packing lot was full when we started, there was only the BIGDoer-mobile and one other car remained on our return.

We look back at the treed slope on Jumpingpound’s west face and are thankful for the chance to know this mountain better. From this angle it doesn’t look like much, but once on top, it changes personality and is simply wonderful to experience.

Know more (new window): Jumpingpound Mountain.

They’re saying…

”Love the articles and blog posts. Very informative and interesting. Chris and Connie do a great job of researching and writing. The photos are amazing! Love it all.” Lila Cugini.

In the general area…
Eagle Hill via Seventy Buck Valley.
Jumpingpound Loop Clockwise.
Moose Mountain.

If you wish more information about this route or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: September, 2021.
Location: Powderface Trail area, Kananaskis AB.
Distance: 11km there and back.
Height gain maximum: 420m.
Height gain cumulative: 620m-ish.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own) – the system is obviously flawed.
Technical stuff and notes: None.
Reference: Kananaskis Trail Guides by the Dafferns.

On the centre approach trail to Jumpingpound Mountain.

The view west.

Switchbacks help ease the grade.

Joining up with the south approach trail.

The summit comes into view – I see people.

Looking back – I see Connie.

Not far now.

Some new friends and those amazing Rockies.

Dropping down on the East Ridge.

Looking back at the summit.

A sea of rolling green waves – view south.

Scrambling down from the first high point on the ridge.

The summit and first high point in front.

Beyond, it’s the great plains.

On the second bump – didn’t know a bear was just below.

One could even continue to Moose Mountain.

Jumpingpound’s north ridge.

A datalogger found by that post (& put back).

Climbing back up to the first high point.

People above.

Looking back at the turn around point (furthest grassy bump) – group of hikers on east ridge trail.

Arriving back at the summit.

A great view and wine = bliss.

Moose Mountain – there’s a fire lookout up there.

Was just there – black dot in centre is a bear.

A celebratory pose.

Looking up.

And the reverse view.

Cox Hill to the north & wind ravaged trees.

Back at the parking area.

The East Ridge route.