with Heinz Unger
August 17, 2025
Bastion Ridge (exact meeting location will be emailed to participants a few days before the event)
Difficulty – Difficult (12-15 km., with 700m or more elevation gain, and river crossings)

This hike is a tough relentless climb through a steep forested slope until the first, lower ridge is reached. After another steep slog the hike continues on to the gentle high meadow ridge with well-trodden (Bighorn) sheep trail. There are great views all around, first of all of Devil’s Head, the North Ghost River, Aylmer Peak and many Banff NP mountains, and also out to the City and the prairies. After enjoying the wide open space and the views, we will return on the same trails back to the trailhead.

This is a rare opportunity to get close to one of the iconic mountain tops which is visible from Calgary. The meadow ridge landscape and sheep territory is also a special and rare scenery.

NOTE: Due to the remote location of the trail head, an early start will be needed (details to be emailed to participants before the event). The approach is via the Transalta Road (branching off Hwy 40 about 10 km west of Waiparous Village). Tough 4×4 vehicles will be needed to get to the trailhead, and two foot fordings of the Ghost River will be needed. Please only register if you are very fit and have successfully done similar difficult hikes.

Required equipment:

Lots of water, a good head cover, hiking boots, a backpack with additional clothing, and a trail lunch. Bear spray, trekking poles, sunscreen, and bug spray are advised.

About the Coordinator: Heinz has lived in the Ghost Valley for 25 years, enjoys hiking the backcountry and still finds new trails (with the help of other old timers). By joining in this adventure you will also help Heinz achieve his “What’s Your 60 Challenge”, which is to lead at least 60 hikers out into the Ghost Country in the summer of 2025.

Register below by donation