Climbing
Trad climbing, Non-technical rock
Alpine climbing NCCS rating
Grade II
Elevation Gain
1,200.00 m (3,937.01 ft)
Distance
7.30 km (4.54 mi)
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Lady Macdonald's southeast ridge is a route that has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to it's proximity to Canmore, alpine feel, and wonderful views. The Rockies Central Guidebook has the best images and descriptions of this specific climb. For trad climbers looking to get more into the alpine, this is a excellent place to test skills. The comparatively easy technical grade and simplistic route finding make it very straightforward. But there is plenty of loose rock and tricky ridge movement to keep you on your toes. 

This route starts in the Cougar Creek parking lot. This is the same lot used for Cougar Creek and Lady Mac. Proceed up the creek, moving about 30 to 40 minutes up the trail past the closer sport crags. Just past Cosmology Crag, but before Canadian Forks Crag, is a small cairn that veers steeply up the hill to the left. From here the climb is a grind up steep and unconsolidated goat paths. The popularity of the route has been improving the trail. Eventually you will reach a first band. Take the solid rock up the face here and gain a slight ridge. This leads you back to a big scree bash heading upward and upward.

Eventually you'll reach the first technical climbing pitch. While steep, the climbing is juggy protects better than the rest of the pitches. From here the route is a pretty easy progression onto the ridge and along some beautiful and narrow ridge climbing. The ridge gives way at a small gendarme, forcing a descent to the east of the ridge and taking a slab pitch up it's back on the ridge. Easy walking takes you to the final section of fifth class climbing, and you top out just beyond the main path to the false summit of Lady Mac.

For images and a detailed technical description of this route, refer to the Rockies Central Guide by David P. Jones.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Close to town. Fast alpine climb. Beautiful ridge.

Cons

Very loose rock.

Pets allowed

Not Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

4,612.86 ft (1,406.00 m)

Highest point

8,549.87 ft (2,606.00 m)

Features

Big vistas
Wildlife

Access

Vehicle

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Primary aspect

East facing

Class / Rating

5.4 (V Diff 4d)

Drinking water

Unfrozen water

Location

Nearby Adventures

Central Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta
Central Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta
Central Rocky Mountain Foothills, Alberta

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