Description: Here's something different. An easy trail takes you up Painted Creek to the narrows where you can look at pictographs painted by the Kootenai Indians who live in the foothills some 400 years ago, the paintings being the successful conclusion of a Vision Quest ceremony. You will also get to wash your hot tired feed in the Highwood River, whether your want to or not.
• Events are subject to cancellation or change on short notice due to changes in inclement weather of fires.
• Carpooling - use at your discretion and what you are comfortable with.
• Washrooms may not be available - please be prepared to pack out what you bring in, such as
Toilet paper, etc.
• Please make yourself aware of the risks in participating in this sort of event and decide
accordingly.
• Don`t forget the usual items; bear spray, proper clothing, water, food, equipment and first aid kit.
• Trip participants are asked to provide their cell contact information and emergency contact
information to the trip coordinator, prior to, due to the 'meet at trail head' requirement.
• Please do not sign up if you are experiencing any flu like, cold, or Covid19 symptoms.
Hiking Distance: 16 Kilometers Return
Elevation Gain: 125 Meters / 410 Feet to Painted Canyon. 525 Meters / 1722 Feet to Zephyr / Bear Col
Trailhead Location: Sentinel Day Use Area on Highway 541
Travel Distance: 101 Kilometers One Way / 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
Difficulty Level: A flat easy valley walk up Zephyr Creek and a good trail to the pictographs. However, you have to wad the Highwood River! Cross the river just upstream of the confluence with Cataract Creek, then cross Cataract Creek to its east bank.
Potential Hazards: We must ford the Highwood River! Participants must have water shoes or an old pair of running shoes - bare feet will not work in the Highwood River! We are planning to ford the river at a relatively low water level - water depth is expected to be about 60 centimeters. Always bring bear spray as well, as we will be in lovely country for bears!
Rendezvous Point: Heritage Park, just below the Big Brown H, second left entrance and look for the gray Toyota Camry. Please arrive 15 minutes before so carpooling arrangements can be made, as we will be leaving at 8:00 a.m. sharp.
Event Coordinator: For inquiries, please contact the event coordinator Bob at (403) 228-9075 or by email wilson72@telus.net. On the day of the event, call or text me at (403) 808-8470 if your plans have changed.
Pet Policy: Pets will not be allowed.
Guest Policy: The Club is currently discouraging guests of a member, from outside the club, attending an event at this time.
Please Note: A minimum of 4 members are required for the event to go ahead as scheduled.
Please make arrangements to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass in advance.