Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park October 5, 2025

When I crested Stoney where I then had an unobstructed view to the west "WOW" was all I could muster up!  The entire mountain range was covered in new white gold which fell overnight. What fell as snow in the mountains fell as a few sprinkles of rain in the city. I knew there were great vantage points along the trails at Glenbow Ranch where I would have wide open views of the white peaks.  Now long after sunrise, I arrived at the parking lot to this view.  

After gearing up which included a hat, gloves and extra jacket 

to brace against the shocking cold, 

I hit the trail. 

icy autumn designs

I looked up lots as I descended along Tiger Lily.

The gate leading to the platform over the pond had been removed, probably because it was always broken.  The last time I was here, the broken gate was locked. This time the wooded walkway was open right to the fence around the platform. That's where I went to capture this photo. 

When I drove down the few kilometres of dirt road to the parking lot, I could see the fog hanging over the river.  I hoped it would hoover around until I got to where I could see it up closer.  In fact, it hung around for quite some time and I could see it off and on throughout my hike. 

After spending much time admiring the reflections in the pond and then the fog over the river, it was time to look forward and begin ascending the winding dirt trail.  While winding around one corner, this is what I saw!  This was the closest I have ever been to a moose! It had been walking along the same trail coming in my direction.  When it saw me, it moved off to the side and then trotted along into the woods.  Before it did that, it stopped and looked back at me, that is when I snapped this shot which I zoomed in a little bit for.  I was relieved it moved off and took off.  I was debating turning around and heading back to where I came from. 

While I was watching the moose this deer was watching me.  

Can you spot the heart?

A little later on, the coyote watched me too.  It stopped periodically to check me out.  I let it have its space and never did decrease the distance between us.  Eventually it stopped looking back and went about its day.

That mountain range I talked about being covered in new white gold, here you go!  

zoomed in shot

The colours were gorgeous everywhere at Glenbow Ranch.  

The wind had picked up slightly and leaves began to fall from the trees. 

While ascending from the valley bottom, I took one last look back!

Oh, did you spot the heart?

These early October days have been wonderful gifts to unwrap!