Elbow Valley November 20, 2025

That trip deep into the Elbow Valley to Forgetmenot Pond on October 30th was supposed to be one last visit to the area before the gate closes until May of next year.  Today I squeezed in another visit! I hoped to see snow covered trails, lots of ice on The Pond and of course the Wild Mustangs.  What I did not expect to see were Mountain Sheep!  I don't remember ever seeing Mountain Sheep in the Forgetmenot Pond/Ridge/Mountain area. 

At the Powderface junction, they were licking salt off the road.   

This young guy would not move out of the way! 

I very, very slowly drove around him!

Before hiking along the Little Elbow Trail, I stopped by the far end of Forgetmenot Pond.  It is still mainly open water.  The water level is the lowest I have ever seen it. It was calm allowing the reflections to be pure.  While in this area, I checked around for the Mustangs but no sign of them.

I could not help myself, I needed to check out the shoreline with hopes there would be icy formations.  Every time I see something like this, I marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature. How does this happen, the detail, the intricacy, the perfection, so crisp so clear.  

It was time to get on with the reason I came here, to hike along the Little Elbow Trail! I am not wearing platform boots! The road through the campground is closed, it was clear of snow, ice and mud.  I walked a short distance along the road  but preferred to be on the tree-lined trail where I had views of the river below.  While hiking along this area, I looked around to see if the Mustangs were anywhere but no luck.

view ahead from along side the river 

I found some snow and frosty views.  No my hair is not white, that's the beginnings of frost build up.  It was cold but not crispy enough for a large amount.  Little things like this excite me, it is a tease of what is to come!  

snow on the tree-lined trail

the perfect spot for my destination shot, even though I went further than this

Another couple of kilometres beyond the above location was my turn around spot.  On the way back, I stuck to the meandering trail where I had open views.  By the looks of it from this vantage point, there were no large amounts of snow over there on Forgetmenot Ridge. 

But there was ice collected in areas where I was! 

Yes! The Wild Mustangs!  As I neared my vehicle, I spotted the horses! There were a few others further off in the trees.  Seeing them was the perfect way to end this last visit out deep in the Elbow Valley.  I hope they have a wonderful winter and are able to thrive. I will be back next spring with hopes of seeing them again!