Mustang Hills November 4, 2026

The Elbow Valley part of Kananaskis Country was calling my name so I answered the call by hiking Mustang Hills. It was pitch black when I left home, an hour later the sun was coming up.  It was just fully up when I arrived at the trail head. It was a later start than I like but I am not hitting a trail head in the dark.  I geared up, crossed the road, got my map running to see where I was suppose to enter the forest. It helped that there was some snow with footprints in sections, and ribbons here and there.  I worked my way up through the forest then popped out where I had this view.   

On the drive to the trail head I watched for Wild Mustangs but it was not until I was up on one of the Mustang Hills that I saw a Mustang!  This was the best shot I could get.  I was not sure what was down slope from the horse, I did not feel comfortable going any closer.  I used my zoom to capture this photograph.

The Spruce Grouse was posing on the log. 

I was happy to come upon enough snow to swish through. 

If I want more, I will have to drive further west.  

The clouds were incredibly beautiful the entire time I was hiking.  

A section of Powderface Ridge stretches the entire length of the photo. 

At this point I could see across to the first hill I reached which is the far end of that open slope area that's covered in snow. Those clouds were mesmerizing, they captured my attention.  

that's Banded Peak in the middle with the dark band near the top

Of course when I found enough snow to play with, I let the child within come out. The snow was not fluffy nor was it sticky.  It was solid and broke off in pieces.  I piled a few pieces together and this is what I ended up with. Each piece is only about two inches in size length and width. How about those clouds!  

How about these clouds on the right!

This is a better shot of those clouds!  Between the clouds and the red ground cover, I was loving where I was and what I was seeing.  It was so pretty and peaceful.  There was no one else hiking in this area at this time.  

another Spruce Grouse

I did not have to zoom in for this photo.  

Oh my goodness, those clouds are amazing.  

That's Moose Mountain in the middle and Prairie Mountain on the right. 

I see the perfect spot for sips and snacks.  That log up there in the middle is calling me! 

Before settling down on the log, I captured a selfie as I admired the clouds.

view while I sat on the log sipping and snacking

I picked a time as to when to turn back rather than pick a location to return from.  I opted out of the loop as that would have me in the woods for a long stretch. I wanted to be out in the open as much as possible so hiked back on the same trail I came in on.  

I saw no more Wild Mustangs nor did I see other hikers.  I did see many Mountain Chickadees and Boreal Chickadees but my photographs were not that good.  They are more wild than the Black-capped Chickadees in the city so they fly off quickly.  I am not sure if I will get another opportunity to get out this way before the gate closes at the end of the month.  I feel content and fulfilled from today's outing.