Ha Ling Peak

Distance: 3 km

Elevation gain: 737 m

High point: 2407 m

Gillean Daffern describes it as a "muscle-aching grind" and I can't say that she's wrong. Afterwards (over a beer in Canmore) we compared it to the Grouse Grind in Vancouver. The Grind is slightly steeper and slightly shorter, but the Grind's high point is lower than Ha Ling's base elevation! The initial slog through the trees is a little painful, but soon the views make it worth it (and provide an excuse for a break).

This is a busy peak - the day we went was sunny, but not particularly hot (ideal hiking weather), and there were many, many people on the trail. It was nice and short, though, taking us approximately four hours in total, including a side trip to Miner's Peak. One important note: it was fairly windy the day we went, enough to make the summit cold. I recommend stopping for lunch at the saddle where there is shelter from the wind. It was blowing from the south, and Miner's Peak was a little more sheltered (and certainly had fewer people) due to Mount Lawrence Grassi, so that is also a nice option for a lunch spot.

Coming out of the trees.

View to the south from the treeline.

Ha Ling summit and the many scramblers.

Harriet and I on Miner's Peak with Ha Ling on the right.

View from the summit.