Jumpingpound Mountain

Elevation: 2225 m
Elevation Gain: 417 m
Jumpingpound Mountain was named for nearby Jumpingpound Creek in 1949. The creek was named for a steep bank which Blackfoot aboriginals used as a buffalo jump. The first recorded ascent of this diminutive foothill took place in 1896 when members of the irrigation survey used its summit as a camera station.
My Ascents:
June 19 2016.
Trailhead: Jumpingpound Summit Trailhead
GPS Track: Jumpingpound Mountain

For my first Father’s Day as a Dad, Brianne offered me the opportunity to do anything that I wanted. Of course, this was generally understood to mean “climb anything that I wanted!” She even went so far as to suggest that I could leave her and Mera to attempt one of the many big Rockies peaks which I so covet. This became especially tempting when baby Mera woke up at 3:30am to wish me a “Happy Father’s Day”; never before could I have gotten off to such an alpine start without setting an alarm! Alas, it seemed that Father’s Day was a day best-spent with family so I opted for a short hike up Jumpingpound Mountain so that I could share my special day with my baby girl!

With the Powderface Trail road finally open following 2013’s disastrous flooding, easy access to Jumpingpound Mountain has now been restored. There are 3 possible trailheads for Jumpingpound Mountain and we opted to ascend via the most direct route using the “Summit” trail. To access this trailhead from the north (Highway 1), take Highway 68 south until the Powderface Trail turnoff and then follow Powderface Trail for 16.7 km. To access the trailhead from the south (Highway 22), take Highway 66 west and then follow Powderface Trail for 18 km. Contrary to Brianne’s fears that I was taking her and Mera into a remote, seldom-visited area, you’ll likely find plenty of other cars parked there!

A nice sign at the trailhead provides reassurance that you’re in the right place!

Brianne and Mera make their way up the forested trail as it gently switchbacks upwards.

Brianne opted to carry Mera up on her back for the first time; clearly, this new position is a hit with the little one!

After a couple of km, the “Summit” trail meets up with the main “Jumpingpound Ridge” trail. From here, follow the main trail left (north) to the obvious grassy summit a short distance away. If you can’t remember the directions, there’s a sign anyways! :-P

Wildflowers litter the grassy slopes leading to the unimposing summit of Jumpingpound Mountain.

Brianne carries Mera the final few steps up to the 2,225 m high summit.

Moose Mountain provides a scenic backdrop as I enjoy a Father’s Day summit with my baby and fur-baby, respectively.

A closer look at the fire lookout-topped summit of nearby Moose Mountain.

Prairie Mountain and the prairies beyond to the southeast.

The southern summit panorama stretches from Moose Mountain (left) to the Fisher Range (right). Click to see larger.

Pretty summit flowers.

Father’s Day family photo. Clearly Mera is PUMPED to be on a summit again! With views of (from left to right) Mount Burns, Cougar Mountain, Banded Peak, Mount Glasgow, Mount Cornwall, Nihahi Ridge, Mount Fullerton, Compression Ridge, Mount Howard and Fisher Peak, who could blame her?

Snowy Fisher Peak (left) and Mount Bryant (right) highlight the view towards the Fisher Range.

The larger peaks of the Front Ranges give way to foothills like Cox Hill (right) as the Rockies dwindle towards the prairies. Click to see larger.

Crux explores the summit while Tiara Peak (left), Belmore Brown Peak (center) and the peaks of the Bow Valley (right) rise up to the west.

Mount Lorette (left), Skogan Peak (center left) and Grotto Mountain (right) highlight the view towards the Bow Valley. In the foreground, Midnight Peak can be seen on the left while the peaks of the Mount Baldy “massif” are obvious to the right.

A very happy first Father’s Day!

Tiny Yates Mountain (center middleground) gives way to more impressive Mount Fable (center).

Even from this far away, the scree run down Yamnuska looks fun!

Association Peak, End Mountain (both center left middleground) and Orient Point (center left) give way to Black Rock Mountain (right) and the flatlands beyond.

Crux waits patiently while Mera enjoys her summit sandwich.

More sandwich on her face than in her mouth!

After a hearty summit repast, we packed up the baby and made our way back down to enjoy some celebratory Father’s Day beers. Porter and peaks with my baby girl – what a great day!