Windy Point Ridge, The Buckle, and Talus Peak
Windy Point Ridge, The Buckle, and Talus Peak

Windy Point Ridge, The Buckle, and Talus Peak Scramble

David Thompson Country
View Photos
Steep beginning of the trail of Windy Point Ridge HikeStunning view of Abraham Lake on Windy Point Ridge HikeTurquoise water of Abraham Lake on Windy Point Ridge HikePath up to The Buckle on Windy Point Ridge HikeLone pines on the slopes of Windy Point Ridge HikeHiker on an overlook of Windy Point Ridge HikeStunning views of the Canadian Rockies on Windy Point Ridge HikeCanadian Rockies on Windy Point Ridge HikeView of The Buckle from the trail to Talus Peak on Windy Point Ridge HikeHiker ascending to the Talus Peak on Windy Point Ridge HikeWindy Point Ridge Hike has stunning views of Abraham LakeResting along the trail to Talus Peak on Windy Point Ridge HikePassing the narrow crack near The Buckle on Windy Point Ridge HikeLooking west to Abraham Lake on Windy Point Ridge HikeHikers scrambling on Windy Point Ridge Hike along Canadian David Thompson ScramblesCanadian Rocky Mountains above Abraham Lake on Windy Point Ridge HikePanoramic views during the spring on Windy Point Ridge Hike in David Thompson Scrambles CanadaWindy Point Ridge The Buckle and Talus Peak hike is an amazing scrambling trailLooking down on Windy Peak from Windy Point Ridge HikeBeautiful Canadian Rockies on Windy Point Ridge HikeHiking during spring on Windy Point Ridge Hike with Abraham Lake in the backgroundStunning ridge views on Windy Point Ridge HikeView down to Windy Point Ridge summit with Mount Michener in the background on Windy Point Ridge ScrambleAscending on an exposed part of Windy Point Ridge ScrambleHiking along The Buckle on Windy Point Ridge ScramblePassing the narrow creek on Windy Point Ridge and Talus Peak ScrambleScrambler on Windy Point Ridge Scramble in David Thompson Scrambles CanadaHiking on one of the best trails in the David Thompson Scrambles region up Windy Point Ridge in Canada

Windy Point Ridge, The Buckle, and Talus Peak Scramble

Distance: 6.3mi
Elevation: 4,364ft
Time: 6 - 9h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
No ratings yet

This beautiful scramble to Windy Ridge with an extension to Talus Peak and the Buckle can be called a gem found off the beaten track. It’s not very popular and we don’t really know why. The views are breathtaking (Abraham Lake especially), making the Windy Point Ridge, the Buckle and Talus Peak Scramble our favourite along the David Thompson Highway!

Windy Point Ridge, The Buckle, and Talus Peak Scramble Map

Getting there

From Red Deer side: take 11th Hwy (David Thompson Hwy) and drive for around 143.5mi until you see parking on your left near the lake.

I’ve done this 0 people have done this
I want to do this 11 want to do this route

About

When to do

May – October

Backcountry Campsites

No

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Out and back


Windy Point Ridge, The Buckle, and Talus Peak
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Windy Point Ridge, The Buckle, and Talus Peak

This trail has everything – even parts, scrambly parts, some exposure and very rewarding views! To get that reward safely, make sure you are prepared. Wear proper footwear that covers your ankles with a good grip and we strongly advise wearing gloves, as some rocks on this path might hurt your palms. Although dogs (leashed only) are allowed here, we suggest leaving them at home, as we think that the terrain of Windy Point Trail might be too challenging for pets.

However, we love this scramble! Numerous beautiful lookouts and the Abraham Lake view really took our breath away. It’s quite off the beaten track and not many hikers know about this trail, so people who love solitude will really enjoy this route.

From the parking lot, find the trailhead right across the highway where you took the turn to the parking lot. It’s on the eastern side of the base of the ridge. Don’t look for the signs of the trailhead, as there are none!

Soon the path will turn right and will get a little scrambly – nothing too strenuous, mainly scree and grippy slab with short stretches of even trail.

Shortly, you will pass the rather annoying path of rubble and then bit by bit, the scramble will get a little steeper with mild exposure, but the rocks here are grippy.

Note that the trail here is not marked at all and you will notice it disappearing and reappearing again. Keep on pushing up!

Scramblers who are afraid of heights will find the next part quite scary – an exposed scrambly path around a cliff. The trail here doesn’t look too pleasant, as you can’t see around the corner how long the exposure is going to last and how bad it will get, but once you start scrambling, you will realize it’s less scary than it seems. The exposure ends right after the corner and this first stretch in front of you has the worst perception of exposure. The grip here is great and people with experience in scrambling shouldn’t find this part challenging.

Afterwards, the path will split into multiple route choices, pick your favourite one, as they all will merge into the same trail soon anyways. Scrambling here is easier and unexposed.

After reaching the top of Windy Point Ridge, admire the beautiful panorama and get ready for the next part – approaching The Buckle.

Take the path along the ridge. It’s quite easy to follow and will include some bushwalking and light scrambling. There’re no steep or exposed paths.

Soon you will pass the steep cliffs of The Buckle. There’s a path to the summit of The Buckle if you head around its northern side. We find this path to be quite unpleasant, as it involves climbing on loose rubble, sidehilling and uncomfortable traversing. You can skip this part as the views from Talus Summit are very similar.

Continue along the ridge towards Talus Peak. Get ready for some annoying rubble! The route here is quite hard to find, as it’s not marked, so pick the path that looks easier for you. It’s possible to traverse to a northeast-facing slope depending on the season (due to possible snow).

You will see the ascent to the summit from afar and it looks quite hard, but don’t let it deter you, as we found this part easier than it looks.

Return the same way you came.

Insider Hints

  • We strongly suggest using GPS for finding parking at the trailhead, as there are no signs along the route.

  • Windy Point Ridge lives up to its name – this scramble is quite windy, and you must be alert of strong wind gusts on exposed parts

  • Mountain goats are common in surrounding areas, so keep your eyes open!

Comments

0 Comments

Similar Scrambles to the Windy Point Ridge, The Buckle, and Talus Peak Scramble

Mount Ernest Ross

Mount Ernest Ross

Difficulty:
5.1mi
3507ft
5 - 8h

The trail to the top of Ernest Ross Mount is a little challenging, but a fun scramble. You will find…

Two O-Clock Ridge

Two O-Clock Ridge

Difficulty:
7mi
3858ft
5-8h

The Two O-Clock Ridge Trail is a wonderful scramble near David Thompson Highway. After a short, but steep scramble you…

Coral Ridge

Coral Ridge

Difficulty:
7.7mi
2936ft
5 – 8h

The Coral Ridge scramble is a treat for adventure lovers, as this path is not very well known and very…