The TAP Apprentice Hiking Guide exam groups spent June 24-26th travelling and camping in the Mist Creek, Mist Ridge and Pickle Jar Lakes area.

Excellent travel conditions both on and off trail with some easily avoided patches of snow on NE aspects above 2100m. Creeks were at or below seasonal averages and were passable.

Weather: Temperatures ranged from 3ºC overnight to a 26ºC during the day. We had light rain on Thursday June 24th and a mix of sun and cloud Fri/Sat.

Wildlife: Driving to the trailhead on June 24th five grizzlies and one black bear were seen beside the highway near Highwood Pass. In Mist Creek one black bear, two whitetail deer and a large, fresh wolf print were seen on June 25/26th.

Many more humans encountered on Saturday morning as the groups exited the field via Pickle Jar Lakes and the Mist Mountain area. A good reminder to always be paying attention to who/what is above and below you on the trail and to practice good trail etiquette with so many users!

Happy Trails,

TAP AHG Candidates and Instructors