{"id":64325,"date":"2025-06-27T08:10:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T14:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=64325"},"modified":"2025-11-17T09:12:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T16:12:13","slug":"sanson-peak-in-banff-canadian-rockies-alberta-canada-the-saskatchewan-province-high-point-9-16-23-9-17-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=64325","title":{"rendered":"Sanson Peak in Banff, Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada & The Saskatchewan Province High Point (9-16-23 & 9-17-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Days 56 & 57 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

Waking suddenly from vivid, nonsensical dreams, SPHP was instantly alarmed.\u00a0 Already light out, and the American Dingo was still snoozing on her pink blanket!\u00a0 What time was it?\u00a0 7:45 AM.\u00a0 Good!\u00a0 Perfect, in fact.\u00a0 SPHP turned the key, and the RAV4 sprang to life.\u00a0 Lupe opened an eye.<\/p>\n

What’s going on, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

We’re meeting Luke Hall in 15 minutes, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

Luke from Australia and Gunsight Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, SPHP?\u00a0 That Luke Hall?<\/em><\/p>\n

None other, Looper!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-16-23, 8:00 AM, Banff, at the gazebo with the Canadian flag<\/em> – Whew!\u00a0 Made it.\u00a0 Lupe was right on time.\u00a0 Luke wasn’t here yet, but he’d be along soon enough.\u00a0 Within a couple of minutes, Luke appeared striding across the green lawn toward the gazebo.<\/p>\n

After meeting Luke in Alaska near the top of Gunsight Mountain<\/strong><\/span><\/a> back in 2016, Lupe hadn’t seen him since he’d come to visit her at home in the Black Hills in September, 2017 – half a lifetime ago for the Carolina Dog.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Reunited with Luke<\/strong> at the Banff gazebo<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cascade Mountain<\/strong> (R), a Banff landmark, from the gazebo<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dressed warmly on this chilly September morning when everyone could see their breath, Luke was looking good!\u00a0 He greeted the still bleary-eyed Dingo enthusiastically, then chatted with SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Luke<\/strong> and Lupe<\/strong>, together again for the first time in nearly 6 years.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unfortunately, a previously envisioned joint adventure wasn’t in the cards today.\u00a0 Luke’s work schedule had changed unexpectedly, and he had to report back to the Banff Springs Hotel<\/strong><\/span><\/a> at 10:00 AM.\u00a0 Tomorrow he was already committed to climbing Mount Edith Cavell<\/span><\/a> (11,027 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> with another group of friends.<\/p>\n

With only a 2 hours to get caught up on events of the past 6 years, SPHP suggested breakfast at one of the cafes.\u00a0 Luke accepted, but insisted on buying, which wasn’t at all necessary, but so be it!\u00a0 SPHP promised to buy Luke dinner next year, if Lupe had the good fortune to run into him again, which was a real possibility.\u00a0 Luke already had plans to return to Canada next summer.<\/p>\n

After a short stroll downtown, the first cafe Luke suggested turned out not to be serving outdoors yet, since it was still so chilly out.\u00a0 Of course, Dingoes weren’t allowed inside, so that would never do.\u00a0 However, the restaurant next door was run by true Canadians.\u00a0 Cold?\u00a0 What cold?\u00a0 In September?\u00a0 That’s crazy talk.\u00a0 They were serving both inside and out.<\/p>\n

Breakfast was excellent!\u00a0 And no doubt on the pricey side.\u00a0 SPHP had eggs, toast, and what few bites of bacon weren’t eagerly dispatched by the ravenous Carolina Dog simply by virtue of not letting her see them.<\/p>\n

A lot had happened during the past 6 years.\u00a0 Back in Australia, Luke worked as a guide.\u00a0 He’d bought a beautiful home in Tasmania.\u00a0 This summer, he’d climbed Mount Assiniboine<\/span><\/a> (11,864 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, a spectacular peak sometimes referred to as the Canadian Rockies’ Matterhorn<\/span><\/a> (14,690 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 That only scratched the surface.\u00a0 Luke had been on many wonderful adventures.\u00a0 Lupe had been on hundreds of them, too!<\/p>\n

The time flew.\u00a0 Once breakfast was over and done with, Luke was up for a walk along the Bow River with Lupe before he had to race off to work.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the Bow River<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since Luke had spent several summers working in Banff, SPHP asked if he had any suggestions for Lupe before she left the Canadian Rockies?\u00a0 Luke suggested Cascade Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,836 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Banff’s iconic landmark.<\/p>\n

Heh.\u00a0 After the American Dingo’s long Egypt Lakes adventure yesterday, Cascade Mountain was too ambitious.\u00a0 It was a big climb, and perhaps beyond SPHP’s capabilities on the best of days.\u00a0 Any other ideas?<\/p>\n

Luke pondered.\u00a0 How about Sulphur Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?\u00a0 Had Lupe ever been there?\u00a0 If not, she ought to do that!\u00a0 Easy trail to the top, and fabulous views of Banff from on high.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the new pawbridge<\/strong> over the Bow River<\/strong>. Sulphur Mountain<\/strong> (L), Sanson Peak<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-16-23, 9:58 AM, Banff<\/em> – And that was it.\u00a0 Nearly 10:00 AM already!\u00a0 Hurried good-byes, and Luke had to run.<\/p>\n

Fun seeing Luke again after all these years, SPHP!\u00a0 I was so surprised!\u00a0 Are we going to climb Sulphur Mountain like he suggested?<\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t know, Loop.\u00a0 Seems like I’ve read up on Sulphur Mountain before.\u00a0 Everyone thinks the gondola<\/strong><\/span><\/a> near the Banff Upper Hot Springs<\/strong><\/span><\/a> goes to the top of Sulphur Mountain, which is sort of true and what they advertise, but it actually only goes to a subpeak.\u00a0 The true summit isn’t all that easy to get to, well S along a massive ridge with other subpeaks along the way.<\/em><\/p>\n

So Sulphur Mountain isn’t any easier than Cascade Mountain, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I wouldn’t say that, Looper.\u00a0 Sulphur Mountain has a much easier trail up to the gondola station, but getting to the true summit is still a big deal.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well then, if you want super easy, let’s just take the gondola, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe, if they allow Dingoes.\u00a0 Not really climbing the mountain, though, is it, Loop?\u00a0 Luke said that the Banff library has free wifi.\u00a0 Let’s go over there, and I’ll read up on Sulphur Mountain again.<\/em><\/p>\n

9-16-23, 2:53 PM –<\/em> The parking lots for both the gondola and Banff Upper Hot Springs were absolutely packed.\u00a0 Circling slowly through the upper lot, SPHP eventually managed to find a spot for the RAV4.\u00a0 Minutes later, Lupe was at the start of the Sulphur Mountain trail watching people go by as SPHP had a glance at the posted trail information.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Sulphur Mountain trailhead<\/strong> near the Banff Upper Hot Springs parking lot<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The posted Sulphur Mountain trail map<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sulphur Mountain trail information<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You aren’t even going to ask if they’ll let me ride the gondola, SPHP?\u00a0 I’ve never been on a gondola before, and think of all the time and effort it will save us.\u00a0 Might be fun!<\/em><\/p>\n

Eh.\u00a0 We’ve got the time, and the effort required on a nice, quiet trail should be minimal, Loopster.\u00a0 Besides, some effort is good for us, and think of all the money we’ll save!<\/em><\/p>\n

The gondola would be a much snazzier adventure, SPHP.\u00a0 It’s not like we haven’t had a chance to climb a mountain or two on this Dingo Vacation.<\/em><\/p>\n

Be that as it may, SPHP never did ask whether Dingoes were welcome in the gondolas, or not.\u00a0 Lupe was soon heading up the Sulphur Mountain trail, which began as a ridiculously steep dirt path as wide as a road.\u00a0 Happily, after a mercifully short climb, it narrowed down somewhat, and began switchbacking much more gradually up the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the Sulphur Mountain trail<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Due to the trail’s gradual rate of climb, it took a seemingly endless series of switchbacks to gain the 2,000 feet of elevation required to reach the upper gondola station.\u00a0 At first the switchbacks were quite long, but they became considerably shorter higher up on the mountain.\u00a0 Except for a few times when the trail passed directly below the gondolas, permitting a glimpse of Mount Rundle<\/span><\/a> (9,711 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> across a deep valley, the forest was thick enough to hide the views.<\/p>\n

In truth, it would have been a pretty dull march, except for the fact that the trail was nowhere near as quiet as SPHP expected it to be.\u00a0 A great many people were on the Sulphur Mountain trail, many of them already on their way down.\u00a0 Lupe got to sniff with lots of dogs, which helped to keep things interesting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
N end of Mount Rundle<\/strong> (Center) from the gondola route. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I’m amazed by how many people are on the trail, Loop.\u00a0 I’d always believed that virtually everyone takes the gondolas.\u00a0 I know they’re very popular.<\/em><\/p>\n

Guess you’re not the only cheapskate on earth, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

9-16-17, 5:06 PM<\/em> – Hardly anyone remained on the trail by the time the Carolina Dog reached the upper gondola station on Sulphur Mountain’s N ridge.\u00a0 Although signs had indicated that the gondolas supposedly quit running at 5:00 PM, that might have only been the latest time possible to board them for a ride up, because they were still in operation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Arriving at the upper gondola station<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The upper gondola station was a surprisingly large facility, apparently built with the support of other complimentary purposes in mind as well.\u00a0 A sign saying “Welcome Hikers” greeted Lupe.\u00a0 Another less friendly sign announced a “Banff Gondola Closure”.\u00a0 Gondola rides and all facilities were closed due to a private function and unavailable at this time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The upper gondola station<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yet, while Lupe and SPHP watched, a few stragglers still coming up the trail were admitted into the gondola station by staff members, seemingly because they either held, or intended to purchase, tickets for riding the gondolas back down the mountain.\u00a0 These employees also appeared to indicate that everything else was closed, and no admittance was allowed for any other purpose.\u00a0 Upon arrival, most hikers simply turned around within a few minutes and marched right back down the trail.<\/p>\n

This is ridiculous, Loop!\u00a0 After coming all this way, do they really mean that we can’t even walk around to the N side of the building?<\/em><\/p>\n

Cheer up, SPHP!\u00a0 We already knew that we weren’t going to be able to get to the true summit of Sulphur Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which is to the S, anyway, so it doesn’t really matter, does it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, it does, Loopster!\u00a0 There’s a tremendous view of Banff from the other side of the gondola station, and even if we can’t claim an ascent of Sulphur Mountain, there’s also a subpeak a little farther N along the ridge called Sanson Peak<\/span><\/a> (7,448 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> that we should have been able to get to.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, you hadn’t mentioned that, SPHP!\u00a0 Is that Sanson Peak that I’m seeing off to the L beyond the gondola station?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, I believe that’s another subpeak along the ridge, Looper.\u00a0 Sanson Peak lies somewhat beyond it.\u00a0 Can’t be too much farther, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

For more than half an hour, the American Dingo rested with SPHP on a large flagstone platform S of the gondola station, watching stragglers come and go.\u00a0 Banff wasn’t in sight from here, and trees permitted only limited glimpses E toward Mount Rundle<\/span><\/a> (9,711 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Sadly, forest also hid the rest of the massive ridge leading SSE toward Sulphur Mountain’s true summit, but at least there was quite a nice view looking NW over the giant Bow River valley toward Mount Cory<\/span><\/a> (9,190 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Cory<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-16-23, 5:41 PM<\/em> – For the first time since Lupe had arrived, ignoring all signs, a couple of people simply walked over to the deck on W side of the gondola station and vanished around a corner.\u00a0 By now, no one else was around, and SPHP was surprised when they didn’t promptly reappear.<\/p>\n

Huh.\u00a0 I thought that area was currently off-limits due to the private event, Loop.\u00a0 No one else has gone over there.\u00a0 Maybe I misunderstood?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well then, let’s try it, SPHP!\u00a0 We’re here now, and the worst thing that can happen is that someone will kick us out.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might as well!\u00a0 Even if they did kick Lupe out, the Carolina Dog would be no worse off than she was now.\u00a0 Strolling nonchalantly over to the deck on the W side of the gondola station, people were sitting at a picnic table below a Canadian flag with Cascade Mountain in sight beyond them.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cascade Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from the W side of the gondola station<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even more people were out on the big deck on the N side of the gondola station.\u00a0 No one seemed to have the slightest objection to Lupe or SPHP being here.\u00a0 Lupe hopped onto a bench where she had a grand view of Banff with magnificent Cascade Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,836 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> soaring beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cascade Mountain<\/strong> (Center) beyond Banff<\/strong>. Mount Aylmer<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tunnel Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,551 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which Lupe had once been to on a cloudy evening a long time ago, was in sight, too, right along the E side of Banff, looking very small from here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Banff<\/strong> and Cascade Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), Tunnel Mountain<\/strong> (lower R), Mount Aylmer<\/strong> (R) in the distance, Lake Minnewanka<\/strong> (far R). Photo look N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a good look at the terrific view of Banff from on high, it was time to explore the boardwalk leading to the next Sulphur Mountain subpeak to the NW, where a building with a tower on it was perched at the very top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set off on the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk<\/strong> for the Cosmic Ray Station<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Exploring the boardwalk<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Quick glance back at the upper Sulphur Mountain gondola station<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The lofty little building ultimately proved to be the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station.\u00a0 The boardwalk went all the way to it.\u00a0 From one of the platforms along the way, Sanson Peak was visible for the first time, somewhat lower, and not all that much farther NNW.<\/p>\n

From here, Sanson Peak wasn’t very impressive.\u00a0 However, Mount Norquay<\/span><\/a> (8,278 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Edith<\/span><\/a> (8,399 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Mount Cory<\/span><\/a> (9,190 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, and a host of other mountains in sight beyond it were.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sulphur Mountain summit<\/strong> (R) from the boardwalk leading to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Cory<\/strong> (far L), Mount Edith<\/strong> (L), Mount Norquay<\/strong> (Center), with Mount Sanson<\/strong> (R of Center) in the foreground. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way to the cosmic ray station, Lupe passed a display proclaiming that she was at Sanson Peak, the highest point on Sulphur Mountain.\u00a0 A different plaque also claimed that this was the top of Sulphur Mountain.\u00a0 Neither was strictly true.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Welcome to Sanson Peak display<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station plaque<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No matter!\u00a0 The cosmic ray station was a tremendous viewpoint!\u00a0 Banff, the Bow River, Cascade Mountain, Tunnel Mountain, and Mount Rundle were all on display.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed a fabulous view of the upper gondola station, and what appeared to be the true summit of Sulphur Mountain<\/span><\/a> (8,005 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> well beyond it, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the big deck below the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station<\/strong>. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Banff<\/strong> and Cascade Mountain<\/strong> (L), Tunnel Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center) with Mount Aylmer<\/strong> beyond. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Rundle true summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sulphur Mountain true summit<\/strong> (Center) and upper Banff gondola station<\/strong> (L) from the Cosmic Ray Station<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-16-23, 6:12 PM<\/em> – Merely a small, locked, stone building, the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station was now sadly defunct.\u00a0 Lupe learned nothing about cosmic rays here, although she did find out that Anmol was very fond of Hitakshi, which may have been even more important.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the sadly defunct Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Anmol hearts Hitakshi<\/strong> (L of Center). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although the cosmic ray station was clearly the scenic climax of Lupe’s Sulphur Mountain journey, she still hadn’t reached Sanson Peak where she could claim a peakbagging success.\u00a0 The mid-September sun was sinking fast, so if she wanted to get there while it was still light out, the American Dingo had to move on.<\/p>\n

Leaving the cosmic ray station, a gravel road headed in the direction of Sanson Peak, but wasn’t actually destined for the summit.\u00a0 Instead, the road dropped steadily along the W side of the ridge.\u00a0 Before getting too far below the ridgeline, Lupe abandoned the road.\u00a0 A short, very steep scramble back up into the forest regained the ridgeline.<\/p>\n

Exploring N, Lupe soon came to a saddle that was more open.\u00a0 A modest forested hill was now directly ahead.<\/p>\n

That’s got to be it, Loopster – Sanson Peak!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Sanson Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-16-23, 6:55 PM, 73\u00baF<\/em> – Expecting the summit to be buried in trees, SPHP was surprised when Sanson Peak<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (7,448 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>actually offered something in the way of views.\u00a0 Lupe arrived to find a relatively flat summit region roughly 30 feet in diameter dotted with only small trees and a few 1 or 2 foot high rock outcroppings.\u00a0 Taller trees bordered this opening in most directions, but Mount Rundle was in sight, as well as the top of Cascade Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Cascade Mountain<\/strong> (R) from Sanson Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N end of Mount Rundle<\/strong> (R). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was a nice view of the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond a few tall trees on the W side of the clearing, Lupe could also see Mount Bourgeau<\/span><\/a> (9,616 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which she had climbed twice many years ago, farther up the enormous Bow River valley.<\/p>\n

Although shadows crept steadily up the mountainsides, the Carolina Dog lingered on Sanson Peak for more than half an hour.\u00a0 Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations were almost over.\u00a0 Tomorrow she would leave the mountains, homeward bound.<\/p>\n

Well, Sweet Puppy, 2023 was quite a year, wasn’t it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Another totally awesome summer of fabulous adventures together, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

That it was, Loopster.\u00a0 Wouldn’t have missed it for anything!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-16-23, 7:59 PM<\/em> – The sun was down by the time Lupe reached the road leading back to the boardwalk again.\u00a0 Beyond the mountains to the W, the sky was orange, highlighting smooth, thin streaks hanging in the air.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Bourgeau<\/strong> (far L), Bow River valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s smoke, SPHP!\u00a0 Remnants of the Arctic Apocalypse<\/strong><\/span><\/a> are still here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Still seems incredible, doesn’t it, Loop?\u00a0 What an adventure, though!\u00a0 We’ll always remember 2023 as the year of the Arctic Apocalypse, won’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

A private party actually was going on.\u00a0 The upper gondola station was brightly lit up when Lupe went by it again.\u00a0 Many people were visible through the big windows, and some were even out on the roof.\u00a0 Back at the flagstone platform, SPHP had Lupe pause for a final look W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the upper gondola station<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nice pose, Loopster!\u00a0 Thanks!<\/em><\/p>\n

That it for this Dingo Vacation, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

No, not quite.\u00a0 In fact, I almost forgot.\u00a0 We need to go back around to the N side of the gondola station to check out the lights of Banff!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lights of Banff<\/strong> from Sulphur Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9-16-23, 8:25 PM<\/em> – Dusk turned to total darkness during the long winding descent through the forest.\u00a0 As Lupe hurried down the switchbacks, she had the formerly busy trail all to herself.\u00a0 Down was a lot easier than up, yet it seemed to take a long time before the lights of Banff Hot Springs first glittered among the trees below.<\/p>\n

The gondola parking lot was only 25% full, but quite a few people were still milling around in the process of leaving when the American Dingo reached the RAV4 again.\u00a0 (End, 9:58 PM)<\/em><\/p>\n

9-17-23, 2:04 PM, 82\u00baF, Cedar Hills in SW Saskatchewan near the Alberta border –<\/em> The cloud of dust behind the RAV4 diminished, then drifted away as the RAV4 rolled to a stop.\u00a0 Following SPHP, Lupe hopped out.\u00a0 Beyond a pancake flat yellow field, a line of trees was off to the N.\u00a0 Looking S, there weren’t any trees, only more yellow grass.<\/p>\n

According to Slayden’s GPS track<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, this is it, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

This is what, SPHP?\u00a0 A trail?\u00a0 There’s no mountain here!<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, there is, Loop.\u00a0 We’re already on top of it.\u00a0 According to the topo map, there’s a 4,567 foot high point just a few hundred feet S of the road.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, the rest of this territory must all be 4,566 feet, SPHP, ’cause I’m not seeing it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Me, either, but that’s the way it is.\u00a0 From what I’ve read, no one seems to be completely certain of the Saskatchewan High Point’s exact location.\u00a0 It’s somewhere up on this vast, flat mesa.\u00a0 Like a lot of others, we’re just going to wander over to the site elevation marked on the map, and call it good.<\/em><\/p>\n

Slipping under a barbed wire fence, the enormous field was so flat that it was hard to tell if the American Dingo was going up or down at all as she headed S through the tall grass.\u00a0 It took only a few minutes to get to the spot where the site elevation was shown on the topo map.<\/p>\n

9-17-23, 2:10 PM, 82\u00baF<\/em> – A warm, dry wind was blowing 15 mph from out of the SW when SPHP stopped to shake the Carolina Dog’s paw.\u00a0 Glancing back at the RAV4, it appeared to be at essentially the same elevation.<\/p>\n

Well, guess this is it, Loopster, the Saskatchewan High Point<\/span><\/a> (4,567 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Congratulations on reaching the last summit of your Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations!<\/em><\/p>\n

Really?\u00a0 After all the grand mountains we climbed?\u00a0 What an anticlimax!\u00a0 Literally nothing to it, SPHP!\u00a0 Nothing here but an old cow pie.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking SE, a fence or corral was visible in the distance.\u00a0 Something dark was more directly S.\u00a0 A lone tree?\u00a0 Perhaps it was just an illusion, but less than a km away, both areas looked higher than where Lupe was now.<\/p>\n

According to Slayden’s GPS track, he did a bit more searching about for the actual high point, Looper.\u00a0 Want to do a little more exploring?\u00a0 We’re going to be stuck in the RAV4 the rest of the day, once we’re done here.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lupe was all for it.<\/p>\n

Heading SE, the land did dip a bit before beginning a gradual climb.\u00a0 Upon arriving at the corral, what appeared to be even higher territory was now visible toward the SSE.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the corral<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following a dirt road S, it was farther than it looked to the high ground.\u00a0 Before the American Dingo even got there, SPHP reconsidered.\u00a0 More high ground was visible off to the WSW beyond a valley along the S edge of the plateau.\u00a0 That area was at least another km away as the crow flies.<\/p>\n

Hmm.\u00a0 I don’t know, Looper.\u00a0 To really explore all of this high ground is going to take awhile, and I’m not sure what time the border closes.\u00a0 Maybe we should just call it good, and accept the spot elevation shown on the map as the true high point like everyone else seems to?<\/em><\/p>\n

If it’s good enough for Slayden, it’s good enough for me, SPHP.\u00a0 Would take a surveyor to know for sure.\u00a0 Do you mind if we go over to the edge of the plateau to see what the view is like?\u00a0 We can visit the tree on the way back.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, let’s do that, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

So that became the plan.\u00a0 On the way to the tree, Lupe deliberately lost some elevation, enough to get the best view from the gently sloping edge of the plateau.\u00a0 The United States was out there, somewhere on the hazy, distant horizon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Along the edge of the plateau<\/strong>. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Day 57!\u00a0 Last one of\u00a0 your longest Dingo Vacation ever, Looper.\u00a0 Hard to believe it’s almost all over and done with now.\u00a0 We’ll soon be home.<\/em><\/p>\n

There’s no place like home, SPHP, but I wish we were back at Day 1 again.<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP did, too.\u00a0 However, lacking a wayback machine, no choice but to continue on.\u00a0 Turned out that the dark spot was actually an ancient piece of farm equipment quietly rusting away, not a tree or bush.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The old farm equipment<\/strong> 0.5 km W of the corral. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the way back to the RAV4, Lupe revisited the spot marked as 4,567 feet on the topo map.<\/p>\n

This it it, so smile big, Loopster!\u00a0 Last photo of your fabulous Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations!<\/em><\/p>\n

9-17-23, 4:40 PM<\/em> – Lupe made it to the Willow Creek border crossing into Montana with time to spare.\u00a0 Not much, though!\u00a0 Good thing she hadn’t lingered any longer at the Saskatchewan High Point, because the Willow Creek station would have closed at 5:00 PM.\u00a0 As it was, the Carolina Dog sailed through US customs without a hitch.\u00a0 The long drive home could continue, with only 2 brief stops for food and fuel the rest of the way.<\/p>\n

9-18-23, 4:26 AM, 62\u00baF<\/em> – Home again!\u00a0 Lupe lay happily on the long grass of the front lawn, watching SPHP wearily start the process of unloading the RAV4.\u00a0 57 days and 10,008 miles were were now history.<\/p>\n

Well, I must say that was fun, SPHP!\u00a0 I do have a question, though.\u00a0 How much longer before my awesome Summer of 2024 Dingo Vacations begin?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Saskatchewan High Point<\/strong> in the Cedar Hills, Canada 9-17-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s Sanson Peak GPS Track (9-16-23)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s Saskatchewan High Point GPS Track (9-17-23)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Sanson Peak Scrollable GPS Track & Stats<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Saskatchewan High Point Scrollable GPS Track & Stats<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Greg Slayden’s Scrollable Saskatchewan High Point GPS Track & Trip Report<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Mount Bourgeau, Banff National Park, Canada (8-1-16)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Tunnel Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (8-1-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Days 56 & 57 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! Waking suddenly from vivid, nonsensical dreams, SPHP was instantly alarmed.\u00a0 Already light out, and the American Dingo was still snoozing on her pink blanket!\u00a0 What time was it?\u00a0 7:45 AM.\u00a0 Good!\u00a0 Perfect, in fact.\u00a0 SPHP turned the key, and … Continue reading Sanson Peak in Banff, Canadian Rockies, Alberta, Canada & The Saskatchewan Province High Point (9-16-23 & 9-17-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":64322,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1659],"tags":[1213,105,135,30,31,106,1793,26,743,104,1791,1792,1790],"class_list":["post-64325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-alberta","tag-american-dingo","tag-banff","tag-canada","tag-canadian-rockies","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cypress-hills","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-luke-hall","tag-lupe","tag-sanson-peak","tag-saskatchewan-high-point","tag-sulphur-mountain"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/IMG_3132-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=64325"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65765,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64325\/revisions\/65765"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/64322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=64325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=64325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=64325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}