McKirdy Mtn. Summit Trail #4b

Description:

Branches off McKirdy Creek Trail at a tree with small aluminum route signs at about 1370m (4500 ft.) elevation, just below main McKirdy Creek bridge. For ski touring, a less steep route leaves the McKirdy Creek trail beyond the bridge, at the top of the creek ravine. This route is also signed. The two routes converge on the hillside east of the creek, and from there the trail climbs to the ridge between McKirdy Creek and Snowcourse Creek. It follows the ridge to the summit in much the same way that the Mt. Terry Fox Trail follows the Teepee Creek/Hogan Creek ridge. It is possible to enter the back country of the Selwyn range by traversing the summit, although there are less strenuous ways. An interesting circle trip is possible by walking the skyline northeast from the general area of the summit all the way to McKirdy Meadows. Coming down off the rocky ridge into the McKirdy Creek/Swift Creek pass, descend via the McKirdy Creek Trail, which leaves the meadows at the south end of the pass.

Getting There:

As for McKirdy Creek Trail, above.

Hiking Time:

Allow 7 to 9 hours round trip to the summit, or 8 to 12 hours for the skyline ridge traverse around McKirdy Creek basin. To this add 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the hike across the Selwyn Traverse to the start of the McKirdy Creek Trail and back.