Yahareskin (traditional Stoney First Nations name) / Coliseum Mountain, Clearwater County, Alberta
Moving time- 3 hours 40 minutes. Total time, including snacks and lunch, 4 hours 20 minutes.
The traditional name Yahareskin from the Stoney First Nation means ‘mountain with a cap’. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the Indigenous peoples of the Treaty 6 region and the Big Horn Wesley peoples of the Stoney Nation. I respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our community.
In mid-August every year I love finding a dark spot to watch the Perseids Meteor Shower. This year, I combined a night of camping and meteor watching with a hike up Yahareskin / Coliseum Mountain on August 12. Like most of summer 2021, the weather forecast called for hot temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s. I got an early start, hoping to avoid the afternoon sun.
The hike begins at the Coliseum Mountain trailhead, at the Coliseum Trail staging area. The first kilometre of the hike is fairly level and winds through the forest. About five minutes into my hike I heard what sounded like tiny rockets falling to the ground, and looked up to see a squirrel launching pinecones from a 20-metre tree! I am not sure if she was dissatisfied with the quality of her cones or if she was protecting the area, but I was able to get out of the line of fire and continue onwards.
The beginning of the path, watch out for squirrels with projectiles. 
Gentle switchbacks up the first several kilometres
After about one kilometre, the trail transitions into a series of switchbacks. The trail is well defined and the elevation gain was mild. There were groups with children and dogs so it can be accessible to many. This part of the hike is mainly shaded but is still best to be done in the morning before the sun is directly overhead.
After nearly 3 kilometres of switchbacks, the trail levels out at an outcrop with some pinnacles around me. The first views of the ridge towards the summit are breathtaking and despite the forest fires in BC and the smoky days, I could see the Rocky Mountains in the distance, and the start of Abraham Lake below.
The view of the summit in the distance
After this outcrop, there is a clearly defined trail through some scree along the ridge. The first kilometre is rocky and you are best to check your footing, however, it levels off and goes through the trees once again.
Rock formations show the beginning of the ridge walk along scree.
The path emerges from slope scree and wanders through a treed area 360° views of the entire valley
The final push to the summit is a short scree slope- good footwear and hiking poles are recommended.
The summit of Yahareskin / Coliseum Mountain is unique in that it is entirely flat- a perfect place for lunch! It can be windy so bring a warmer layer or a windbreaker if you are planning on spending any time up there.
The descent from the summit took less time than the ascent, and hiking poles are always welcomed to ease the stress on the knees.
Overall, this was a super enjoyable trip! I think it would be a fantastic moderate hike for anyone looking to take young children on their first bigger hike. Dogs big and small can handle it, and the exposure risk is low.
If you have any more tips about how this trip can be family-friendly, please leave a comment!
