By Boris Bokov
June 28, 2025 – Flood Mountain, Grande Cache, Canada.
After a long absence, I finally returned to Flood Mountain—one of Grande Cache’s iconic Bronze Peaks—nineteen years after my last visit during the Canadian Death Race. This time, however, I wasn’t racing against the clock but hiking with friends, taking in the stunning alpine scenery, and reliving memories of past adventures.
Our group stayed at the Acorn Motel, where Emma claimed the luxury of a private room while Ada and I shared a cozy (read: cramped) living space.
Determined to start early, I rallied everyone for an 8:50 a.m. departure after a quick breakfast of eggs, toast, and the last of my German salami—because no mountain climb is complete without questionable pre-hike nutrition.
The weather was perfect—crisp, clear, and windy—as we drove
to the trailhead in Keith’s trusty Toyota Corolla (dubbed the "Silver
Bird"). Already, two other cars were parked there, and more hikers arrived
as we geared up. Flood Mountain remains a popular training ground for Death
Race competitors, and we’d soon see why.
We set off at 9:20 a.m., our group a mix of seasoned hikers and enthusiastic first-timers. The trail began on an old forestry road, gradually ascending through dense forest before opening to sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
As we climbed, we were repeatedly overtaken by Death
Racers—athletes training for the infamous ultramarathon. Watching them sprint
past, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own past Death races. In 2006, during
my run, I completed Legs 1 and 2 in just over five hours. Now? Let’s just say
my pace was… contemplative.
Holly and Dragan lagged behind, taking their time (and possibly questioning their life choices), while the rest of us pushed onward.
Near the summit, the trail split—some of us took the direct "slugfest" route, while others opted for the longer outer loop.
I reached the top at exactly 1 p.m., greeted by a howling wind that forced us to bundle up quickly.
The panoramic views were worth
it—endless ridges, deep valleys, and the vast Alberta wilderness stretching in
every direction. One by one, the rest of our group arrived, and we celebrated
with summit photos by the passport box.
Holly and Dragan eventually made it (proving that
persistence beats speed), and after a quick lunch in a sheltered spot, we began
our descent.
The hike down felt endless, but the camaraderie kept spirits high. Emma, inexplicably, powered ahead like she was training for a secret mission,
while the rest of us took our time, enjoying the scenery and occasional snack breaks.
By the time we reached the trailhead, our total hike time was **7 hours and 51 minutes**—19.16 km and 967 meters of elevation gain.
Tired but satisfied, we returned to Grande Cache for a well-earned dinner at the Big Horn Grill,
where steak, pasta, and lively conversation capped off the day.
Final Thoughts:
Flood Mountain may be the "easiest" of Grande
Cache’s Bronze Peaks, but it’s still a formidable hike—one that rewards effort
with breathtaking views and a deep sense of accomplishment. Returning after
nearly two decades reminded me that mountains don’t change, but our
relationship with them does. Whether racing against time or simply enjoying the
journey, the mountains always have something to teach us.
For fellow hikers considering Flood Mountain:
- **Distance:** ~19 km round-trip
- **Elevation gain:** ~967 m
- **Difficulty:** Easy (steepest section near the
summit)
- **Best time to hike:** Summer (watch for afternoon
thunderstorms)
- **Key tip:** Bring layers—the summit winds are no
joke!
Would you attempt Flood Mountain? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Until the next adventure—happy trails!
(BB)
Nice👍
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