naturejournal

Nature Journal Entry #15: The Wildflowers of Mount Yamnuska

Where: Mount Yamnuska: Raven's End

When: June 24th 2026 (Mid-Morning to Early Afternoon)

Highlight: Getting to see the wonderful vistas from the mountain and all the colourful flowers along the trail!

I took Wednesday off work to hike up Mount Yamnuska with Nyx and my day was better for it. As someone who lacks a familiarity with mountain environments, I absolutely adored the endeavor. Whether it is the sweat-inducing workout that comes with gaining elevation, the sensorial delight of trails, or the breathtaking vistas as we climbed higher and higher; enjoying a hike in the mountains is special. I understand why so many Calgarians flock to the Rockies every weekend.

Along the way, we were greeted with massive slabs of stone, towering conifers, thick clusters of deciduous trees, lovely birdsongs, the curiousity of a Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis), and the spattering of colour from local flora that would perfectly align with any painter's palette. It was latter, the wildflowers, that was the focus of our attention (at least when we were not sweating and exhausted during our ascent).

On the trails, we found familiar wildflowers that you might find in Calgary like Cutleaf Anemone (Anemone multifida), Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa), False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum), Common Gaillardia (Gaillardia aristata), Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum), Richardson's Geranium (Geranium richardsonii), Giant Red Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata), and many others. We even found a few prairie crocuses, or more specifically, the Prairie Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla nuttalliana) at the higher altitude of the mountain. A little more specifically, we found some orchids that are not exclusive to the Rocky Mountains, like Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum), but also Striped Coralroot (Corallorhiza striata) and Spotted Coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata). As for the more alpine wildflowers, we stumbled upon Purple Mountain Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia), Mat Saxifrage (Saxifraga bronchialis), Yellow Columbine (Aquilegia flavescens), and Hooker's Mountain-Avens (Dryas hookeriana). Of course, this was not an exhaustive detailing of wildflowers we stumbled upon, because of course, some are challenging to identify and that detailing would be busywork in many regards. Yet, these wildflowers were splendid to spend time with as we navigated the mountain's forested pathways and slopes.

Though we considered continuing past Raven's End along the most difficult (and dangerous) section of the trail to summit Mount Yamnuska, I am glad common sense prevailed and we acted with humility. I am still getting acquainted with the scree and scramble of alpine environments, so though my confidence might have improved with our elevation gain, I believe it would not be bravery - but bravado - to push further. Once back at the parking lot, our wise choice was affirmed by the crack of a swiftly approaching thunderstorm. Another reminder of the importance of keeping ones' arrogance in check. In any case, I am more interested in mountaineering than I was before. I prematurely apologize to Taylor for any future worries I might inflict upon them.

Wildflowers