The Upper Grasslands of Lac du Bois has a few old tracks, but no trails are needed in the mostly-treeless terrain.   When we reach the rolling hills past the 7km mark on the Lac du Bois Road, we can contour around hills or we can follow ridges to viewpoints.   Raptor Ridge is so named because hawks often perch on the snags and firs on the north end of the bluffs overlooking the grasslands.

The ridge is a gradual climb for 1.1 km.

Along the western side of the ridge is a chain of ponds.

Aspens grow in pockets wherever moisture is retained.   We enjoyed the reflections on this grey day.

From the end of Raptor Ridge, we go down to the rolling grasslands working our way over to a viewpoint above Long Lake, still frozen in March.

The chain of ponds on the south end of the Long Lake Trench are the first to thaw.

We returned through the grasslands following old tracks to our vehicle, completing a 6.25km loop.   The brown grasses were starting to green up at the bases and a few wildflowers were already poking up.   The yellow bracts of arabis infected with rust virus follow the sagebrush buttercups and yellow bells.

We enjoy hiking in the upper grasslands in all 4 seasons and we try to vary our route  so that we have less impact on the fragile grasslands ecosystem.   Go quietly leaving nothing but your footprints, enjoying the subtle beauties of this Protected Area.