Foolishly Garth and I followed Rocco into the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies for a Fall day hike.
After driving aimlessly on gravel roads for some time, we finally gave up on our original goal, Cox Hill.
Instead, Rocco proposed we park at an unmarked turn-out. And scramble up to what he recalled to be from memory, Jumpingpound Ridge.
It was a gorgeous day.
While having lunch at the ridge, 3 older (wiser) hikers walked by informing us that we were on a completely different ridge than I was studying in the guidebook. They instructed us carefully on the best, most scenic way to descend.
… As you have already guessed, we never found it. But the bushwhack downslope was even nicer than our scrambling ascent.
If you ever see these guys scanning the distance with binoculars, stop and help them out. They are lost.
besthike.com 
Hard to argue with your assessment of the trip, but we will walk that ridge successfully next time (two cars required), or we will do the Headwall Lakes/Fortress scramble weather permitting. I insist!