I’m heading east through the foothills toward my home in
High River after a wonderful day hiking in southern Kananaskis Country. The drive gives me time to think about
how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful town and so close to the mountains I
love. In fact, there are dozens of
hikes that can be easily accomplished in a day with time to spare.
Here are five hikes within about a one-hour drive from High
River.
Mt Burke
This beautiful peak stands on the eastern slopes in the
Livingstone Range and can be seen from High River. It’s a tough hike but the reward is well worth the effort
with views of the prairies and mountaintops in every other direction. At the summit sits abandoned Cameron fire
lookout, built in 1929.
Directions:
From Longview, drive west on Highway 541 to Highwood
Junction. Drive south on Highway
940 (a gravel road) for 14km and turn left toward Cataract Creek campground. The trailhead is on the right before
entering the campground.
Length: 16 km
round trip.
Elevation gain:
935 m
Hiking time:
5-7 hours.
For more detailed information:
Note: After the
2013 flood, sections of the trail along the creek bed were washed out. Keep your eyes peeled for red ribbon
marking the trail.
Raspberry Ridge
Another stunning hike to an active fire look out. After a grueling final ascent, trekkers
are awarded with 360-degree mountain views.
Directions:
From Highwood Junction drive 11.4 km on Highway 940. Look for an unmarked, gated dirt turn
out on the west side of the highway.
Length: 9 km
return.
Elevation gain:
653 m.
Hiking time:
3-4 hours.
More info:
Grass Pass
This easy day hike is a fairly straight and steady climb
into the pass between Bull Creek Hills and Holy Cross Mountain. Limber pines adorn this trail.
Directions:
Follow Highway 541 from Longview to the Sentinel day-use
area.
Length: 7km
return.
Elevation gain:
427 m.
Hiking time:
2-4 hours.
More info:
Foran Grade Loop
A peaceful walk among lush vegetation, with views of the
Sheep River, and then an ascent onto a ridge for views of the Sheep River to
the west and the foothills to the east.
Downtown Calgary can be seen as well.
Directions:
From Turner Valley, drive west on Highway 546 (Sheep River
Trail). 1.6 km west of the winter
gate at Sandy McNabb campground, and just after crossing a cattle guard, there
is a pullout on the right side of the road.
Length: 7.4 km
loop
Elevation gain:
280 m
Hiking time: 2-3
hrs
More info:
Junction Creek
If waterfalls and river crossings appeal to you, this excursion
should be on your to-do list. This is an easy hike (after crossing the Sheep
River) through a valley filled with spruce and fir trees, remnants of an old
sawmill and best of all, a three-tiered waterfall. Pick a hot day and bring your swimsuit. It’s a little piece of heaven in the
middle of nowhere.
Directions:
From Turner Valley, drive west on Highway 546 to the very
end of the road at the Junction Creek Day Use area-approximately a 30-minute
drive. The hike begins with
crossing the Sheep River so bring a good pair of river shoes or sturdy
sandals.
Length: 14 km
return
Elevation gain:
Hiking time:
4-6 hrs
More info:
As with any hike, be prepared. Bring bear spray, layers, food and lots of water. There are a lot of resources available
on the web, but here is one: http://sectionhiker.com/day-hikers-ten-essentials-guide/
These hikes are all in Kananaskis Country. For more information including trail
reports, go to www.kananaskis-country.ca
