Mid-November is a busy time of year. Between back to school, post-Halloween blues and the upcoming holiday season, there’s a lot to do, and it can leave you with some unwanted stress.
Here’s your antidote: this ridge trail loop is only an hour and 15 minutes from Calgary, and it boasts breathtaking views, dog-friendly trails and the occasional free-range cattle herd.
The trail is excellent for beginners, though it does have a few steep and slippery sections. It’s best tackled with a pair of hiking poles and some sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
This is a low-maintenance hike where you can soak in the views of the Kananaskis mountain range with relative seclusion. You might not run into another person, but you’ll likely spot some wildlife in the Ghost River Basin.
What to expect
Lesueur Ridge Trail Loop is located in the Ghost River Wilderness area. It’s a popular, low-maintenance hike for Banff and Calgary locals.
To get there, head west out of Calgary towards Cochrane on Bow Valley Trail. Then you’ll need to follow Forestry Trunk Road past Waiparous Village to get to the Lesueur Ridge parking lot.
The trail meanders up 8 km of mountains and meadows, with a very doable 370 metres of elevation gain.
It’s an easy and accessible loop hike, though best tackled with a pair of hiking poles. A popular trail and walking area, it’s also a good choice for dogs in need of some well-earned nature time.
After a steep ascent, you’ll hit the ridge crest where you’re rewarded with scenic views of Devil’s Head and Black Rock Mountain.
The trail also cuts along Lesueur Creek, and at the top of the ascent, you’ll catch a birds-eye view of the Ghost River Basin. You may even see the odd cattle herd wandering in from nearby farms to graze near the river.
The Ghost River watershed has been inhabited by the Assiniboia people since time immemorial, and it was a frequently visited area for early explorers like David Thompson, who camped above the confluence of the Bow and Ghost rivers in 1800.
While the first 2 km of the trail can be a challenge with a steep incline, it’s worth it for the unobstructed views of the nearby Rocky Mountain range.
This is the perfect Sunday afternoon hike for you and the family, or an ideal head-clearing loop after a long work week.
Plus, with the changing colour of autumn leaves in the mountains, it’s a particularly picturesque time of year to visit. Let us know how it goes!
Where: Township Rd. 265A, Bighorn No. 8, Alta.
How to get there: Drive west of Calgary via. Bow Valley Trail
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