Are you in the mood for a moderate mountain hike with stunning views and wildflowers to boot? If so, we’ve found the perfect southern Alberta hike just for you! Mount Hoffman is an ideal ‘first summit’ for new hikers and kids. Marked as dog-friendly, this path is also perfect for an athletic pooch.
On the way up the trail, you’ll see lush meadows full of wildflowers in every colour. During the rainy season, the pathway is dotted with mushrooms in surprising sizes, shapes and textures.
What to expect
Sheep River is a hidden gem in southern Alberta, featuring stunning scenic views of the surrounding Kananaskis country.
The start of the path up to Mount Hoffman passes through Sheep River Falls, offering a quick hit of moving water before you head into the brush.
The hike begins with a meandering, mostly flat trail through 1.5 kilometres of dense trees. A few kilometres in, you’ll be greeted with a fork in the trail. The path to the right is the steeper option, taking you up the mountain for a view of Hoffman’s Hump. Keep left at the fork to continue hiking. As things get steeper, you’ll encounter a series of switchbacks up the mountain with plenty of room to rest.
As you start to get closer to the summit of the mountain, the forest path makes way to mountain meadows and sweeping vistas of Sheep River and the surrounding area.
You’ll encounter yarrow, bellflower and phlox in the mountain meadows during the spring and summer months. During the rainy season, keep an eye out for mushrooms growing from fallen logs on the forest floor.
The top of the mountain offers unobstructed, 360° mountain views on a clear day. It’s a great spot for a summit picnic or selfies with your fellow climbers.
Don’t forget that Kananaskis is home to plenty of bears and other wildlife, so it’s best to brush up on your bear safety before heading out.
Note that August and September are berry season, so there is currently a bear warning in effect for all of Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley. Bear spray and extra safety gear are a must!
Will you be taking a moment to stop and smell the flowers at the top of Mount Hoffman? We’ll see you out there.
Where: Sheep River Rd., Millarville, Alta.
How to get there: Drive approximately one hour and 20 minutes south of Calgary via Highway 22
Note: When planning your trips, please be mindful of the dangers of waterfalls and the hikes to get to them. Always let someone know if you’re planning a day hike or overnight stay outdoors. Familiarize yourself with this safety list prior to departure.
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