This blog has been created over the past decade using a personal diary format.  There have been many trail changes over that period of time created by new development and/or significant weather conditions.  Many of the posts, which were factual at the time of each specific hike, may now be misleading and potentially dangerous as a source of current and reliable information. After considering many options, I have decided to remove the blog from circulation.  Thank you for following.  I wish each and every one of you all the best. To all my friends and hiking partn ..read more

The Rae Glacier hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada has been dramatically altered by recent flooding events over past years.     Access to improved and clearly signed parking is achieved following the drive west from Calgary along the TransCanada Highway (Hwy 1) and south on Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40) to the clearly signed and recently repaired, improved and expanded parking area for the uphill hike to Elbow Lake. Occasional rest stops along the short but steep uphill hike provide the opportunity to enjoy and absorb the expanding mountain-surrounded views on this very pleasant Autumn ..read more

Shark Lake rests dramatically beneath the sheer cliffs of Mount Shark in the Spray Valley Provincial Park component of Kananaskis Country.     Our chosen driving route is Calgary to Canmore and South on Smith Dorrien / Spray Road (Hwy 742) past entrances to the Nordic Ski Centre and Grassi Lakes.  Pavement ends and terrible gravel road continues up and through Whitemans Gap to continue South.  The condition of the gravel road on this Thursday morning is very poor, approaching dangerous.  Creeping vehicles are weaving around major potholes and rock debris.  The drive continues south at a subs ..read more

  Black Prince Lakes rest high above Warspite Lake in Kananaskis Country, SW from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.   Photo courtesy of Justin Howse Access to the trail-head is south via paved Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40) to a right turn onto Kananaskis Lakes Road just north from the Winter Gates.  Within a short distance, near the Pocaterra Day Use Area, the clearly signed right turn onto Smith-Dorrien Trail heads north, climbing past a short paved section onto gravel road and soon into the clearly signed Mount Black Prince Day Use parking area on the left, west side of the road. Driving south from Ca ..read more

  Headwall Lakes, past the south-east flank of Mount Chester, guard the approach to The Fortress in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.     The drive west on the TransCanada Hwy from Calgary, then southeast on Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40) through Kananaskis Country, branches right on Kananaskis Lakes Road to a right turn at the junction with Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail (Hwy 742) which heads northwest on poorly maintained road past dramatic Mount Black Prince on the left to Chester Lake parking on the right. The hike begins near the entrance to Chester parking along old forestry road, used for su ..read more

  Dyson Falls is located within the Sheep River component of south Kananaskis Country west of Turner Valley, Alberta, Canada.     This day delivers on the expectation weather could be interesting.  The small town of Turner Valley provides access to the Sheep Valley component of South Kananaskis Country.  This town gained historical significance when oil was discovered here early in the 20th century. Following the early start from Calgary and my excellent down-home breakfast at the Chuckwagon Cafe, all participants meet with hiking guide, Julie, on the porch of the Turner Valley Library for t ..read more

Dale Hodges Park is a unique experience in Bow River Park overlooking east Bowness in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.Best public parking is arguably adjacent to Maranatha Church accessed by one-way 52nd Street NW off Home Road.  Plan the route to avoid a frustrating start and be cautious for bicycle traffic in this area.From parking, a short walk on paved trail leads directly to the circular overlook with outstanding views up and down the Bow River.  Historic Hextall Bridge is below to the left backed by Calgary Olympic Park in the distance.  Bow River water levels are running high as Spring runoff ..read more

Jura Creek Canyon is a popular hike in the Bow Valley component of Kananaskis Country, Alberta.From the new parking area on the south side of Highway 1A across from the Graymont Plant, access to Jura Creek Canyon is achieved by hiking about a kilometer on a matrix of dirt roads and/or trail in a northwest inclination for eventual arrival at the raised, stony bank of Jura Creek.On the approach into Jura Creek Canyon there are several safer spots to ramp down onto the expansive creek bed.  The importance of quality, protective footwear (hiking boots) to avoid potential injury begins to become ob ..read more

Door-Jamb Mountain is a precursor en route to the summit of Loder Peak in Bow Valley, Kananaskis Country, Alberta.A much-needed, new parking area, with washrooms, is nearing completion on the north side of Highway 1A east of Exshaw, across from the Graymont Lime Plant, and between Jura Creek and the base of Door-Jamb Mountain.Door-Jamb Mountain is a rugged hill with plenty of braided trail options sporting sharp rock potentially capable of destroying hiking gear, clothing and exposed body parts. This little mountain is first in the chain north from Highway 1A sweeping north and east across Lod ..read more

Nora Tuckey's Grove is a quiet, peaceful alcove honoring a special woman who left a lasting impression in Calgary, Alberta.Nora Tuckey left us too soon.  A perpetual and memorable section of Sue Higgins Park in Calgary's south-east quadrant, bracketed between Deerfoot Trail and the Bow River at the east end of Southland Drive, pays lasting homage to her presence.The park is open to everyone but particularly of interest to dog owners who can exercise their companions in large, fenced enclosures while unfettered pathway remains open to those who prefer walk alone or with friends along the Bow Ri ..read more