Distance: 12km to 16km

Eagle Mountain Ridge Trail Guide
FOOTHILLS AND ROCKY MOUNTAINS
The lesser known neighbour to Coliseum Mountain, the Eagle Mountain Ridge hike takes you to amazing views of the Rockies and foothills.
The ridge walk gives a different perspective on the area, away from the crowds yet overlooking Nordegg and the David Thompson Highway.
I found this hike almost by accident. The Miners’ Cafe in Nordegg posted a picture of the area and it looked well worth the hike. The first attempt on a rainy and muddy day, following the directions from the David Thompson Highway Hiking Guide, wasn’t overly successful. It also turned out that the directions were for the summit, not the ridge I was looking for.
My second attempt, from the Beaverdam PRA was much more fruitful, taking me along a nice trail through the forest up to the ridge, overlooking the townsite, with views of the Rockies to the west and far onto the horizon to the east. Eagle Mountain Ridge is not as busy as it’s neighbour, Coliseum Mountain, and offers views that are at least as spectacular.
At a Glance
Distance: 15.4 km return
Elevation gain: ~660 m
Challenge Level: Moderate
Trail type: There and back
Congestion: Minimal
Management: Beaverdam PRA & Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
Other Trail Uses: Mountain biking
Trailhead: The trail starts at the Beaverdam Provincial Recreation Area, 6 km east of Nordegg on Highway 11.
THE TRAIL GUIDE
THE SERVICE ROAD | 2.2 KM
- 0.5 km | Locked gate
- 1.5 km | Old railway next to the road
- 1.8 km | Crossing the old railway and abandoned overflow campground
- 2.2 km | End of the service road
THE FOREST | 3.9 KM
- 2.2 km | Follow the trail into the woodlot
- 2.9 km | Continue on the main trail, straight ahead
- 3.0 km | The trail enters the forest
- 5.0 km | Continue on the main trail, straight ahead
- 5.4 km | Steep section
- 6.1 km | Path to the ridge
THE RIDGE | 1.6 KM
- 6.1 km | Follow the path at the wood cairn
- 6.5 km | Base of the ridge
- 7.7 km | End of the ridge
RETURN HIKE | 7.7 KM
THE SERVICE ROAD | 2.2 KM
The first section of the trail is on the service road leading to an abandoned overflow campground and woodlot. Park your vehicle at the Beaverdam Provincial Recreation Area campground and head back on the service road toward a locked gate at 0.5 km. The road heads into the forest and gradually up the hill. Walk past the various trails and paths along the way, staying on the road until you reach the abandoned overflow campground at 1.8 km.
After 1.5 km you’ll notice the old railway, now a quad trail, running along the road. The road will be crossing the trail shortly, taking you into the abandoned campground.
The abandoned overflow campground is now used for staff accommodation, firewood and equipment storage by a local campground operator. There is no camping allowed. Please stay clear of all equipment and property as you follow the road along Martin Creek to the woodlot and the next section of the trail.
THE FOREST | 3.9 KM
At the end of the campground, follow the trail heading into the woodlot. The trail is well-established and easy to find.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, flowers and berries as you walk through the logged area. The trail to the right at 2.9 km provides access to a climbing area. The Eagle Mountain Ridge trail is straight ahead.
From there the trail head into the forest for a pleasant hike with a steady uphill. While the trail is enjoyable the views are limited for most of the next 3 km.
The route is straightforward and at 5 km continues straight ahead where a narrower trail with flagging tape heads into the forest. It becomes obvious at this point that we’ve already gained significant elevation and there are glimpses of the views to come.
At last we can see through the trees the ridge we’re heading for. A quick glance at the cliff bands gives us a heads up that we have some elevation to gain ahead. The steepest section of the trail is coming up ahead. It is relatively short and with hiking poles there’s nothing to worry about, even on a rainy day.
Once you get your first glance at Coliseum Mountain and Baldy you know that the views from the ridge will be worth the hike.
The next junction is easy to miss; make sure to keep an eye for a piece of flagging tape and a cairn made of logs and stumps to your left.
RIDGEWALK | 1.6 KM
From the marker, follow the path into the trees making your way to the base of the ridge approximately 400 metres away. The summit of Eagle Mountain is directly to the south at this point. This is the destination of the hike described in the David Thompson Highway guidebook.
Once you reach the base of the ridge there is a nice quiet spot tempting you to stop for lunch. Continue on for the short walk up the ridge for even better options for a lunch and a rest.
Walk along the length on the ridge for great views of the forest area to the east toward Rocky Mountain House and views of Nordegg, the historic mine site, Abraham Lake and the front range of the Rockies.
THE RETURN TRAIL
Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.
June 17, 2015
Siffleur River – Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access
HIKE TO THE EDGE OF THE SIFFLEUR WILDERNESS AREA
The trail to the first set of falls on the Siffleur River is very popular but going beyond those falls offers great views and the likelihood of hiking the rest of the day without seeing anyone else.
Those looking for the trail guide for the easy hike to the first set of falls should have a look at the Siffleur Falls Trail Guide. This guide is for the longer hike along the river, all the way to the edge of the wilderness area.
The Siffleur River trail takes you through two protected areas with the highest levels of protection in Alberta: the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve and the Siffleur Wilderness Area.
Ecological reserves are the second highest level of protection in the province, focused on preserving natural heritage in an undisturbed state for scientific research and education. This is a special place and access is limited to low impact activities. Camping and fires are prohibited in the Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve.
The trail ends at the edge of the Siffleur Wilderness Area, one of only 3 wilderness area in the province. These areas have one of the highest level of protection in Canada with limited nature-based outdoor recreation allowed. Camping is allowed but fires are prohibited within the Siffleur Wilderness Area.
Trails are not maintained within the wilderness area but this historical route connects with the Pipestone River trail, attracting a few backpackers each year making the journey from Abraham Lake to Lake Louise.
At a Glance
Distance: 14 km return
Elevation gain: ~245 m
Challenge Level: Moderate
Trail type: There and back
Congestion: Moderate
Management: Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve
Other Trail Uses: None
Trailhead: Approximately 62 km west of Nordegg and 21 km east of the Banff National Park boundary. The trail starts at the Siffleur Falls Staging Area which provides ample parking space and dry toilets.
THE TRAIL GUIDE
SIFFLEUR FALLS ACCESS | 7 KM
- 0.5 km | Suspension bridge
- 0.7 km | Boardwalk
- 1.2 km | Go left at the end of the boardwalk
- 1.8 km | Siffleur River Bridge
- 1.9 km | Go left at the junction
- 3.2 km | Canyon Viewpoint
- 3.5 km | Siffleur Falls
- 4.7 km | Gravel Wash
- 5.9 km | Second Falls Viewpoint
- 6.5 km | Third Falls
- 7.0 km | Siffleur Wilderness Area Boundary
SIFFLEUR FALLS RETURN TRAIL | 7 KM
- Retrace your steps back to the trailhead
THE JOURNEY
From the trailhead parking lot, follow the main Siffleur Falls trail making your way across the North Saskatchewan River on the suspension bridge. A boardwalk has been build through the next section. This area is extremely fragile, please stay on the boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, follow Glacier Trail on the left toward the Siffleur River.
Shortly after the Siffleur River bridge the trails comes at a junction. The Siffleur Falls trail is the one on the right.
Before long you’ll be treated to great views of the canyon at a series of viewing platforms. The falls ahead are impressive with the Siffleur River plunging 15 m through a narrow channel in the rock. Take the time to enjoy the views and make sure to stay a safe distance from the cliffs and canyon edge. Unfortunately the area has seen many casualties over the year.
The next section starts with a sign warning that trails in the area are unmarked and from our experience not always maintained. Follow the trail away from the falls and along the river. Along the way you’ll come across a number of shallow canyons with some of the best views available early and late in the season when the water levels are lower.
At the gravel wash, head down toward the river and make your way up along the edge of the canyon. Signs of the 2013 flood are obvious here and the old trail, further away from the river, are still visible. From there the trails continues to follow the river, becoming narrow in sections as it makes its way across the slope leading down to the canyon below.
As you go you’ll come across a number of informal campsite and fire pits. Those look like they get significant use but keep in mind that camping and fires are prohibited in this area and the entire Kootenay Plains Ecological Reserve.
The second set of falls is visible from high above along the way.
At the next gravel wash (and sometimes creek crossing) head down to the river to a quiet spot below the third set of falls. It makes for a pleasant lunch spot and for many this is the end of the hike. This looks like another popular camping spot but if you are looking at camping legally, just head a little further along the trail to the Siffleur Wilderness Area.
The Siffleur Wilderness Area boundary is only 0.5 km away at this point. Head back up the creek to the trail and continue along. Soon you’ll get to see some great views of the river cascading into the third set of falls before coming up to the wilderness area.
THE RETURN
The falls mark the end of the trail for most people. If you want to go further, the trail continues to two more sets of falls and leads to the Siffleur Wilderness Area. You can find out more about the next section in the Siffleur Falls – Third Falls and Wilderness Area Access trail guide. To head back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footstep.
April 30, 2015
Coliseum Mountain Trail Guide
A CLASSIC NORDEGG HIKE
Coliseum Mountain with its “cap” gives you 360-degree panorama of the foothills and Rockies, making this a classic hike in Alberta’s West Country.
Published on August 29, 2013 | Last updated on May 3, 2023
One of the most popular hikes in Nordegg to the distinctive summit overlooking the town. This trail guide is for the official trail. There are two other options to reach the summit and we’ll add these here at some point in the future.
Coliseum Mountain dominates the skyline by Nordegg at 2040 metres high. The mountain was possibly mentioned in a map sketched by Sir James Hector showing the route taken by the Palliser Expedition in 1858.
Martin Nordegg claimed to have climbed the mountain in 1913 and by 1925 a fire lookout, the first in the province, was built on the mountain. Today, only a pile of rubbles is left of it and the active fire lookout is on Sunda Mountain to the north.
At a Glance
Distance: 12.6 km return
Elevation gain: ~705 m
Challenge Level: Moderate
Trail type: There and back
Congestion: Moderate
Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
Other Trail Uses: None
Trailhead: The Coliseum Mountain Trail Staging Area is located in the Nordegg North subdivision. From highway 11, follow Shunda Creek Road and keep right onto Baldy Mountain Road. Take the next right on Eagle Drive. The trailhead parking lot is at the end of the street. Dry toilets are available at the trailhead.
The Trail Guide
COLISEUM MOUNTAIN ACCESS | 6.3 KM
- 0.3 km | Stream crossing
- 1.3 km | Old access trail
- 4.3 km | Viewpoint and scree slope
- 6.3 km | Summit viewpoint and old fire lookout
RETURN TRAIL | 6.3 KM
- Retrace your steps back to the trailhead
THE JOURNEY
From the trailhead parking lot, follow the signs to the Coliseum Mountain trail. The first section of the trail is newer having been built after the new subdivision and making the hike a few kilometres shorter.
The only stream crossing on this hike is near the beginning. The rest of the trail is dry and usually in great condition.
After 1.3 km the trail reconnects with the older trail. From there it’s a steady ascent with switchbacks making it easy to gain most of the vertical on this hike. Along the way the views starts to get better with glimpses of what’s to come.
The trail eventually levels off after 4 km where there is an informal campsite and great views of Nordegg and Abraham Lake. The trail continues across the scree slope and then along the ridge toward the site of the old fire lookout, another 2 km away.
Hiking along the ridge gives the opportunity for spectacular views of the mountains to the east, the Brazeau range and the forested area to the east.
The last step is to ascent the cap where a trail takes you through the cliff band to the summit. The 360 degree views makes it obvious why this was chosen as a fire lookout in the 1920’s. Sadly little remains of the fire lookout, except for a few concrete blocks and metal pieces.
THE RETURN
To head back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footsteps.
August 29, 2013

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