Guide Type: Hiking & Walking

  • Shunda Mountain (Baldy) Fire Lookout Trail Guide

    Shunda Mountain (Baldy) Fire Lookout Trail Guide

    AN EASY TRAIL WITH GREAT VIEWS OF THE FRONT RANGE

    Hike up a fire road to the Shunda Mountain fire lookout overlooking Nordegg, Coliseum Mountain and the Rockies with a 360-degree panorama from the summit.

    The gated fire road makes for an easy way to reach a summit with views of the forested foothills, the Brazeau Range and the front range of the Rockies.

    For those looking for a great hiking experience, Coliseum Mountain and Eagle Mountain Ridge offer better options with similar views. This trail is shared with off-road vehicles and walking up the fire road can be tedious. It does offer the shortest distance to a summit however and is a great option with kids or when you’re a little short on time.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 5.6 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~390 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: OHV
    • Trailhead: The is located a short drive north of Nordegg. From highway 11, follow Shunda Creek Road and keep right onto Baldy Mountain Road, continuing onto Baldy Tower Road. The trailhead is at the gate on the road, located approximately 6.5 km from highway 11.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    ACCESS TRAIL | 2.8 KM

    • 1.6 km | Junction
    • 1.9 km | Junction
    • 2.8 km | Fire Lookout

    RETURN TRAIL | 2.8 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    Park at the gate on the Baldy Mountain Road, making sure not to obstruct access to the gate. From there, follow the fire road up the hill.

    After approximately a kilometre the views starts to improve. You’ll first notice the many logged area nearby as well as the oil and gas sites in the area. Soon after you’ll come across a great view of Coliseum Mountain.

    Once you reach a junction, there will be a viewpoint and precipitation collection station a short distance back on the left. The two options looking ahead lead to the same spot and join again 300 metres up the road.

    As you approach the summit you’ll notice fencing on the side of the road. The area is a fragile alpine environment and work is being done to reclaim damage from past use. Stay on the road, the views of Abraham Lake and the Siffleur Range ahead are worth it.

    The fire lookout is a work area and a residence. While some employees like the company and may welcome you to the lookout, keep in mind that it is a private area and stay outside the fence unless you’re invited in.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

  • Hoodoo Creek Trail Guide

    Hoodoo Creek Trail Guide

    HOODOOS, A CAVE AND GREAT VIEWS OF ABRAHAM LAKE

    Scramble up the creek bed to a cave and great views of Abraham Lake. The popular Hoodoo Creek hike offers great views the entire way along highway 11.

    An unofficial trail takes you in and out of the creek bed, making your way up the narrowing valley pass two hoodoos on the way to the shallow cave.

    Hoodoos like the ones you’ll see on this hike are evidence of the glaciers that once covered the area. As they advanced and retreated over the region, they carried rocks of various size and deposited them along the way.

    The deposit, called till, contained a mixture of clay, sand fragments and occasionaly large rocks. In some cases like here, the calcium carbonate in the limestone cemented the deposits together.

    A the water eroded the deposits, those hardened deposits remained as pillars called hoodoos.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 3.8 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~360 m
    • Challenge Level: Moderate
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: The trail starts along highway 11, 2.8 km west of the Windy Point access. There is a cairn with an informal marker on the side of the road where the trail starts and Hoodoo Creek is now marked with a green highway sign. This is 52 km east of Saskatchewan Crossing and 39 km west of Nordegg.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    ACCESS TRAIL | 1.9 KM

    • 1.0 km | Hoodoos
    • 1.8 km | Cave Access
    • 1.9 km | Cave

    RETURN TRAIL | 1.9 KM

    • Retrace your steps back to the trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    Unfortunately this trail can be a little hard to find at first. Alberta Transportation has now added a green highway sign for Hoodoo Creek, making it easier to find the trailhead but there is still no trailhead parking lot. On weekends it’s often easier given the number of cars parked on the side of the road, otherwise it is the first major creek after Windy Point when you’re heading west. There is a cairn on the side of the road with a stick and quite often flagging tape marking the start of the trail.

    The trail is on the right side of the creek and right from the start there are some great views of Abraham Lake and surrounding mountains.

    For the first kilometre, the trail is in good shape and stays to the right of the creek while it steadily gains elevation. The views improve as you go and before long you’ll reach the hoodoos that are the namesake for this creek.

    After the hoodoos the trail disappears and the next section is a mix of walk and scramble along the creek bed.

    The access to the cave is up a steep scree slope. It is a well used path and quite easy to find.

    EXTENDING YOUR HIKE

    If you have time after visiting the cave it is well worth continuing up the creek for 300 to 600 metres. At a fork in the creek there is a nice cascade down the side of the mountain and going further on the right fork gives some nice views of the V shaped valley, Mount Michener and Abraham Lake below.

    THE RETURN

    To head back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footstep. Walking down the creek all the way to the highway is an option but the trail is faster.

    A WORD OF CAUTION

    This is a pleasant hike usually suitable for families. Too often however we encounter unprepared groups on this hike. You will be hiking on a creek bed, over boulders and up a scree slope which all require proper footwear.

    The creek is very shallow, not much more than a stream, on most days. It is obvious however from the width of the creek bed, the size of the boulders and the signs of slides that this hike can be treacherous on a rainy day or during a storm.

  • Allstones Lake Trail Guide

    Allstones Lake Trail Guide

    A CLASSIC HIKE ALONG ABRAHAM LAKE

    A popular day hike and overnight destination with stunning views of Abraham Lake along the way, Allstones Lake is worth the effort.

    While this is not the longest hike, plan on making a full day of it. It is a relentless climb and well worth a rest on the shore of this picturesque lake before heading back down.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 7.8 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~615 m
    • Challenge Level: Challenging
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: The trailhead provides ample parking space but there are no washrooms. The trailhead is approximately 31 km west of Nordegg and 52 km east of the Banff National Park boundary.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    DISTANCES

    • 0.7 km | Stream crossing
    • 2.7 km | Trail starts to level out
    • 3.9 km | Allstones Lake
    • 7.8 km | Trailhead

    THE JOURNEY

    The trailhead parking lot is located south of the highway, immediately east of the Allstones Creek bridge. The trail is straight across the highway from the trailhead parking lot.

    Before heading out on the trail take a few minutes to enjoy the great views of Abraham Lake and Allstones Creek Cove.

    The trail is well-used and easy to follow all the way to the lake. The first third of the hike gradually gains elevation in the forest, providing much-appreciated shade on a hot summer day. After crossing a small stream the hike starts its relentless climb toward the lake. There are no switchbacks and it can be quite slippery on a rainy day. Hiking poles are definitely recommended for this trail.

    As you emerge from the forest the views of the surrounding mountains, Abraham Lake and the valley below are simply stunning.

    The trail eventually flattens out, after climbing approximately 700 metres over 3 km, before dropping just over 100 metres down to Allstones Lake.

    On the ridge before heading down toward the lake you will come across another trail taking off on the right. According to the map from Sustainable Resources Development (available at the trailhead) this leads to the other end of the lake.

    Arriving at the lake you will first see the campsites before reaching the shoreline. There are trails going around the lake. Although some are in rough shape it is well worth the views.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

  • Thompson Creek Lower Falls Trail Guide

    Thompson Creek Lower Falls Trail Guide

    A SHORT HIKE THROUGH A PAST FOREST FIRE

    A shorter hike along Thompson Creek through the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn area with a nice waterfall providing a great lunch spot.

    Thompson Creek is a great option for families and those travelling along the David Thompson Highway looking to stretch their legs.

    This hike is located near the Banff National Park boundary, across from the Thompson Creek Campground. The area was affected by the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn of 2009 providing great insights on the ecological role of forest fires in the area.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 2 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~50 m
    • Challenge Level: Easy
    • Trail type: There and back
    • Congestion: Minimal
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: None
    • Trailhead: You can start the trail at the day use area of Thompson Creek Campground which provides ample parking space, washrooms and a day use area with tables or you can park on the side of the highway at the creek. The trailhead is approximately 83 km west of Nordegg and 9 km east of the highway 93 junction at Saskatchewan Crossing.

    THE TRAIL GUIDE

    THOMPSON CREEK

    This is a straightforward trail along the right side of the creek. Follow the trail starting on the side of the highway up to the lower falls.

    THE JOURNEY

    From the day use area located within the Thompson Creek Campground, head behind the washroom facilities and cross highway 11. You will find the trail near the creek itself.

    Almost immediately you will come across sections of trails that were damaged during the flood of June 2013. A new trail is already appearing but there are still some light bushwacking along the way.

    Most of the trail is in an area that burnt in 2009 as part of the Landslide Lake Prescribed Burn. The contrast between the burnt trees still standing and the new vegetation that is growing below makes for a very enjoyable hike.

    As you walk along the creek keep an eye for some nice viewpoints of the peaks across the valley.

    Closer to the fall the landscape starts to change. The creek channel becomes narrower and the banks start to get steeper.

    The falls are a great spot for a lunch break. Head back to the trailhead following the same trail.

    For those more adventurous, cross the creek on the rough log bridge for a closer view of the falls. The trails that continues from here will take you to the upper Thompson Creek Falls, about 5 km away on a rough trail.

    THE RETURN TRAIL

    Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.

  • Coral Creek Canyon Trail Guide

    Coral Creek Canyon Trail Guide

    THE NARROW CANYONS OF THE CLINE RIVER AND CORAL CREEK

    Coral Canyon is probably one of the most delightful half-day hikes in the area with gorgeous views and narrow canyons along the way.

    While the hike itself is not overly long, the perfect lunch spot awaits with dramatic views of Coral Creek. Plan on spending some extra time on this hike.

    This hike is located in the Cline River Area. It is an area that includes alpine, subalpine and boreal upland ecoregions with a significant population of grizzly bears, elk, goats and mountain sheeps.

    At a Glance

    • Distance: 7.7 km return
    • Elevation gain: ~190 m
    • Challenge Level: Moderate
    • Trail type: Partial Loop
    • Congestion: Moderate
    • Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
    • Other Trail Uses: Horses
    • Trailhead: Coral Creek White Goat Staging Area.

    Trail Guide

    From the trailhead parking lot, head toward the trail kiosk where you will find the well defined path.

    A short walk from the parking lot (approximately 100m) you will come across a stream crossing. There are usually enough rocks and logs to make it across with dry feet but a pair of hiking poles is helpful for balance as you cross this slippery section.

    As the trail starts to climb after the stream crossing you will notice a smaller trail to the left heading into the forest. This is the trail we will follow here since it offers the best views of the Cline River and Coral Creek canyons. For those looking for an easier option, the horse trail alternative is described further down.

    The June 2013 flood washed out the trail in many sections. A new trail has formed along the river. Remember throughout the first section that although the old trail is visible, many sections are unstable. Stick with the new path.

    From there the trail follows the Cline River. The trail start to climb away from the river as you approach the Cline River canyon. From there follow along the canyon until you reach the confluence of the Cline River and Coral Creek.

    At this point you will reach a viewpoint overlooking the Coral Creek canyon and a junction with the horse trail (the horse trail veers off a short distance from the viewpoint along the cut line).

    Continue along the canyon, following the path through the forest and along the ridge until you meet the horse trail. Follow the sign for Coral Creek. From here you are approximately 500 metres from the viewpoints.

    As the trail reaches the top of the hill heading into the forest, follow the smaller trail leading down toward the canyon and a great viewpoint of the narrow canyon and broad valley above. This makes for a great lunch spot but we’d suggest heading a little further along the trail and down to the creek.

    Head back up to the horse trail and follow it into the forest and down the hill on the other side all the way to the creek.

    On the way back, follow the trail into the forest for a more relaxing adventure back to the trailhead. You will see the trail on your left shortly after the viewpoint access.

    ALTERNATE TRAIL

    The trail described above is easy with some steeper sections. Those looking for an easier option can follow the horse trail at the first junction, shortly after the creek crossing. While on the main horse trail you will come across many trails to your right, heading into the forest. Keep going straight on the main path until the well used horse path veers right into the forest. At this junction, stay on the horse trail for the easier option or continue straight ahead to join the more scenic hiking trail.

    Even if you intend to follow the horse trail at this point, we strongly encourage you to go straight ahead catch an up close view of the canyon. It is a short distance away and you can easily back track to this junction to resume your journey on the horse trail if you choose to.

Call: (403) 986-6190
Email: bookings@nordeggadventures.ca

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