5 Awesome Summer Hikes (2021)
Summer is here and I bet the google searches are hot with “what are the best summer hikes to do in Alberta?”, welp ya came to the right place. Here are 5 of my favorites in terms of just sheer beauty and bucket list items you need to do ASAP.
1. TENT RIDGE
One of the most fun ridge walks you’ll ever do and with spectacular views of Spray Lakes, it’ll make you say why not?
Time: 5 - 6.5 hrs
Distance: 10.4 km
Elevation Gain: 646m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Moderately Strenuous - Strenuous (165)
Technical Rating (Yosemite Decimal System): Class 2, Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands. Little potential danger is encountered.
Best time to go: June - September
Toilets: None
Trail Popularity: Moderate-High
Footwear: Hiking boots are highly recommended.
Trailhead/Parking: here
2. GRIZZLY PEAK
Grizzly bears not guaranteed but great views are included and an amazing workout!
Time: 3.5-5 hrs
Distance: 6km
Elevation Gain: 879m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Moderately Strenuous - Strenuous (146)
Technical Rating (Yosemite Decimal System): Class 1 - Class 2 Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands. Little potential danger is encountered. Last ascent can be slippery and steep with loose dirt/mud.
Best time to go: Late June - end of September
Toilets: n/a
Trail Popularity: Moderate
Footwear: Hiking boots Recommended
Trailhead/Parking: Here
3. FLOE LAKE
Quite a bit of a long walk and some steep switchbacks right at the end on the way up to Floe Lake but nothing technical. Just be ready for a long but overall amazing day.
Time: 7-9 hrs
Distance: 23km
Elevation Gain: 794m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Very Strenuous (272)
Technical Rating (Yosemite Decimal System): Class 1. Walking with a low chance of injury, Well maintained trail.
Best time to go: Mid July - End of September
Toilets: Yes at the trailhead and at the campsite
Trail Popularity: Moderate
Footwear: Hiking shoes
Trailhead/Parking: here
4. AYLMER LOOKOUT
The best birds-eye view of Lake Minnewanka hands down. Don’t even bother arguing with me on this.
Time: 7-9 hrs
Distance: 24.5 km
Elevation Gain: 1085m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Very Strenuous (329)
Technical Rating (Yosemite Decimal System): Class 1. Walking with a low chance of injury, Well maintained trail.
Best time to go: July 10 - September 15
Toilets: Yes, At Lake Minnewanka day-use area.
Trail Popularity: High at the start of the hike - Low as you begin your ascent to Aylmer Lookout
Footwear: Hiking Shoes or Boots
Trailhead/Parking: https://goo.gl/maps/Sr2QrbgobWqdmfDR7
Important Trail Restriction Notices: Click here before you go
5. POCATERRA RIDGE
My personal favorite in the Highwood Pass area, this Ridge walk gets the Mr. Mountain Man double thumbs-up approval.
Time: 5-7 hrs
Distance: 12km
Elevation Gain: 985m
Hiking Difficulty (Shenandoah's formula): Strenuous (219)
Technical Rating (Yosemite Decimal System): Class 1. Walking with a low chance of injury, Well maintained trail.
Best time to go: July - end of September
Toilets: Yes, Outhouses at Highwood Pass day use area
Trail Popularity: High
Footwear: Hiking boots
Trailhead/Parking: here