Spring is in the air and this is transition time on the GDT. Valley bottom trails at lower elevations vary from bare and muddy to slushy and icy, while trails at higher elevation remain snowbound. With warmer weather, trail conditions can change quickly from icy in the morning to slushy and slippery in the afternoon. Plan for varying conditions – warm layers, boots, snowshoes, cleats and/or poles are recommended.
TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:
- COVID-19: We encourage everyone who spends time on the GDT this year to do so safely and continue to do your part to limit the spread of COVID-19. The GDTA continues to support single-day hikes or horseback rides on the GDT and longer (weekend or multi-day) trips where trails and trailheads are open. Be aware that some facilities and services along the GDT may be closed or limited. Hikers with plans on the GDT should pay close attention to provincial and local health restrictions as they evolve and be prepared to make changes to your plans in order to comply with these restrictions.
- CLOSURE – Mount Robson Provincial Park: Due to ongoing assessment and construction following the significant damage from last year’s flooding, the entire Berg Lake Trail, including the parking lot, will be closed throughout 2022 for all activities and for both day and overnight users. Mount Robson Visitor Centre has temporarily suspended its resupply package service. The Moose River Trail is open, giving GDT Hikers 4 options to use as the GDT northern terminus other than the Berg Lake Trail:
1. Jasper Townsite
2. Moose River
3. Blueberry
4. Kakwa
- CLOSURE – Jasper National Park: 6-Passes Alternate Route is closed to all traffic and travel to limit visitor access in a sensitive area of the park.
- TICKS: Tick season has started. Be extra careful when in areas with a lot of underbrush and check yourself and your clothing after your hike.
- BEARS: With spring’s arrival, bears are leaving their dens in search of food. Be bear aware on the trails this spring, make noise and carry bear spray.
- SNOW MELT: Snow levels in the southern and central Rockies are higher than average for this time of year. Spring avalanche conditions continue to exist so prepare accordingly. For up to date snow level data in BC, check out the Snow Survey Stations Interactive Map. In Alberta, check out the Alberta River Basins map (turn on the snow pillow layer).
ACCESS:
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass will be required for all vehicles visiting Kananaskis Country and provincial sites in the Bow Valley Corridor. The pass is not required for people arriving without a vehicle on foot, horseback or bicycle.
- Highway 1 is closed for road construction 4 km east of Golden, until May 20, 2022. Detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95.
- Highway 40 from junction Highway 742 to junction Highway 541 (Highwood House) is closed until June 14, 2022.
- For more information, check out Alberta 511 and Drive BC.
National and Provincial Park Trail Conditions:
Banff National Park
Jasper National Park
Kootenay National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park
Yoho National Park
Akamina‐Kishinena Provincial Park
Castle Wildland Provincial Park
Castle Provincial Park
Elk Lakes Provincial Park
Height of the Rockies Provincial Park
Kakwa Provincial Park
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
