Author: bradvaillancourt

July 28, 2023

Wildflowers are blooming! Expect warmer temperatures this weekend and next week, along with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Most trails are clear and bare, but expect muddy conditions after periods of rain.

TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:  

• WILDFIRES and FIRE BANS: While there are no closures due to wildfire, smoke from nearby wildfires is impacting the GDT. Check out the current smoke forecast for more information. Fire hazard ratings are currently high or extreme in much of the Rockies and fire bans or restrictions are in effect throughout BC and most of Alberta. If you must have a campfire in the backcountry, ensure you follow the rules.
• BEARS: Due to an early spring and warm weather, berry season has arrived early and bears are out and about feeding. Be bear aware on the trails this summer: be alert, make noise and carry bear spray.
• CREEKS: Rapid snow melt during this time of year results in high water levels and potentially dangerous creek crossings, particularly later in the day. Attempt to ford larger creeks early in the day when water levels are lowest.
• CLOSURE – Mount Robson Provincial Park: The Berg Lake Trail will remain closed for repairs during the 2023 season, except for the first 7 kilometres from the parking lot to Kinney Lake. 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   
  2. Moose River   
  3. Blueberry   
  4. Kakwa
• CLOSURE – Aster Lake campground on the Northover Ridge Alternate in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed due to construction. Random camping is permitted at Northover tarns in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park – please Leave No Trace!
• CLOSURE – Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice due to construction.

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 road construction 4 km east of Golden – No daytime stoppages or weekend closures from June 1 to September 15. Sunday-Thursday prepare for 30-minute evening delays and nighttime closures (10pm-7am). If necessary, detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95
• BC Parks lists Walker Creek FSR as closed at km 37 due to unsafe road conditions, but the road remains accessible beyond that point for those with high clearance 4WD vehicles willing to drive the very rough and overgrown road all the way to from the Bastille Creek trailhead.
• For more information, check out Alberta 511 and Drive BC.

National and Provincial Park Trail Conditions:

Banff National Park
Jasper National Park – NEW Submit a Jasper trail condition report
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

June 26, 2023

Below average snowpack and a warm spring resulted in a much earlier snow melt than normal. Warmer temps has melted most of the recent fresh snow but expect wet and muddy trail conditions. Valley bottom trails at lower elevations are mostly bare or muddy, while trails at higher elevation are slushy or muddy.

TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:  

• UPDATE – Waterton Lakes National Park: The GDT has completely re-opened; a detour is not required.
• SNOW MELT: Snow levels in the southern and central Rockies are much lower than average for this time of year. 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).
• CREEKS: Rapid snow melt during this time of year results in high water levels and potentially dangerous creek crossings, particularly later in the day. Attempt to ford larger creeks early in the day when water levels are lowest.
• FIRE BANS: It has been an usually warm and dry spring resulting in unprecedented early season wildfire activity. Recent cool and wet weather has improved conditions, and most fire bans or restrictions have been lifted. A fire ban is still in effect throughout the Prince George Fire Centre in BC, i.e. Mount Robson north to Kakwa. If you must have a campfire in the backcountry, ensure you follow the rules.
• CLOSURE – Mount Robson Provincial Park: The Berg Lake Trail will remain closed for repairs during the 2023 season, except for the first 7 kilometres from the parking lot to Kinney Lake. 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   
  2. Moose River   
  3. Blueberry   
  4. Kakwa
• CLOSURE – Aster Lake campground on the Northover Ridge Alternate in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed due to construction. Random camping is permitted at Northover tarns in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park – please Leave No Trace!
• CLOSURE – Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice due to construction.
• ELK CALVING SEASON: mid May to June 30. Protective mother elk will aggressively protect their newborns by kicking and charging at people. Stay at least 30 metres away from all elk during this time of year. Pay attention to trail closures in known elk calving areas.
• 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.

ACCESS: 

• Akamina Parkway in Waterton Lakes National Park is closed due to rockslides following significant rain event.
• Miette Road in Jasper National Park is closed to a severe washout.
• 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 road construction 4 km east of Golden – No daytime stoppages or weekend closures from June 1 to September 15. Sunday-Thursday prepare for 30-minute evening delays and nighttime closures (10pm-7am). If necessary, detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95
• BC Parks lists Walker Creek FSR as closed at km 37 due to unsafe road conditions, but the road remains accessible beyond that point for those with high clearance 4WD vehicles willing to drive the very rough and overgrown road all the way to from the Bastille Creek trailhead.
• 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

May 8, 2023

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. Please note that most trails are not maintained in the winter and downed trees won’t be removed until the trails are clear, usually in July.

TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:  

• SNOW MELT: Snow levels in the southern and central Rockies are lower 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).
• FIRE BANS: It has been an usually warm and dry spring resulting in unprecedented early season wildfire activity and a provincial state of emergency has been declared in Alberta. Fire bans and OHV restrictions are in effect throughout the Alberta Fire Protection Area covering the GDT from Sage Pass to Surprise Pass, not including the national parks. If you must have a campfire in the backcountry, ensure you follow the rules.
• CLOSURE – Mount Robson Provincial Park: The Berg Lake Trail will remain closed for repairs during the 2023 season, except for the first 7 kilometres from the parking lot to Kinney Lake. 14 sites at Kinney Lake Campground are open for reservations on a four-month rolling window. 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   
  2. Moose River   
  3. Blueberry   
  4. Kakwa
• CLOSURE – Aster Lake campground on the Northover Ridge Alternate in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed due to construction. Random camping is permitted at Northover tarns in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park – please Leave No Trace!
• CLOSURE – Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice due to construction.
• ELK CALVING SEASON: mid May to June 30. Protective mother elk will aggressively protect their newborns by kicking and charging at people. Stay at least 30 metres away from all elk during this time of year. Pay attention to trail closures in known elk calving areas.
• 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.

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 40 is closed south of Kananaskis Lakes Trail to Highwood House junction until June 14, 2023.
• Highway 1 road construction 4 km east of Golden – Prepare for delays and weekday nighttime closures (10pm-7am). If necessary, detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95
• BC Parks lists Walker Creek FSR as closed at km 37 due to unsafe road conditions, but the road remains accessible beyond that point for those with high clearance 4WD vehicles willing to drive the very rough and overgrown road all the way to from the Bastille Creek trailhead.
• 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

November 16, 2022

Winter conditions are here. Snow is falling and accumulating on the GDT so expect wet, icy and slippery trail conditions. Boots, hiking poles, snow cleats or snowshoes are recommended. Temperatures are below freezing, so be prepared for winter conditions and short days when travelling into the backcountry this winter.

Remember that the GDT is not designed for snow travel and is not maintained in the winter. When the trail is covered in snow, finding it may be impossible so excellent navigation skills are required. Hiking or skiing on the GDT when it’s snow covered means exposing yourself to potential avalanche risk. In many places, it’s unwise to travel the trail during these conditions. While planning your hike, research snow conditions and check out the Canadian Avalanche Centre for the latest avalanche bulletins.  

TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:  

• CLOSURE – Mount Robson Provincial Park: The Berg Lake Trail will remain closed for repairs during the 2023 season, except for the first 7 kilometres from the parking lot to Kinney Lake. 14 sites at Kinney Lake Campground will open for reservations on a four-month rolling window at 7:00am on February 1, 2023. 
• SEASONAL CLOSURE – Jasper National Park: The GDT is closed from Four Point Campground (e15) to Trapper Creek (e24) and from Moose Pass (f15) to Bess Pass (g3) from November 1, 2021 to May 15, 2022, to prevent winter trails from facilitating an unnatural level of predator access to threatened woodland caribou.
• CLOSURE – Forks campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed due to construction.
• CLOSURE – Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice due to construction.

ACCESS: 

• Winter conditions exist on many mountain highways and roads. Roads can be snowy and icy so check for the latest conditions before you travel and carry chains and/or winter tires. For more information, check out Alberta 511 and Drive BC.
• Highway 40 is seasonally closed from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House beginning December 1.
• Forestry Trunk Road 940 is seasonally closed south of Cataract Creek and northwest of Plateau Mountain Road beginning December 1.
• 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 road construction 4 km east of Golden – Extended 24 closure until December 2022. Detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95.
• Walker Creek FSR is inaccessible to regular vehicles during the winter.

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

October 26, 2022

Fall colours are here and so is the snow! Expect trails to be snow covered and wet, slippery and muddy conditions. Nighttime and early morning temperatures are below freezing, so be prepared for cold temperatures, morning frost and shorter days when travelling into the backcountry this fall. 

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. 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   
  2. Moose River   
  3. Blueberry   
  4. Kakwa

• ELK RUTTING SEASON: It is elk rutting season until mid-October. Warning signs that read “ATTENTION – Elk Mating” have been posted at areas where elk herds often gather. Be aware that bull elk become extremely aggressive during rutting season so keep at least 30 metres away from all elk and never get between a male and female elk.
• BEARS: It’s pre-hibernation feeding season for black and grizzly bears which increases the chances of running into a bear on the trail. It is easy to surprise a bear that is focussed on feeding so make noise while hiking in bear territory. Be alert, make noise, carry bear spray and if you see a bear, back away slowly and leave the area.
• CLOSURE – Jasper National Park: 6-Passes Alternate Route is closed to all overnight random camping but is open to random day use activity.
• CLOSURE – Forks campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed due to construction.
• CLOSURE – Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice due to construction.

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 road construction 4 km east of Golden – No daytime stoppages until September 26, 2022. Prepare for delays and weekday nighttime closures (10pm-7am). Extended 24 hour closure will be in effect beginning September 27. If necessary, detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95
• BC Parks lists Walker Creek FSR as closed at km 37 due to unsafe road conditions, but the road remains accessible beyond that point for those with high clearance 4WD vehicles willing to drive the very rough and overgrown road all the way to from the Bastille Creek trailhead.
• 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

September 22, 2022

Cooler temperatures, shorter days and the first snowfall and frost are signs that summer in the mountains is winding down. Trails are generally still in good condition but expect some wet and muddy sections following periods of rain or snow. 

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   
  2. Moose River   
  3. Blueberry   
  4. Kakwa

• ELK RUTTING SEASON: It is elk rutting season until mid-October. Warning signs that read “ATTENTION – Elk Mating” have been posted at areas where elk herds often gather. Be aware that bull elk become extremely aggressive during rutting season so keep at least 30 metres away from all elk and never get between a male and female elk.
• BEARS: It’s pre-hibernation feeding season for black and grizzly bears which increases the chances of running into a bear on the trail. It is easy to surprise a bear that is focussed on feeding so make noise while hiking in bear territory. Be alert, make noise, carry bear spray and if you see a bear, back away slowly and leave the area.
• CLOSURE – Jasper National Park: 6-Passes Alternate Route is closed to all overnight random camping but is open to random day use activity.
• CLOSURE – Forks campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed all summer due to construction.
• CLOSURE – Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice due to construction.
• DAMAGED BRIDGE – Chown Creek bridge (g2) was damaged by extreme flooding last year and only a portion of the bridge remains. If the creek is impassable, NOBO hikers can bushwhack in the forest on the south bank of Chown Creek and reconnect to the GDT about 3 km upstream. SOBO hikers should not ford Chown Creek.
• FIRES: Conditions have improved but smoke from wildfires continues to impact many sections of the GDT. If you must have a campfire in the backcountry, ensure you follow the rules. 

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 road construction 4 km east of Golden – No daytime stoppages until September 26, 2022. Prepare for delays and weekday nighttime closures (10pm-7am). Extended 24 hour closure will be in effect beginning September 27. If necessary, detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95
• BC Parks lists Walker Creek FSR as closed at km 37 due to unsafe road conditions, but the road remains accessible beyond that point for those with high clearance 4WD vehicles willing to drive the very rough and overgrown road all the way to from the Bastille Creek trailhead.
• 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