Find out the latest on the conditions out on the trail.
Trail conditions and closures are monitored by the GDTA but much of this information is crowd-sourced and depends on trail user contributions. Please report trail conditions via email.
June 1, 2026
Spring is transition time on the GDT. Valley bottom trails at lower elevations are mainly bare and muddy, while most 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 melt is proceeding rapidly but snow levels in the southern and central Rockies are generally above average for this time of year, so high elevation trails likely won’t be snow-free until early July. 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).
- CREEKS: Recent rainfall and rapid snow melt have resulted in very high water levels, some damaged or washed out bridges, and potentially dangerous creek crossings. Attempt to ford larger creeks early in the day when water levels are lowest.
- CLOSURE – The Blaeberry River bridge near Cairnes Creek Rec Site was damaged over the winter and is partially within the river, unsafe for use. The Collie Creek Alternate Route is not recommended until the Blaeberry crossing is restored. A GDTA Trail Crew will be in there later this month, attempting to restore access.
- CAUTION – Cairnes Creek bridge was damaged over the winter and lies broken and partially within the creek. It might still be crossable with caution, however hikers should be prepared to ford the creek, ideally early in the morning when the water level is the lowest.
- CLOSURE – Kootenay National Park: Numa Creek Access Trail from Numa Creek campground to Numa Falls bridge is closed due to bridge washout and debris on trail.
- 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
- Highway 40 is seasonally closed from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House until June 15, 2026.
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is 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.
- The Yoho Valley Road seasonal closure is in effect until mid-June.
- BC Parks lists Walker Creek FSR in good condition up to km 50. The road has had some maintenance in the past few years and should remain accessible for those with high clearance 4WD vehicles willing to drive the very rough and overgrown road all the way to 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 – 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