Trail Conditions Update – July 30, 2021
Wildflowers are blooming! While pandemic recovery continues and the world slowly reopens, staying active in the outdoors is an excellent way to keep your body and mind healthy. 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.
TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:
- COVID-19: At this time, the GDTA supports single-day hikes or horseback rides on the GDT and longer (weekend or multi-day) trips where trails and trailheads are open. Some facilities and services along the GDT may be closed or limited due to the pandemic. Hikers with plans on the GDT this summer 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.
- The new High Rock Trail is open while volunteer trail crews continue working on it this month, so be mindful and say hello!
- Turbine Canyon campground in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed all summer for construction.
- Cairnes Creek (d9): A new temporary bridge has been installed 150 metres upstream of the old bridge. The access route is flagged on both sides of the creek.
- Trail 7 near Jasper is closed to hikers due to grizzly and black bears frequenting the area so the GDT has been permanently re-routed here. At Soggy Dog Lake (e33), the new route follows Trail 4g to Edith Lake where it connects with Trail 18. Follow Trail 18 to Trefoil Lakes where you briefly follow Trail 4b past Mildred Lake to reconnect with Trail 7 next to the Athabasca River, which leads to Old Fort Point trailhead (e34).
- Mount Robson Provincial Park: Portions of the Berg Lake Trail and the Moose River Trail are closed until at least August 5 due to damage from extreme flooding. No detour is available. Upcoming trail passes and campground reservations will be cancelled and any fees will be fully refunded (no action is required by visitors). Additional details will be posted here as they become available.
- Chown Creek bridge (g2) has been damaged by extreme flooding and only a portion of the bridge remains. If the bridge 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.
- Kakwa Lake cabin is closed for maintenance July 14-20.
- FIRES: While wildfires aren’t burning close to the GDT, smoke from wildfires burning in BC is present on much of the trail, causing poor air quality and limited visibility. Fire danger is high or extreme throughout the Rockies and fire restrictions or advisories are in effect along all of the GDT. Campfires are banned on all sections of the GDT in BC and most of Alberta including Waterton, Banff and Jasper national parks. If you must have a campfire in the backcountry, ensure you follow the rules.
- SNOW MELT: Trails are mostly snow-free with some wet and muddy sections. Warm temperatures have resulted in rapid snow melt, slightly ahead of average for this time of year in most of the Rockies. 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: Warm temperatures and rapid snow melt have resulted 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.
- BEARS: Bears are out and about. Be bear aware on the trails this summer: be alert, make noise and carry bear spray.
- WARNING: A food-conditioned bear has been frequenting Akamina Creek campground. Park officials have been made aware and are investigating.
ACCESS:
- Highway 6 is closed at the Belly River crossing 17 km past the turnoff to Waterton Lakes National Park, to the Alberta-Montana border due to the closed International Border.
- Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for all vehicles visiting Kananaskis Country and provincial sites in the Bow Valley Corridor starting June 1, 2021. The pass is not required for people arriving without a vehicle on foot, horseback or bicycle.
- Sunshine Road is open but Sunshine Village will be closed for the entire 2021 season, including the shuttle and gondola.
- Highway 1 road construction 4 km east of Golden, resulting in weekday nighttime closures (10pm-7am) and single lane traffic until August 27, 2021. If necessary, detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95.
- 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
