July 23, 2022
Wildflowers are blooming! Above average snowpack and a cooler than average spring have resulted in lingering snowpack at elevations above 2100 metres. Valley bottom trails at lower elevations vary from dry and bare to wet and muddy due to rapid snow melt in the warm weather. Many trails at higher elevation are still snowbound or wet with snow patches.
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
- CLOSURE UPDATE – 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 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.
- OPEN – The new High Rock Trail is open while trail crews continue working on it this summer, so be mindful and say hello!
- SNOW MELT: Snowpack melt is up to four weeks behind normal spring melt levels meaning the GDT will likely not be snow-free until late July with some high passes having lingering snow all summer. 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: 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.
- BEARS: Bears are out and about. Be bear aware on the trails this summer: be alert, make noise and carry bear spray.
- WARNING – Waterton Lakes National Park: Special caution is recommended while travelling on the Akamina Parkway and Cameron Lake Day Use Area due to a bear in the area. The bear has not been aggressive, but has approached people and attempted to obtain food.
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 from June 1 to September 15, 2022. Prepare for weekday nighttime closures (10pm-7am), delays and single lane traffic. If necessary, detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95
- Walker Creek FSR is closed at km 37 due to unsafe road conditions, so be prepared for a lengthy road walk from the Bastille Creek trailhead. Where the road is open, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is recommended.
- 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
