June 24, 2022
Spring is transition time on the GDT. Above average snowpack and a cooler than average spring have resulted in lingering winter conditions on much of the GDT at elevations above 2000 metres. Valley bottom trails at lower elevations vary from bare and muddy to slushy and icy, while trails at higher elevation remain mostly snowbound. With warmer weather, trail conditions can change quickly from icy in the morning to slushy and slippery in the afternoon so plan for varying conditions.
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 – Kananaskis Country: Significant lingering snowpack at higher elevations throughout Kananaskis Country is impacting public safety and the functionality of several backcountry campgrounds including Turbine Canyon in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, closed until July 5.
- 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.
- 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.
- OPEN – The new High Rock Trail is open while trail crews continue working on it this June and July, so be mindful and say hello!
- SNOW MELT: New snow has fallen in June and snowpack melt is up to four weeks behind normal spring melt levels meaning the GDT will likely not be snow-free until mid 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.
- HIGH WATER ADVISORY in Waterton Lakes National Park due to rising water levels caused by recent rainfall and melting of a higher than average snowpack. Contact the Waterton Visitor Centre for the latest conditions before setting out.
- 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: It’s tick season. Long pants tucked into your socks are recommended. 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.
- Seasonal Road Closure on Highway-6 in both directions from Township Road 21B to Alberta-Montana border.
- 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
- Highway 40 from junction Highway 742 to junction Highway 541 (Highwood House) is closed until June 14, 2022.
- 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
