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
