Trail Conditions Update – November 30, 2021
Winter conditions are here. Snow is falling on the GDT and accumulating at high elevations so expect wet, icy and slippery trail conditions. Boots, hiking poles, snow cleats or snowshoes are recommended. Temperatures are below freezing, so be prepared for winter conditions and short days when travelling into the backcountry this winter.
Remember that the GDT is not designed for snow travel and is not maintained in the winter. When the trail is covered in snow, finding it may be impossible so excellent navigation skills are required. Hiking or skiing on the GDT when it’s snow covered means exposing yourself to potential avalanche risk. In many places, it’s unwise to travel the trail during these conditions. While planning your hike, research snow conditions and check out the Canadian Avalanche Centre for the latest avalanche bulletins.
TRAIL CLOSURES AND NOTICES:
- CLOSURE – Mount Robson Provincial Park: The Kinney Lake Road, parking lot and Berg Lake Trail remain closed and reservations for the Berg Lake Trail in 2022 have been postponed until further notice. Stay tuned for updates regarding access in 2022.
- SEASONAL CLOSURE – Jasper National Park: The GDT is closed from Four Point Campground (e15) to Trapper Creek (e24) and from Moose Pass (f15) to Bess Pass (g3) from November 1, 2021 to May 15, 2022, to prevent winter trails from facilitating an unnatural level of predator access to threatened woodland caribou.
- 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. 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 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.
- Turbine Canyon and Forks backcountry campgrounds in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park are closed due to construction.
- Egypt Lake and Bryant Creek shelters are closed until further notice.
- A new bridge was installed over Cairnes Creek on September 12, 2021.
- Chown Creek bridge (g2) has been damaged by extreme flooding and only a portion of the bridge remains.
ACCESS:
- Winter conditions exist on many mountain highways and roads. Roads can be snowy and icy so check for the latest conditions before you travel and carry chains and/or winter tires. For more information, check out Alberta 511 and Drive BC.
- Highway 40 is seasonally closed from Peter Lougheed Provincial Park to Highwood House beginning December 1.
- Forestry Trunk Road 940 is seasonally closed south of Cataract Creek and northwest of Plateau Mountain Road beginning December 1.
- Sunshine Village has re-opened, including the road and gondola.
- Highway 1 road construction 4 km east of Golden: December 1-23, single lane alternating traffic in effect 9am to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm daily. Expect delays up to 30 min. Hwy will be closed from 10pm to 7am nightly. Detour via Highway 93S and Highway 95.
- Repairs to the Walker Creek FSR will continue next spring. When the road is open, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is strong recommended.
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
