The Friendship Trail - Hike

Difficulty: Easy

Round trip: 6 km

Hiking Time: 1 - 2 hours

Elevation Gain: 37 m

FitBit: approx 9,000 steps and 12 flights of stairs

Location: Black Diamond/Turner Valley

TRAIL HEAD

Marked: Yes

Facilities: At each end in the towns.

How to get there: From Calgary drive to Black Diamond. If you are entering the town from the east continue driving west on Centre Ave (passing the large black diamond on your left), at the very edge of town cross over Sheep River and turn right just after. On your immediate left the trail is marked and you will see the path continuing beside the highway you just turned off from. If you are approaching town from the west you are likely arriving on the road the trail head is on - 402 Ave W, . Click on the map below for visual directions from Google for either approach.

Click for directions in Google Maps

Trail Map

HIKE DETAILS

Your trail is paved the entire way between Black Diamond and Turner Valley and is extremely self explanatory. Walk, run, or bike this path for 3km one way and then return the way you came. Walkable in any season enjoy sections with mountainous views, horse pastures, and rocky hillsides. There are picnic tables and benches along the route if you want to pack a snack, and for those with the family pooch along there are plenty of garbage bins, some even with complimentary waste bags.

This isn't a mountain summit or a hike in the mountains at all really, it's a paved pathway beside the highway between two towns in the foothills. But don't let that stop you from enjoying your time outside! Once you reach your destination at either Turner Valley or Black Diamond, make a day of it explore a little, there are lots of fun shops and restaurants to enjoy.

Happy Hiking!