A trail for all who want to enjoy a lovely view of the Elbow Valley without having to travel far or exert too much energy.
Difficulty: light
Round trip: 6.7 km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Elevation Gain: 213 m
FitBit: approx 7,400 steps and 70 flights of stairs
Location: Elbow Valley
TRAIL HEAD
Marked: Yes
Facilities: Yes
How to get there: From Calgary SE you can take Hwy 22X west until it turns into Hwy 66 or from Bragg Creek take Hwy 22 south. From either route get onto Hwy 66 driving west and at approximately 9.7 km (after the hwy 22 and 66 junction) you will arrive at to the Allen Bill Pond picnic area. You may park in the official lot to your left or also in the area on the right. The trail head is off the lot on the north side of the highway opposite the Allen Bill Pond parking lot.
Click map for directions from Calgary
HIKE DETAILS
Start your hike from the lot on the north side of the highway. To the right of where people park you will see a trail head sign letting you know you're on the right path. Your route from there is self explanatory as there are signs guiding you along the way. Enjoy a wide trail through the trees, entering into a gated pasture (be sure to close the gate), and make your way at a gentle incline towards the lookout.
You do have a choice of which direction to hike the loop when you come to a fork with a bridge to the right and stairs to the left. Traveling right will take you through more trees at a gradual elevation gain whereas the stairs to the left will take you much sooner to your ultimate valley view destination, but note the climb is steeper over a shorter distance (although not impossible). Ultimately, you are on a loop so you can't lose so long as you follow the trail all the way around. It's short and it's pretty, so enjoy!
EXTRA TIPS
-The hike is a short one so you will have lots of daylight to enjoy more than just this loop. Drive just a little further west on hwy 66 to Elbow Falls to enjoy the scenery there as well.
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| Click map for directions from Calgary |
You do have a choice of which direction to hike the loop when you come to a fork with a bridge to the right and stairs to the left. Traveling right will take you through more trees at a gradual elevation gain whereas the stairs to the left will take you much sooner to your ultimate valley view destination, but note the climb is steeper over a shorter distance (although not impossible). Ultimately, you are on a loop so you can't lose so long as you follow the trail all the way around. It's short and it's pretty, so enjoy!
EXTRA TIPS
Happy Hiking!
