Great Moraine Loop Backpack Training Hike - Sat, Jun 8 2024



Great Moraine Loop Backpack Training Hike (6/8/2024)
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED:Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).
The Basics: | |||||||
Event Type: | ![]() | Hike | ![]() | ||||
Event Location: | ![]() | Bow Valley Trail Parking lot (Yamnuska Natural Area - BVW PP) | ![]() | ||||
Date(s) & Time: | ![]() | Sat, Jun 8 2024 9:10 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:30 AM *log in for location*) | ![]() | ||||
Registration Cut Off: | ![]() | Fri, Jun 7 2024 2:00:00 PM | ![]() | ||||
Event Duration: | ![]() | 4.5 hr plus driving time | ![]() | ||||
Difficulty Rating: | ![]() | D3: Moderate | ![]() | ||||
Event Coordinator(s): | ![]() |
Shelley R
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information. | ![]() | ||||
Member Cost: | ![]() | None | |||||
Participant Info: | |||||||
Who's Invited: | ![]() | Members Only, 18 And Older Only | ![]() | ||||
Maximum Group Size: | ![]() | 15 | |||||
Maximum No. Guests: | ![]() | 0 | |||||
Minimum Group Size: | ![]() | 3 | |||||
Maximum No. Guests Per Member: | ![]() | 0 | |||||
Number Registered So Far: | ![]() | 6 (Log in to see who's signed up.) | |||||
Are Dogs Permitted: | ![]() | No | |||||
Itinerary: | |||||||
Distance: 12km round trip Elevation Gain: 110m Do you want to get some milage in with your big pack for your upcoming backpacking trips OR are you looking to build some hiking fitness by doing some milage with little elevation at a slower pace? Come on out! This is a repeat of the hike done on May 25th but at a slightly slower pace (~3 - 4km/hr vs 4 - 5km /hr) We'll still aim for a steady pace, but we'll take it slower to be able to navigate the rocky footing and still enjoy the views. If you like to go fast and light, or stop and take a lot of photos, this one isn't going to be a good fit. Your coordinator is aiming to carry about 25 - 27lbs, but you can carry what you wish. Due to the rocky / uneven footing, your actual backpacking (or sturdy hiking) boots and hiking poles are recommended to save you from rolled ankles if you are bringing the big pack. For those opting for daypacks, hiking shoes with firm soles are still recommended to keep your feet happy. Located in the Yamnuska Natural Area, this is a popular (but still quiet by AB Parks standards) circuit. The trail loops around the Great Moraine on good trails and takes in Hidden Valley, Crescent Lake, as well as many other side trips & loops. (Kanaskistrails.com) We'll be combining this loop with the Aspen Jungle loop (commonly accessed by the main Yamnuska parking area) to make one large loop. This area has many small ponds with birds and fields that grow crocus, shooting stars and other common foothills flowers. It has a less than remarkable start (we walk along the fence to the landfill for about 200m) but that part is short and the rest is a shoulder season gem, with many water features, open spaces and not a lot of elevation. Photos of the May 25th hike are posted and if you want to read more about the Yamnuska Natural Area you can visit: Kananaskis Trails Starting at the Bow Valley Trail parking lot, the total distance is about 12km. We'll aim to keep a steady pace and head over to the dry hill overlooking the large Beaver Pond for lunch before continuing back and finishing the loop. If it's a sunny day, we'll try some of the unofficial trails in the open versus the treed route to reach Reed Lake. Note:The parking area is small and shared by hikers, campers and climbers accessing nearby pitches. Should it be full, we will be shifting the parking spot to an unofficial parking area off the side of Hwy 1A, or if that is also full, the Yamnuska Day use area. This will add a kilometer and 50m elevation to the day - thus the 'moderate' designation. | |||||||
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How to Get There: | |||||||
Event Directions: | ![]() | NOTE: As of June 1st 2021, you will need a
Kananaskis Conservation Pass to attend this
event.
Please see the Alberta Parks website for more
information:
Kananaskis
Conservation
Pass
Follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) west and take the Highway 114 exit (Hwy 1X) north 6.8km to Hwy 1A. Turn left (west) and watch for the unmarked parking area at 3.2 km on the left (south) side of the highway. If you pass the Francis-Cooke landfill on the right, you've gone too far. | ![]() | ||||
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip): | ![]() | 107Km | |||||
Carpool Departure Time: | ![]() | 8:30 AM | |||||
Carpool Location: | ![]() | Log in for location | |||||
Carpool Directions: | ![]() |
Log in for directions
** Calgary Transit Info | |||||
Carpool Cost: | ![]() | Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $34.24 (calculated at total Km * $0.32, effective Sunday, February 16, 2025). This is based on $0.16/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle. | |||||
Notes: | |||||||
- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning. - Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Wendy W and Lynda H., at content@calgaryoutdoorclub.com. | |||||||
Cost & Payment: | |||||||
Voluntary Donations: | ![]() | Although there is no cost for this event, please note that the club survives on voluntary donations. Please consider making a donation based on the value you feel you receive from the club. See our How You Can Help page for more information. | |||||
Cancellation/Partial Attendance: |