September 30th 2024
Distance: 11km Elevation 300m
This is a trail is located on the road to the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, it is remote and secluded. Possibly only busy on weekends. It boasts easy walking trails to a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, yellow leaves and scenes of mountain peaks. This hike is horse, dog and child friendly.
the Trailhead
There are two ways I like to get to Ya Ha Tinda:
- From Calgary take highway 1A through Cochrane. Turn right on highway 40. Drive for 1:20. The road turns to gravel slightly after the the road turns right from Richards Road. The road also does not have cell services. after the Panther River Bridge, turn left. Drive for 20 minutes. The Eagle Lake parking lot is on your right.
- From Calgary go to the 22 north to Sundre ( there are multiple ways to the 22 depending where you live in Calgary). Turn left at Highway 27, through Sundre. Turn left on “Coal Camp Road” or RR63. Turn left on RR64. It will become RR64A. Then TWP 314A. Keep following until you hit Highway 40. Turn left. Then Turn right just before the Panther River Bridge. Your parking lot is the Eagle Lake parking lot on the right.
There is little to no service on both routes be prepared. Both routes can be soft and muddy in the spring or very icy in the winter. The trailhead has toilets, hitches for horses and small garbage’s in the toilets. You can make a donation to the Friends of the Eastern Slopes as they do all the upkeep.
The Hike
The path is wide and muddy from OHV and horse use. This means there is also horse droppings so be careful. However the hike is gentle and lovely. You reach the first lake within an hour. You can crown backcountry camp around the lake. I would recommend the north side so you get sun. There is even an open air toilet. The lake is long and the flat path takes you along the edge before going back into the trees, The neighboring mountains surround you. You soon reach James Lake, which has more marsh then Eagle Lake and is not as blue and not as scenic.
Side Notes
- There is apparently a waterfall, we saw some pink tape on the north side of the trail between Eagle Lake and James Lake which may be the path.
- We did not see any camp spots at James Lake but I am sure you can camp.
- Horses have the right away on horse trails. Be mindful.
MadMountainMegan 
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