MadMountainMegan

May 31st 2024

Distance:10.9km Elevation: 652m

This hike is a 1:40 minute drive from Calgary. The last half is on a dirt road. It is a good shoulder season hike as its snow melts off first. I would not recommend for winter.

The Trailhead

Drive south to Longview. Turn west on Highway 40. Turn left on to Highway 940 at the gas station. The road is now gravel. Park on the Lost Creek logging road prior to the gate. The trailhead has no washrooms or garbage cans.

The hike

From the gate follow the road until a wide path veers right. The hike is slow and steady going up, with a wide path. Next you will cross a creek. After spending some time in the trees you come to a meadow area where the trail splits. This hike is a loop so you can go left or right. You can also just make it a out and back. We decided to turn right up the steep route. This route was very steep and had a small muddy path. We had to detour from the path at the top as there was residual snow. At the top the ridge plateaus, there is a info sign and a picnic table. We did not go near the fire lookout and I am unsure if you are able to. There is a lovely view of the mountain ranges surrounding the area, this day it was cold and windy so we left pretty quickly. On the hike down the path is good, and not too steep. There were some downed trees to navigate. You eventually cross back over the grassy meadow and meet back up with the original path.

Side Notes

• The snow in this area sometimes melts early, making it a good shoulder season hike.
• The last road to the trail head is gravel.
• Longview has excellent jerky and makes for a great pit stop.
• Generally if the fire lookout is staffed, they do not like visitors as they are working.

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