What we’re about
How many times have you seen hiking clubs where if you're not a super fast uber- hiker they don't want you going on any harder hikes or scrambles. They believe that if you are slower you should only stick to the easier stuff. Boring!! This is a club for those of us who still wish to do all styles of hiking from easy walks to scrambles. We just don't feel the need to make a "mad dash" for a summit or to finish a trail in record time. Hiking and being in the outdoors is meant to be an enjoyable activity for all of us. Slow and Steady is about hiking at a consistent, manageable pace -- which may vary from slow to moderate depending on the organizer -- and finishing the hike or scrambling to a summit together. If this is more your style and wish to meet like minded hikers please consider joining our club. We will be doing all kinds of summer and winter activities such as day hikes, scrambles, backpacking trips, XC skiing, snowshoe trips, downhill ski trips and any other outdoor related activity. Remember slow and steady wins the race. Lets all enjoy the great outdoors together. Just in a more relaxed pace.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Kent Ridge North Outlier Snowshoe (OT4)Esso, Kananaskis, AB
This snowshoe begins at Sawmill parking lot and climbs to an outlier summit near the Kent Ridge North Peak. There is a good chance that it will not be tracked so come prepared for deep snow, trail-breaking and bushwhacking. Following the hike, we’ll have our usual tailgate at the Pocaterra warming hut. (Photo Credit – Bob Spirko)
Snowshoes are mandatory.
🌲 Distance: 7 km
🌲 Elevation gain: 750 meters
🌲 Time: 6 hours + driving
🌲 Max Group Size: 10 (No children, No Pets, No guests)
🌲 Difficulty: - OT4 routes may have sustained steep hill climbs usually on grassy or wooded slopes. Streambed hikes may encounter long stretches of loose boulders to navigate. Bushwhacking, more difficult stream crossings, or some mild exposure to heights may be encountered. Boots with good ankle support and more aggressive tread are best for these trips. Hiking poles can be a definite asset for maintaining balance. Example: Kent Ridge🌲 Meeting Location: Esso/Tims at Stoney Nakoda Casino. From there we will convoy 60 min to the trailhead on the Smith-Dorrian
🌲 Descriptive Links:
http://bobspirko.ca/Snowshoe/KentOutlier/KentOutlier.html
Weather: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Murray/forecasts/2500
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/kent-ridge-north-outlier-5a29503🌲 There is a waitlist. If we have not hiked together before, please answer the question regarding your hiking experience. The waitlist for this event is not first come, first serve, but based on ability to fit into the group to make the hike enjoyable for everyone.
🌲 We move at a steady pace with short breaks for delayering, relayering, photos & bathroom breaks.
🌲 Required gear:
- hiking boots
- micro-spikes
- snowshoes
- water
- lunch / snacks
- hat / gloves
- technical clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
- rain coat & hood
- personal first aid kit, toilet kit🌲 Suggested gear:
- bear spray
- gaiters
- hand and foot warmers
- goggles
- light pad to sit on
- trekking poles
- sunscreen, hat, sunglasses🌲 If you wish to carpool, you are welcome to use to comment section to make arrangements.
🌲 If you have not already done so, please read the Slow and Steady Code of Conduct here: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/
🌲 WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. Organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the trailhead. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/
🌲 Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
- Canyon Creek Ice Cave - (OT4) **HELMET & MICROSPIKES MANDATORY**Canyon Creek Ice Cave Trail Parking Lot, Kananaskis, AB
I have not done this hike before and it has been on my list for a while. So let's go and explore this cave that I have heard so much about. I doubt if there will be ice inside, but it will be a good exploratory hike.
The first part of the road is fairly non-descriptive, however, the scenery gets better as you approach the creek. If you’re lucky, you will see wildlife along the way. Please bring a headlamp and a rock helmet as there is a short section which is a scramble.It is a requirement to read the following trip posting carefully and to make the proper and responsible preparations for it. Failure to do so will result in the participant not allowed on this trip. A waiting list has automatically been created to determine the suitability of this trip for you as a potential participant. Please provide all requested information, or you will remain on the waiting list. As a potential participant, you are responsible for checking the trip posting for additional directions from the organizer, including up to trip cancellation.
RSVP RULES: Late cancellations without a valid reason, will result in a "no show" at the organizer's discretion.
EVENT PACE: Steady on the flat sections, slower on the uphill sections. We will hike together as a group or within view, taking short breaks as required to delayer, re-layer, take pictures, and catch our breath.
We will spend some time exploring the ice cave before heading back to the parking lot. The pace for this hike will be at a steady pace, no racers.TIMELINE: The duration of this event is only approximate. Please do not rush the group back for an appointment. We are out there to enjoy the day and co-hikers.
RESTRICTIONS: No dogs, No guests, No bear bells
TRIP DESCRIPTION:
Distance: ~15 km
Elevation Gain: ~600 m
Pace: Relaxed
Time: 5 - 7 hrs. trail plus driving from Calgary
Physical Difficulty: (T4) - See https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/5267322/Trail_Rating_System/ for description of the trail rating system Slow and Steady uses.REFERENCES:
https://seeingtheelephant.net/blog/canyon-creek-ice-cave/
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/canyon-creek-ice-cave-trail
https://playoutsideguide.com/2022/01/canyon-creek-ice-cave-bragg-creek/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canyon_Creek_Ice_CaveTRAILHEAD:
The parking lot for the Canyon Creek Ice Cave is located on gravel Canyon Creek Road just off of Highway 66, 15 minutes from Bragg Creek. The turn-off is located right after the turn-off for Moose Mountain, but before reaching Elbow Falls.REQUIRED GEAR & SUPPLIES:
. microspikes ** Mandatory**
. headlamp ** MANDATORY
. helmet ** - **MANDATORY - NO HELMET, NO HIKE - NO EXCUSES
· backpack
· hiking boots
. toque
· bear spray
· personal first aid kit
. hand/toe warmers
· snacks
. water (2l)
· appropriate clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
. warm layers
. gloves/mittens
. sense of humorSUGGESTED GEAR:
· gaiters
· poles
· hot drink/foodCARPOOLING: Carpooling will not be arranged for this hike. However, if you wish to carpool, it is at your discretion. Please be considerate of your driver’s vehicle and bring a change of shoes and bag for dirty footwear. Suggested gas fee contribution is $20. Please consider offering your driver a small amount to help cover the cost of their park pass. Carpool etiquette: http://bit.ly/Carpool_Etiquette
CODE OF CONDUCT: By signing up for this hike, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct. https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/19453923/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/
CONFIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip, and provide an emergency name and phone number. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/. The waiver is located at ___________
DISCLAIMER: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road, weather, trail and avalanche conditions for the trip. You must ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
Not open - Edworthy Park Urban WalkAngel's Cafe, Calgary, AB
Join me for a refreshing and short walk. We will meet at Edworthy Park: NW Parking lot off Bowness Road - 4105 Montgomery View NW, Calgary.
We will meet by Angel’s Cappuccino & Ice Cream Hut. We have a few different routes we can take from Edworthy Park depending on conditions. During winter we will be staying on paved paths, but micro spikes/city spikes and headlamps are required.If the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it, otherwise, you will be placed on the waiting list. As a potential participant, you must check this trip posting for additional directions from the organizer, including up to trip cancellation.
Trip Description:
Distance: Total distance approximately about 6-8 km, about 1.5 - 2 hrs - depending on how everyone is feeling.
Elevation Gain: Minimal to Moderate
Event Pace: The pace for this hike will be moderate.Required Gear: 1-2 L of Water, hiking boots (or appropriate running/walking shoes), ice trekkers/city spikes, headlamp. Wear and bring appropriate layers for the temperatures and weather.
If you have not already done so, please read the Slow and Steady Code of Conduct here: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-
Hikers/pages/CODE_OF_CONDUCT/
WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip, and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. Organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the trailhead. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear, and