Calgary Wilderness Hiking Meetup Group

4.9•864 ratings

Calgary, AB, CA

2,965 members · Public group

What we’re about

What's the purpose of the Group?
To get outdoors for physical and mental health.
Who should join?
Anyone who enjoys hiking with dogs and people. The only reasons you would not be able to hike with this group would be.
1. The hike is above your level of experience and or capacity
2. You are uncomfortable with "unvaccinated" humans
3. DISCLAIMER STATEMENT (CWHMG)
"By joining the Calgary Wilderness Hiking Meetup Group (CWHMG) or participating in any hikes organized by the group, you acknowledge that hiking is a very dangerous activity and that you are participating at your own risk. The Calgary Wilderness Hiking Meetup Group and its organizers assume no responsibility for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur during the hike.
We strongly encourage all participants to research each hike regarding their own capabilities, for EXAMPLE, “All Trails” or youtube hike reviews”.
You are responsible for ensuring that you are physically fit to participate in the hike and for bringing appropriate gear and supplies. You are also responsible for following all safety guidelines and instructions provided by the Awesome Hike Organizers.
By joining the group or participating in the hike, you agree to release the Calgary Wilderness Hiking Meetup Group and its organizers from any liability for injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur during the hike. You also agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Calgary Wilderness Hiking Meetup Group and its organizers from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your participation in the hike.
If you have any questions or concerns about these terms, please contact us before joining the group or participating in any hikes organized by the Calgary Wilderness Hiking Meetup Group."

Upcoming events

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Sat, Oct 18 · 8:00 AM MDT
Snow Peak Via Burstall Pass
Location not specified yet
Join the Calgary Wilderness Hiking Meetup Group for a thrilling Saturday backcountry hike with your furry companion. This guided wilderness hike will take you through breathtaking landscapes, including the majestic North Crowfoot Mountain with some light scrambling involved. We will also conquer The Hill of the Flowers, including a short/shallow river crossing and a long walk so be sure to pack your bear spray. This adventure is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to combine the joy of hiking with the companionship of their loyal four-legged friends.
Weather Conditions:-5 / 6 celsius, wind 10 kph, gusting 15 kph
Mandatory Equip.: Sturdy hiking boots, First-aid, Bear Spray, Microspikes, Gators, Poles 3 litres H2O
Optional Equip.: Wind breaker, Hat, Sun Glasses, gloves/mitts

TURN ON ALLTRAILS DIRECTIONS PRIOR TO LEAVING HIWAY 1
ALWAYS USE ALLTRAILS DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD PARKING
18 CM of SNOW ON TRAIL
12 attendees
Sat, Oct 18 · 8:30 AM MDT
Helena Peak (Light Scrambling) (Microspikes Mandatory)
Rockbound Lake Trailhead/Parking Lot, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 0B6, Lake Louise, AB, CA
Trail Name: Helena Peak (Click the link for the AllTrails Route.)
Difficulty: Very-Hard
Trailhead meet-up time: Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 8:30am
Location: Rockbound Lake Trailhead/Parking Lot (Click the link for the parking lot location.)

NOTE: **Attendance** - A waitlist has been created. I will admit attendees at my own discretion. Your answer to the hike question will be considered. I am aiming for up to 10 people, including myself.

NOTE: *Microspikes Mandatory* - Expecting slippery snow/ice all along the trail, especially on the upper mountain.

NOTE: Hike Day - All hike dates are subject to change depending on the weather.

NOTE: Difficulty - This is a Very-Hard hike. Low technicality - some light scrambling above the Rockbound Lake headwall. We are covering a long distance and a significant amount of elevation is gained. Most of the elevation gain is gradual but the final ascent up to Helena Peak will be on steep scree with snow on top.

Clear weather with low winds in the forecast for the coming weekend. Perfect conditions for a longer objective. Helena Peak offers great views towards Castle Mountain and the valley behind Helena Ridge!

Trail Details
Distance: Approx. 23 km (Out-and-Back)
Elevation gain: Approx. 1600 meters
Time: Approx. 9 hours (including breaks)

Trail Description:
From the parking lot, we start a gradual ascent through the forest trail up and around Castle Mountain. About 7.5km of this gradual ascent will bring us to Tower Lake. From Tower Lake, we will have a steeper switchback ascent over the next 0.5km up to Rockbound Lake. Over the next 1km, we will walk around Rockbound Lake and ascend up to the Rockbound Lake viewpoint.

The steepest elevation gain will happen in the last 2.5km of the hike. From the viewpoint, we will traverse climber's left to get over the headwall into the upper plateau - there will be some light scrambling in this section. From the upper plateau, we will ascend 200 metres in the obvious steep gully on climber's right heading up to the Col between Helena Peak and the East Outlier. From the Col, we will ascend another 250 metres up steep scree to the summit.

We will enjoy the summit views and retrace our steps to the parking lot. We will take as many breaks as needed along the way.

MANDATORY GEAR
- microspikes - essential for safely ascending and descending steep slopes with snow and ice
RECOMMENDED GEAR & SUPPLIES
- appropriate clothing - Late Fall - Light or Medium wool clothing is recommended with a windbreaker/medium jacket. Cotton clothes are not good. Jeans are not good.
- gaiters - to keep snow out of your shoes/boots
- hiking poles - useful for the steep ascent and descent sections
- gloves/toque/balaclava - cooler temperatures, especially in the morning
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- hat/cap
- personal first aid kit
- snacks/lunch
- water/warm drink (recommend 2 litres of water)

Ride Sharing:
Suggested Ridge Sharing Spot: Petro-Can at the corner of Highway 1 and Highway 22.

Suggested Ride Sharing Fee: $20

This hike will be a major workout but with beautiful views as the payoff!
11 attendees