Beginners hike Foran Grade / Windy Point / Death Valley Trails

Let’s head south and explore this Trail in Sheep River area. I did this trail sometimes in 2010 , so pardon me, if I get lost ! We will start with a 1 km walk up the highway past the winter gates to begin our hike on Foran Grade Trail. We will connect with Windy Point Trail and return to the cars along Death Valley Trail. Please be prepared for potential route finding, bushwhacking and post-holing depending on conditions.

Please bring snowshoes with you. We shall decide as a group if there is sufficient snow that warrants a snow shoeing trip.

*Microspikes and gaiters are mandatory.

Please read the following trip posting very carefully to ensure this hike is right for you. A waitlist has been created to determine this trip’s suitability for you as a potential participant. Please answer any RSVP questions and if the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it or you will remain on the waitlist. As a potential participant you must check this trip posting for additional directions, including up to last minute cancellation. Participation is not first come first served and is at the discretion of the organizer.
If group dynamics permit we stop for an ice cream in Turner Valley or a drink !

Distance: 14 - 17+ km depending on route

Cumulative Elevation Gain: ~500 m

Time: Approx. 4.5 - 6.5 hours plus driving time. The hike duration is only an estimate and cannot be guaranteed.

Physical Difficulty: T3
https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/5267322/Trail_Rating_System/

Event pace: Slow/Moderate. We will hike at a steady, moderate pace. It is expected that everyone stays together in a group for safety. Please do not sign up for this hike if you are not interested in hiking with the group.

Group size: 10-15. No children. Friendly, on-leash dogs are welcome.

Trip description:
https://trailpeak.com/trails/death-valley-windy-point-foran-grade-loop-near-turner-valley-ab-12102

Required Gear: Hiking boots, microspikes, gaiters, backpack with lunch, snacks and water, appropriate layers for the temperature, personal first aid kit/medications, bear spray.

Suggested Gear: Hiking poles, lightweight pad to sit on, sunglasses, sunscreen, bathroom kit.

Meetup Location: We will park at the winter gates on highway 546, west of Turner Valley, right at the turnoff into the Sandy McNabb campground.

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/CODE_OF_CONDUCT

Waiver: Participating in this event implies you have read & understood the club waiver .
https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/

Personal safety: You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number. In case you have to be administered any medication, please let the organizer know. You may please carry in person a piece of paper with your medication, allergies and blood group.

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your organizers 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 this trip. You must ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you’re physically fit to do this hike with the group.

Carpooling: I shall travel from Cochrane, so will leave the carpooling to individual participants