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SW Alberta’s Whaleback encompasses the most extensive, least disturbed and relatively unfragmented Montane landscape in Alberta’s Rocky Mountain natural region. The ‘Whaleback’ is the colloquial name for the 285 km2 region within the Bob Creek Wildland Provincial Park and Black Creek Heritage Rangeland; so named for the resemblance of its prominent ridges to the spine of a beached humpback whale. This region is situated approximately 140 km south of Calgary, just north of the Oldman River, and west of the Porcupine Hills The Whaleback is considered one of the best representations of montane landscape, flora and fauna in Canada, with very high habitat diversity. Montane compromises less than 2% of the province’s land area and occurs only where warm Chinook winds blow away the snow cover for much of the winter. Its Chinook-cleared hills make it home to one of the most important elk wintering ranges in the Alberta.

Note: If you are messaging and sharing your phone no, please check the box for hike participants.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
Length: 10 km
Elevation Gain: 500m
Difficulty: T3
See https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1EwslsRqLvFp-6anYK_pw_YNLrr94qklcbyZXsv87qs0/mobilebasic
for the trail rating system

Meeting point the west gravel road just before the Old Man River Bridge

RSVP RULES: Late cancellations without a valid reason, will result in a 'no show' at the organizer's discretion. Note that 'no shows' can hinder your attendance on hikes with other organizers.

PACE: Steady. We stop to layer and delayer, take photos and enjoy the day.

RESTRICTED:: No children

REQUIRED GEAR & SUPPLIES:
· backpack
· hiking boots
. headlamp
· personal first aid kit
· snacks/lunch
. water (2l), camelbacks have now been freezing
· appropriate clothing
. spikes and snowshoes
· good attitude
. sense of humour
SUGGESTED GEAR:
. sunscreen
. poles
. change of shoes
. sense of adventure

CARPOOLING: Carpooling will not be arranged for this hike, please use the comment section to request a ride. Please be considerate of your driver’s car and bring a change of shoes and plastic bag for dirty footwear. Suggested gas fee contribution is $25.00.

CONFIDENTIAL ELECTRONIC WAIVER: You must provide an emergency name and phone number at the trailhead. By providing this information, you agree to the club waiver. Following is the Slow and Steady Waiver: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ExpOe-9cZweQV8mObp6t0VTb8YjjMpzzXlLNP0nnnD8/edit.

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://docs.google.com/document/d/1k2Zyj4O6tHRGSIMQQ3bH2PbH_u9v65bQN-DOA9SzZCc/edit

DISCLAIMER: You are fully aware that your host is a volunteer and not a trained guide. Participants are responsible for assessing road, weather, trail and your own physical condition.

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