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Slow and Steady Hikers

Calgary, AB, CA

15,389 members · Public group

Organized by Andy Dragt and 226 others

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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+)

Sun, Jun 15, 2025, 10:00 AM MDTBike Ride (Calgary to Chestermere)
Boston Pizza - Riverbend, Calgary, AB
We'll meet at the Riverbend Plaza in the SE (Glenmore and 18 Street SE) and bike from there along the Eastern Irrigation Canal to Chestermere. I'd like to have lunch at the Dockside Bar & Grill in Chestermere. It's about an 80 minute ride each way with less than 50m of elevation gain along the way. There isn't much shade on the trail so I recommend covering up and bringing sunscreen. I haven't done this ride in a few years and I'm posting this to see if there is any interest. If not, I'll set this up privately with a small group.

Distance: 23km each way
Elevation: < 50m

Please make sure your bike is in sound working order. A rescue operation will be a bit tricky (and time consuming) to sort out. Bring a tool, spare tire, other useful stuff in the event of a need to perform a repair. We're exposed to the sun much of the time so I also recommend covering up and bringing sunscreen. I recommend a few snacks and adequate water 3 or more liters.

The forecast for Sunday is mixed so I may cancel this on Fri maybe Sat.
2 attendees
Sun, Jun 15, 2025, 10:30 AM MDTRelaxed Backpacking Trip to Point Campground and Gary G's 70th birthday FULL
North Interlakes Day Use Area, Kananaskis, AB
I will be posting at least three backpacking trips this summer. This first one is a relaxed pace trip to Point Backcountry. We will hike as a group and take our time, we are not rushing to the campsite.

We will meet at the North Interlakes Day Use Area at 10am on Sunday, June 15th. We will backpack together to the Point campground and stay two nights. We may do a day hike on Monday, or just relax at the site. We'll have a mini 70th birthday party on Monday evening for Gary Groeneveld. We'll hike back out on Tuesday, after lunch. I am not a morning person, so we will not jump out of bed, pack up, and race to the cars on the final day of any of my backpacking trips. It takes all the fun out it for me. We may take the long route back around the lake, we'll decide as a group when we're there.

If people would like to celebrate Gary's birthday, but not attend the backpack, I may organize a group to do a day hike out to Point to join the celebration. Please send me a private message if you are interested in this or if you are an organizer, if you're willing to lead the day hike.

Please no side or partial trips or shadow bookings (not getting accepted on the trip, but booking the same nights at the campground).

Everyone must have their own gear, have backpacking experience, and agree to follow all Alberta Parks and Slow and Steady regulations, including leave no trace.

There is a waitlist for this event. To be accepted you must agree to follow the rules and have hiked with me at least twice before (so I know if you are a good fit with the group). Once you are accepted on the trip, you will need to book your own campsite and send me a screenshot of your permit.

Must have positive attitude and answer the questions. Passive Aggressive behaviour not tolerated. I know I am being strict on the rules, but unfortunately this is based on negative past experiences organizing these trips. The point is for everyone to have fun and enjoy nature, we don't need any unnecessary drama or stress. I hope you understand.

Point Backcountry Campground is in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, 50 km south of Hwy. 1 on Hwy 40 and south on Kananaskis Lakes Trail. The closest access is at North Interlakes Day Use. It is 3.4 km from the trailhead via Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit. 6Enjoy beautiful lake and mountain views at this scenic site. Tent sites are scattered amongst the forest at the lake's edge. There are pit/vault toilets and secure food storage lockers here.

This trail is 3.4 km one way with 25 m and is rated easy.
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WAIVER:
As per the new policy for waivers, the waiver form will be signed at the trailhead. You must sign it before you will be allowed to go on this event. You will also be asked for the name and phone number of an emergency contact. Please come prepared with this information.
https://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/
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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/

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility hike with the group.
8 attendees+3
Not open
Mon, Jun 16, 2025, 7:00 PM MDTSlow and Steady Store Open Now
Needs location
Support your club and wear our colors. I'm trying something new to promote the best hiking club in the country...maybe the world.
Hats, t-shirts, hoodies and much more on TeePublic.
Everything is on sale right now. Have a look.

http://tee.pub/lic/j2Cu4cK35po
2 attendees
Tue, Jun 17, 2025, 9:30 AM MDTPowderface Ridge (South approach; relaxed pace)
Needs location
This is one of the classic hikes in Kananaskis Country, leading to a wide, grassy ridge with beautiful views of Nihahi Ridge and other peaks such as Mount Glasgow, Cornwall and Banded Peak to the west. The hike starts with a fairly steep climb on a well-defined trail through forest. It then breaks out into a beautiful meadow before reaching a col with Rainy Ridge. From here, there are beautiful views of the Elbow River below. After the col, the trail weaves its way through the forest before opening up on the long grassy ridge with expansive views to the west. This trail is suitable for intermediate hikers.

Length: 14 km
Elevation Gain: 700 m
Difficulty: (T3) Intermediate hikers

TRAILHEAD: The trail starts at the end of Highway 66, at the junction with Powderface Trail (road). There is parking along the paved shoulder or nearby at Powderface road. Meet at the trailhead at 9:30 am. Look for a black Dodge Grand Caravan.
LENGTH AND TIME: This is a full day hike. Please do not sign up for the hike if you need to be back at a certain time.
TYPE OF TRAIL: out and back. Please note: There is an option of ascending Powderface Ridge from the south and then descending to the west to Powderface Road. This would involve a short vehicle shuttle of 7 km. If people want to do this, we can discuss it at the trailhead.
PACE: We will be going at a relaxed, “slow and steady” pace. Please do not sign up for this trip if you are a speedy hiker or want to run far ahead. We will stay together as a group, and make stops as needed for water, photos, and to layer or delayer.
PASS: A Kananaskis pass is required for this trip.
WAITLIST: A waitlist has been set for this trail, just to make sure that this is a suitable trail for you. There is a maximum ofnine hikers for this trip.
WEATHER: If there is a severe weather alert for smoke, this hike will be cancelled.
REFERENCES:
https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/bragg-creek-sheep-river/powderface-ridge-hike/
Powderface Ridge
SUGGESTED GEAR: backpack; layers of clothes including a wind or rain layer, hiking poles, personal first aid kit, bear spray; snacks and lunch
CARPOOLING: I won’t be arranging carpooling for this trip as I don’t live in Calgary but you can use the comments section to arrange rides. Suggested gas fee contribution is $15.00. as well as a contribution to the Kananaskis Pass if you don’t have one.
WAIVER AND CODES OF CONDUCT: You will be asked to sign a waiver before going on this trip, and to respect the Slow and Steady Codes of Conduct.
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.
9 attendees+4

Past events (12373)

Sat, Jun 14, 2025, 9:15 AM MDTWaterton National Park - Wall Lake and Cameron Lake - Meetup location change!!!
This event has passed
10 attendees+5

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