The Gypsum Ridge winter hike in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park exceeded all expectations. It’s got a bit of everything – a steep, heart-pumping climb, forested sections with occasional views, and a final ridge walk to a marvelous viewpoint over Kananaskis Lakes. It’s a quiet, unofficial trail with no signage or formal trailhead, making it the perfect half-day winter hike – less than an hour from Canmore – for experienced winter hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers.
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Gypsum Ridge is less than an hour’s drive from Canmore via the Smith Dorrien Trail – and just over 10 km from the Highway 40 South turnoff. It’s an excellent choice for a winter hike or snowshoe as there is minimal avalanche danger.
The Gypsum Ridge trailhead is located 56 km southeast of the Canmore Nordic Centre via Highway 742, also called the Smith Dorrien Trail – Spray Lakes Road. It is about 150 m southeast of the Blackshale Suspension Bridge trailhead, marked on Google Maps – on the south or opposite side of the road. I found the route on Organic Maps – and drove the Smith Dorrien Trail until we saw cars right around where we figured the hike would start.
The Smith Dorrien Trail can get ugly on a winter drive. The area gets a lot of snow so it’s important you’re prepared for winter driving conditions. Pack a shovel. AWD is handy if there is a snowstorm.
You’ll have an easier time of it – especially on the steep section that climbs 200 metres over just 0.6 km – if you’re wearing microspikes rather than snowshoes. It’s similar to the footing you’ll encounter on the Green Monster – another popular Kananaskis winter hike – where traction devices are easier than snowshoes.
Snowshoes are a good idea after a heavy snowfall, before the trail has been packed down. The rest of the time stick to micropsikes, but also wear leg gaiters in case you step off trail and sink into deep snow. You don’t want wet feet.
Gypsum Ridge travels mostly through low-angle, forested terrain, which normally keeps avalanche risk low when you stay on the main route. Even so, winter conditions can change quickly. It’s important to check the Avalanche Canada forecast and weather before heading out and adjust your plans if conditions deteriorate.
Gypsum Ridge is a great winter hike for dogs that are in shape. Your dog will get an amazing workout and will likely sleep all the way home. Dogs are supposed to be leashed over the length of the hike, in part to keep wildlife safe.
Don’t take your dog on a bitingly cold day with a wind or it may end up with frostbite. The rest of the time should be fine. The far end of Gypsum Ridge isn’t large – so beware of other hikers if you’re walking with a large dog. Not everyone will feel comfortable on the ridge letting you pass.
Pack the following for your dog:
The Gypsum Ridge hike is doable year-round with one caveat. There is a stream you must cross within about 10 minutes of starting the hike. If you go to early in winter before a snow bridge has formed, you might have difficulty. And perhaps the creek is high during spring run-off, so be careful.
You may be the one breaking trail after a fresh snowfall – and that’s a lot of work. If you want a workout, go for it. Otherwise, give it a few days for the snow to get packed down by others. Also, if it snows a lot you’ll need snowshoes rather than microspikes to navigate the trail.
Compared to the Chester Lake winter hike or snowshoe, Gypsum Ridge will never see many people. It’s not signed. You need to know the trail’s location to even get started. Going mid-week or on weekends isn’t going to matter a lot regarding crowds. You’ll see people, but not a lot of them.
The Gypsum Ridge hike in winter exceeded all expectations. I loved it for the workout – especially on the super steep section, and the expansive views at the very end of the ridge overlooking Kananaskis Lakes. It’s a solid winter hike if you’re looking for a half-day outing not far from Canmore. Choose one of the longer Banff winter hikes if you want to spend more time outdoors.
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