CANCELLED
Under Development, check back for updates, last update: May 14, 2008
Due to current health and other personal issues, this ride will not go forward as planned.   Feel free to try some of the trails.  Some trails are dedicated riding or multi-use trails, some are logging or remote resource roads, some connecting trails are unproven.   Some trails have been lost due to industrialization or reclassification of the area, some have been turned into hiking only or privatized ... but most are still available.

I will continue to evaluate the possibility of doing this ride and repost if it becomes possible.

Wayne Delbeke, May 14, 2008

The GREAT DIVIDE RIDE 

July/August 2010 (Tentative see "When" below)
The 'Actual Date' will depend on People, the Mexi-Can ride and Other issues  For tentative dates and ride distances, see Schedule

   The "Sentinel" at the entrance to the Crowsnest pass through the Great Divide. Click to view.    Ride Map--> 
 
  Google Earth Map of possible route:  Canadian Great Divide Ride
 
   If you need a free Google Earth Viewer , go to:  http://www.earth.google.com

Why:

Once upon a time there were the Pony Express rides of 2001 and 2004 put on by the Duck and supported by the Nicholson Family - Dave, Annie, Calina, grown sons and their friends.  See http://www.XPRides.com.

At the end of the 2004 XP ride after crossing 1250 miles from Nevada to the Rush Creek Ranch in Nebraska, a lot of the riders would have liked to have kept on riding.  It was a great time.  But it was evident that the historical Pony Express Trail was going to be much more difficult to ever do again due to roads, fences, lack of access to the trail, bureaucracy and other reasons.  Minds began to think of a new adventure. For a while during the Pony Express Ride, we camped out on the Great Divide in Wyoming and rode the Great Divide Trail.  People began to think about a north south ride in the western wilderness - the Pacific Crest Trail, the Great Divide, perhaps a historical trail like the Chisholm Trail.

The Duck puts on great rides but he said he needed some recovery time, maybe in 4 years.  It is now possible that there will be an XP Duck ride in 2008.  However it will likely start at the Mexican border and have to be done in at least three sections as the total length of trail from Mexico to Canada is about 3000 miles.

In the meantime, we riders in the Great White North have never had a long distance Pioneer Ride.  So, after all the discussion at Rush Creek, I came home and bought some maps and some software in order to look at the possibility of a ride along the Cowboy Trail or west in the foothills and Rockies along the forestry roads, park trails, and the Great Divide Trails that are supported by the outfitters, sport horsemen, and recreational activities that have preserved the Canadian trails in the wilderness.  Based on the mapping and trails that I know about, the biggest problem on this route is not trails but access for crews.  There are many back country trails that are available by horseback but not to vehicles every 25 miles or so.  But after a few weeks of planning,  routes, and alternate routes with vet checks and crew access has been identified from the Willmore Wilderness south of Grande Cache to the US Border at the head waters of the Flathead River east of Cranbrook.  The length of trail selected is around 1500 miles.

As of June 2005, we have looked at over 2500 miles of trails, ridden or driven over 1000 miles of them to check on campsites and lunch stops.  We are presently debating whether to do a single 1500 mile ride or two 750 mile rides and what year.  August still appears to be the best month because of forest access issues, least conflict with other rides, weather in the Rockies, least flood and wild animal conflicts.
 
 

When (After the Mexi-Can?):

It now appears the Duck and/or friends of the Duck will be organizing the Mexi-Can ride for 200_???????????.  As people need to plan and commit for a long multi-day months if not years ahead, it would be prudent to make the Canadian Great Divide Ride (GDR) two years after  the Mexi-Can.  This gives the long riders a year off between major commitments of time, money, and horse flesh.  If the Mexi-Can is slated for 2008, then the GDR will be in July/August 2010.  We were considering one 1500 mile, 6 week long ride or breaking it into two 750 mile 3 week rides.  However, in reviewing trails, we are now up to about 1850 to 1900 miles over 37 riding days.  We are considering doing some 5 day trial sections of the ride so that some of the proposed trails will have been tested out, ridden and revised as necessary before the long ride commitment.  This will depend on many factors including commitment of veterinarians, riders, volunteers, trail availability, approvals and so on.
 
 

Where:

The map at the top of this page gives a general indication of the ride route but is not specific at this time.  A tentative route :   Canadian Great Divide Ride

This ride is almost entirely in remote areas managed by Alberta Sustainable Development and very little near private land.  Individual week by week, day by day maps will be posted along with trail descriptions as the trails are ridden, measured, described and GPS way points produced.

The ride will be mostly along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains on Provincial Crown Land.  Camping will be in remote unserviced areas, frequently in Government sponsored multi-use camps for horses, off highway vehicles, hikers, fisherpeople, and nature lovers.  People are generally used to multi-use camping and horses so the potential for conflict is minimal.  Most developed Government horse camps have manure and straw disposal areas, the remote camps will require spreading of manure and minimal impact camping.  Brochure information from the Government will be posted at the ride but will generall be in accordance with the Random Camping User's Guide at  http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/usingpublicland/recreation/pdf/07_Random_Camping_Final.pdf  .  Weed free hay should be used where available in remote areas to prevent spread of weeds in the backcountry.  Hay re-supply will be investigated from local suppliers near Rocky Mountain House - we have a supplier of Orchard Grass/Alfalfa mix that is weed free for the second and third weeks (not certified, certification not a requirement at this time) Export quality compressed hay - Timothy and Alfalfa and mixes - may be available. If there is enough demand, the ride will arrange transport or access for the Rocky Mountain House section of the ride.  Other sections will be reviewed in time.  June 25, 2005

Each week has been planned to allow people to fuel up and obtain supplies in a reasonably good sized town.  Day 2 we will pass through Hinton, after Day 7 we will rest one day in Rocky Mountain House, Day 15 ends a few miles west of Cochrane and about 45 miles from Calgary.  Day 20 ends just north of the regional community of Crowsnest pass.   Day 25 will be end up in the same region after multiple crossings of the Great Divide in Flathead Country.  Day 30 will end in the Cranbrook/Fernie, British Columbia area with multiple options for fuel, groceries and supplies and departure points.

Detailed Trail descriptions and maps will be added as they are developed.  Go to Trail descriptions at the bottom of this page for more information.

NOTE:  Final trails selection will/may be adjusted, even during the ride as trails and various areas are subject to sudden closure due to presence of bears, cougars, or migrating ungulates and other wildlife, fire suppression, and changes due to trail use or overuse to preserve them and protect the public.  Trails that are open for hiking are sometimes closed to equestrian and off highway vehicle (OHV) users during periods of susceptibility. Flexibility in selection of trails is a requirement in the backcountry.
 
 

Who:

Those who are first to commit and can meet the "Duck Like" criteria for membership in the Great Divide Ride Group (GDRG).  All GDRG riders will have to be members of the Endurance Riders of Alberta (ERA) for insurance purposes.  Non ERA members will pay an additional fee to join the GDRG and will have to fill out an ERA membership form.  The GDRG reserves the right to restrict membership due to the limited availability of camping sites for this ride and for any other reason whatsoever at the discretion of the Board of the GDRG.

Membership criteria and costs will be added to the site in time.  In the meantime, go to  http://www.XPRides.com. to see what membership requirements are likely to be modelled after.
 
 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

This ride will be on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains/Great Divide.  Weather changes can be severe.  It can go from 30 degrees Celsius (90 degrees F) to below freezing in less than an hour.  Weather can be clear and sunny and change to rain, hail or snow in a few minutes.  Dress and carry gear accordingly.

Most of the trail will be in wilderness areas.  You should consider carrying a survival kit (first aid, knife, whistle, reflective blanket etc.) and emergency rations.  The reflective blankets are excellent for keeping injured people warm and make a good marker for a landing area in the case of the need for a helicopter rescue.

Front runners should consider carrying a small folding saw to cut dead fall off the trail that cannot be easily bypassed.

In a lot of the back country area cell coverage is sporadic but often available at high points.  Most of the area is covered by 911 calls and Stars Air Ambulance services in case of emergency.   Out of province or out of country visitors should be sure to have appropriate medical insurance coverage.

Be "Bear Aware".  See http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/livingwith/bearfacts/bearsmart.aspx

Cougar Guidelines:  http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fishwildlife/wildlifeinalberta/cougar/default.aspx

Camping rules for wilderness camping in Alberta are located at:   http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/lands/usingpublicland/recreation/pdf/07_Random_Camping_Final.pdf 

  OR:  GreatDivideRide/07_Random_Camping_Final.pdf

Crossing the US/Canada border:   GreatDivideRide/BorderCrossing_1.jpg             GreatDivideRide/BorderCrossing_2.jpg

Brand Inspections:  GreatDivideRide/AlbertaBrandInspection.jpg       Carry your registration papers, transport papers and proof of ownership with you.  In absence of a brand inspection, proper waybills or MANIFESTS must be filled out to move horses more than a few miles.  The ride will provide a Manifest book to each rider at the start of the ride.  Manifest booklets are free at government offices.  Each rider/owner will be responsible for filling out the appropriate manifests. 

We will also try to arrange for brand inspections of all the horses at the begining of the ride at an appropriate location and date that works for the brand inspectors.

More to come, last revised: November 26, 2007
 

Trail Descriptions:   (Newer trail concept per google map may not exactly match descriptions below, some new trails are a bit longer.  New descriptions will be provided as trails are ridden and proofed.)

See Summary of ride at the end of this section - dates and distances - Schedule

Key to trail status: P = Preliminary;   PV05 = Partly verified+year, 04 means 2004 or before and will have to be checked for passability before finalizing even if fully verified, partly verified means there may be sections of the trail that need to be reviewed or were unaccessable to date;   FV04 = Fully Verified + year, fully verified means the whole trail has been ridden or driven, but if 2004 or before it will need reverification;   MD = Mapped and Detailed ie. trail has been measured by vehicle or with GPS with waypoints, distances and trail description prepared for maps and direction for ride
 

Week one (Start Date tentatively Monday, July 5, 2010):

    Day one - Start south east of Grande Cache on Cowlick/Mountain Trail from staging area between Grande Cache and Victor Lakes to A la Peche Lake following the A La Peche Trail to the Muskeg River Lunch stop, then take Mahon Creek Trail to Adams Creek Trail (Two routes available) to Berlund Creek Camp.  Remote area, distance may have to be 55 miles to get from trail head to trail head. Lunch at 27 miles.
Location map, local trail and local history available at:  http://www.grandecache.ca
PV05

    Day Two - Possible Pinkerton start to reduce miles, jump out at Little Berland River and take either the the Collie Creek or Mumm Creek trails to the Wildhay River for lunch, then the Ice Water/Solomon Creek Trail to the Black Cat Ranch Camp. Collie Creek route from Camp is 48+ miles.  Pinkerton start and Mumm Creek Trail approx 50 miles. Lunch at 30 miles.   Black Cat Ranch:  http://www.blackcatguestranch.ca/
PV05

    Day 3 - Trailer across the Athabasca River from the Black Cat Ranch through Hinton (Gas and Grocery stop) to Highway 40 and junction of Township Road 253b - ride Township, Forestry roads and two track over hill and dale to reintersect with Highway 40 north west of Cadomin, follow highway and mining road through Cadomin to Provincial Horse Camp south of Cadomin (Corrals available).  Lunch at 29 miles.  Hinton Information: http://www.town.hinton.ab.ca
Many of the places we will pass through are listed in http://ghosttowns.com  Cadomin:  http://www.ghosttowns.com/canada/alberta/cadomin.html
FV05

    Day 4 - Ride out of Provincial Horse Camp below mining road to Mountain Park, turn left through campground then right onto Cheviot trail to Cadomin_Chunga Creek Road, follow forestry road along Cardinal River to Ruby Creek (alternate trails via Muskiki Lake or Flapjack Lake depending on weather), then along Brazeau River to Chunga Creek Trail Camp near or at confluence of the Cardinal and Brazeau Rivers or trailer to Brown Creek Camp. Brown Creek to Big Horn Camp is 53 miles, Chunga Creek to Big Horn Camp is 60+ miles so probably do a Pinkerton Start from Brown Creek or Camp at Brown Creek depending on availability of Camp sites. Trail 50 miles. Lunch 30 miles, Muskiki Creek.
FV05

From Day 4 to Day 13, we will be riding in the Big Horn Wilderness area in the County of Clearwater.
For information about this area see:  Big Horn Wilderness Area: http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fieldoffices/clearwater/bighornbackcountry/default.aspx
Clearwater County including Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg information: http://www.rockymtnhouse.com

    Day 5 - Follow Chunga Creek Trail to Brown Creek Trail or start at Brown Creek Camp and take Chunga Creek trail into back country, take high country four track to confluence of Wapiabi Creek and Blackstone River, then Lookout Creek Road to Sturrock Creek Road (dirt/gravel 4WD roads, good crew access from south for Lunch), Sturrock Creek Road to Sturrock Creek Horse Camp, Lunch,  turn off road to follow Wapiabi Creek trail through Wapiabi Gap to Sunkay Creek Trail, down improved trail to Crescent Falls Picnic Site, cross the Big Horn River, follow mountain trail to Tershishner Creek trail to Abraham Lake and Big Horn Dam Provincial  Horse Camping Area for the Weekend. Trail length 50 to 55 miles depending on weather and trail access.  Lunch at trail head, 30 miles.
FV05

Minor shopping, fuel and showers at Nordegg, Thompson Resort, and Big Horn Indian Reserve store.
Columbia Ice Fields tours, Helicopter tours and other touristy things available in Jasper/Banff National Parks and the Thompson Resort area next to the Big Horn Dam and the Cline River Area, mine tours and spelunking available at Nordegg.  Several rock climbing and preserved natural areas are available for those interested.  Links to interesting sites will be posted at a later date (June 25, 2005).

Nordegg Historical Society: http://www.nordegghistoricalsociety.8m.com
Caving, Hiking, Helicopter tours:  http://www.icefieldheli.com  or  http://www.nordeggheli.com
Columbia Icefields Tours:  http://www.explorejasper.com/sights/columbiaicefield.htm
Jasper National Park:  http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/index_e.asp
Kootenay Plains and Siffleur Wilderness Areas: http://www.whereadventurebegins.com/scenicfalls.htm

One day rest on long ride, second day of rest in two days in Rocky Mountain House, larger town to resupply.  We will return for a two day rest at this site in one week.
 

Week Two:

The week two area is covered by the Big Horn Management Area reference above.

    Day 6 - Start from Big Horn Camp  and do loop along Abraham Lake and back along the base of the mountains for 29 miles to lunch back in Camp. After lunch, back track day 5 trail to Crescent Falls Picnic site, follow access road back to Highway 11, follow quad trails to Nordegg camp ground either in Nordegg or Shunda Creek Campground. Trail is 50 miles.  Lunch at 30 miles.
FV05

    Day 7 - Start from Nordegg, follow the David Thompson exploration routes adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River following abandoned railway grade, quad trails next to David Thompson Highway, and various Township Roads ending near or at Fort Rocky Mountain House National Park.  The riding distance is 60 miles, but we will trailer a section of 10 miles to reduce it to 50.  Lunch will be at about 29 miles.
FV05
 

After Day 7 there will be a rest day at the campground to let people get resupplied and rest.  Rocky has several decent sized stores.  Local hay suppliers can provide hay.  Arrangements will be made with a local farmer for Orchard Grass/Alfalfa mix hay to fill advance orders.

Information on the Rocky Mountain House National Park is at : http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/rockymountain/index_E.asp
Information on Rocky Mountain House and area is at :  http://www.rockymtnhouse.com
 

    Day 8 - Pinkerton start - drive from camp to Prairie Creek Campground at junction of Highway 752 and Range Road 91a. Follow the road back into the forestry crossing the North Ram River, passing by the Ranger Station, back to the North Ram River ending at the campground at the Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 734).  Distance 50 miles, lunch at 30 miles.
PV05

    Day 9 - Start at campground and follow the Forestry Trunk Road to the junction with the road to the Hummingbird Recreational Area, follow the Ram River  and Hummingbird Creek to the Hummingbird/Onion Creek remote camping area (site of the 1996 Canadian National Competitive Trail Ride Championships). Lunch at 27 miles at this camp.  A 23 mile loop out of camp and back will complete the day.  (Option, take the high country trail to Onion Lake Camp instead or take Cripple Creek Route depending on weather and trail access.) We will return to this camp on Day 11.
PV05

    Day 10 - Leave Hummingbird Camp and loop around 25 miles to Onion Lake for lunch, access by 4WD vehicle only.  Leave Onion Lake, cross the North Ram River and take North Pass into Abraham Lake loops, take Abraham Lake Trail to Camp.  Trail is 50 miles.
FV04
 

There will be a two day rest at Abraham Lake. A good time to do some touristy stuff, take a trip on the Icefield Buggies, the Columbia Ice fields give rise to four major Rivers, The Columbia, the Fraser, the Athabasca and the North Saskatchewan.  The Fraser and Columbia go to the Pacific, the Athabasca goes to the Artic, and the Saskatchewan goes to Hudson's Bay.  Other major rivers arising in this area are the Peace, the South Saskatchewan, and the Kootenay.  Farther south there are tributaries to the Missouri, the Mississippi and the Red Rivers.

See references at Day 5 for information on this area and possible weekend activities.
 

Week Three:

    Day 11- Leave Lake Abraham Camp, cross the dam, follow the GPS trails north along the River then up over the Joyce River Trail to the Forestry Trunk Road, lunch at Campsite from Day 9.  Leave lunch and take the North Ram River Trail to the Hummingbird/Onion Lake Camp. Lunch at 25 miles, distance for day 50 miles.
FV04

    Day 12 - Hummingbird Loop.  Loop around and over the mountains on the local trails back into camp.  Climb out of camp at 6000 feet on Canary Creek, over the Block at 8500 feet, back dow to the Ram River/Ranger Creek Trails, and loop back to camp on the Hummingbird for lunch.  Head back out on the Hummingbird Creek Trail to the pass to Onion Creek and Onion Lake, then back to camp on the Onion Creek Trail. Distance is 50 miles, lunch at 30 miles.
FV04

    Day 13 - Leave Hummingbird/Onion Lake Camp, travel down road to Forestry Truck Road, along trunk towards Peppers Lake, follow cut lines past lake, and onto Clearwater River Trail, lunch and vet stop at Cutoff Creek trail head, 25 miles.  Follow Clearwater River Trail to Forbidden Creek Trail to Skeleton Creek Trail Through Scalp Creek Natural Area (Stay on trail) to Scalp Creek Trail and the Ya Ha Tinda Historical area and Campsite. Trail is 50 miles, lunch at 25.  This is a remote wilderness area for most of the ride.  The camp will be in a wildlife sanctuary corridor along the road to the very old Ya Ha Tinda Ranch now operated as a horse ranch for the Banff National Park Ranger mounts. See http://www.Sundre.com and http://www.sundrechamber.com/tourinfo.html    Ya Ha Tinda means "Little Prairie in the Mountains".  The Chamber site explains the history of the Ya Ha Ranch.
PV04

Days 13 to 15 will be in the Ghost/Waiparous Management Area: http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fieldoffices/southernrockies/ghostwaiparous/planinformationlinks.aspx
                                                                                                  http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fieldoffices/southernrockies/ghostwaiparous/brochuremaps.aspx

    Day 14- Leave Ya Ha Tinda Camp, cross the Red Deer River to the south and climb up over the Barrier Mountains where Elaine Delbeke broke her pelvis and was helicoptered out a few years ago ( Ya Ha Crash ).  Go along the ridge SE and cross Dogrib Creek, fo up the Panther River Trail around Dormer Mountain, entering Banff National Park (no fee entry if callint ahead to advise on number of riders entering the park - 1 800 748 7275) then back out of the Park on the Dormer Creek Trail to vet check and lunch at the Panther River Trail head.  Follow cut lines and bush trails south and east to Burnt Creek Provincial Forestry Recreational Area.  Total distance 50 miles, lunch at 30 miles.
PV04

    Day 15 - Travel from Burnt Timber south through the Ghost River Wilderness area to Waiparous Creek Provincial Recreational Area for lunch.  After lunch we head out of Waiparous into the South Ghost past Spencer Creek, Robbers Roost, the Wildcat Hills, Beaupre Hills, Ranche Hill, Jackass Canyon, Irwin Hill and to the Beaupre School/Community Hall near Wayne Delbeke's Grandparents' and Great Grandparents' old Ranch properties.  One Aunt is still ranching in the area. There are over 100 years of family history in this area.  Ride distance as set out is 50 miles, with lunch at 25 miles.  A more remote route is possible away from holiday traffic that originates out of Calgary along the Forestry Trunk Road on Fridays and weekends.  This would involve a bit of traliering at the end of the day out of the back country but would be better than doing the last eight (8) miles in the Forestry Trunk Road right of way that could be very busy on a Friday.  The alternate route would be further west in the foothills going up Timber Creek from Burnt Timber, south on a cut line to Johnson Creek, (great fishing) up Johnson Creek around Black Rock Mountain and below Phantom Crag to Devils Gap Campground on the Ghost River for lunch at 30 miles.  From lunch we follow Township Road 265a back towards the Forestry trunk Road, looping around to maintain a 50 mile distance BEFORE coming to the Forestry Trunk Road.  Trailer 14 miles down Forestry Trunk Road to Beaupre School/Community Hall for the weekend.
PV04

Third Week Wrap Up at the Rafter 6 Historical Ranch - BBQ, Gunfight, Museum etc.  The Rafter 6 is near Seebe, and next to the Boy Scout Camp that was the venue for the 1993 North American Endurance Championships (East of Banff/Canmore).

There is lots to do and see in the area from the Banff hot springs, to the historical Cochrane Ranche to Native heritage museums, RCMP and Indian paraphernalia at the Rafter 6 museum to trips to Calgary, amusement parks and elsewhere.  Website references to be added in the future.

Cochrane Ranche:  http://www.abheritage.ca/pasttopresent/rural_life/cochrane_ranche_history.html
Rafter Six Ranch:  http://www.raftersix.com/
Banff:  http://www.banff.com/       Banff National Park:  http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index_e.asp

Major hay producing areas are a bit east and north so hay should be readily available.  Inquiries will be made near to the ride date.  There is a stable owned by the local Indian band a mile or so from the camping area.  They would undoubtedly arrange for hay to be delivered if we wanted it.
 

Week 4:

On Day 16 we will enter "Kananaskis Country" collection of Provincial Parks and Wild Land Management Area for three days.
Kananaskis Country:  http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/enjoying_alberta/parks/featured/kananaskis/

    Day 16 - This is a mostly roads day from Beaupre to the Rafter 6 ranch.  We will travel down the Forestry Trunk Road to Highway 3A, then west in the Highway right of way paralleling the Bow River, crossing the Ghost River and travelling along the Ghost Dam Reservoir to Morely on the Stony (Titsika) Indian Reserve.  We will ride across the reserve from north to south and onto the Sibald Creek Road (part of the trail for the 1993 North American Endurance Championships), following it west to the location of the final vet check for that ride, then on trails across the Barrier Lake Dam, and to the Rafter 6 Campsite.  If the ride proceeds, probably trailer to east from camp towards Bragg Creek in order to avoid highway and restrived land so ride can be entirely on crown land.  Bragg Creek is an "Old West" town - the site of many movies.  May wish to adjust days to end up at or near the Rafter 6 Ranch for the weekend.
PV04

    Day 17 - This day's trail will follow much of the first held of the trails for the 1993 North American Endurance Championship.  We will leave the Rafter 6 on the trail we came in on, up to the vet check area and trot by from 1993, then turn south on the Lusk Creek Road trails and road, past the first vet check and into the second vet check at the Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area at 26 miles. From lunch we will follow the Little Elbow River Trail to the headwaters and over the pass below Tombstone Mountain to Edworthy Falls and down the Pocatera Creek Trail to the campsite near Upper Kananaskis Lake.  All this trail will be on designated equestrian trails, camping may be an issue as camping sites are limited, permission for overflow will be requested.  Trail length of 52 miles.  Trail may have to me adjusted to end at Tombstone Camp.
PV04

    Day 18 - Back track day 17 to above Edworthy Falls, then follow Sheep River Trails to Indian Oils Provincial Recreation Area for lunch at 26 miles.  After lunch head south on Dyson Creek fire lookout road then bush trails to Sullivan Creek Road and Emerson Creek Campground. Trail length 52 miles, lunch at 26 miles. Subject to approval of Parks, may have to adjust to designated equestrian trails within the Park.  Probably start at Tombstone camp - see google earth maps   Due to camping issues, there may e a loop out of the Provincial Recreation area rather than going all the way to Emerson, avoid having to cross through Titsika land and getting permits.  Do a Pinkerton start on Road towards Oldman River Camp noted below.

    Day 19 - Three options currently under consideration.  Day 19A is an interesting and remote ride but access through mining area needs confirmation.  Also weather dependent as high mountain passes can be closed at any time of year due to snow.  The start point may have to be determined from camping permits and permitted access to certain areas.

    xxxxxx Day 19 A - Cat Creek Recreation Area to Oldman River Camp  -  Drive to Cat Creek, or Highwood or camp overnight - to be determined - Head up Canarvan Creek Trail over to Fitzsimmons Creek, over to Baril Creek then across the Great Divide below Mount Bolton.  Then go south along the Fording River, through the coal mining areas, follow the road right of way to Mount Grass/Mount Lyall Pass Trail, go over the pass from British Columbia (BC) back to Alberta (AB) and down the Oldman River Trail to Camp. Length is 55 miles.  Lunch at the mining area or just south at about 28 to 20 miles.
P

    xxxxxx Day 19 B - Leave Emerson Creak Campground following the Emerson Creek Trail to Township Road 164a.  Follow the remote road to Highway 532 at the Johnson Creek Ranger Station at 20 miles; connect with Forestry Trunk Road at 26 miles, lunch at Savanna Creek Road (30 miles). Take Savanna Creek Trail over pass to Slacker Creek Trail and road to Oldman River Road, follow Oldman River Road south to Camp.  Distance for day is 55 miles.
P

     xxxxxx Day 19C - There are some environmentally sensitive areas that have to be avoided on these routes.  Checking with government on where we will be allowed to ride.

    Day 20 - From Camp on Oldman River go south on Highway 940 to Dutch Creek Road, then west to intersection with North Racehorse Road, go south to South Racehorse Creek where we will have lunch at 25 miles, then east on trail to old mine roads, go south around abandoned mines to Highway 940 for 3.5 miles then turn west into trail along Vicary Creek and connect up with Allison Creek Road. Go south on Allison Creek Road
At South Race Horse Creek, go west across the Great Divide, south on old logging road on Alexander creek then back east across Deadman's pass to near Allison Lake just on the edge of the Regional Municipality of Crowsnest and the town of Coleman.
P

There will be a two day rest stop here.  The Frank Slide is a bit east, there are a number of mine tours available to look at old mines and mining techniques from the turn of the century as well as some history on the Hillcrest mine disaster.  Internet references will be provided at a later date.  There is lots of hay available to the east around Pincher Creek, inquiries will be made near the time of the ride.

History of the Oldman River Basin and the Fur Trade in Alberta: http://www.abheritage.ca/alberta/fur_trade/fur_images.html
Frank Slide:  http://www.frankslide.com/       Hillcrest Mine Disaster: http://www.crowsnest.bc.ca/coal09.html
Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump:  http://www.head-smashed-in.com/
Municipality of Crowsnest Pass:  http://www.town.crowsnestpass.ab.ca/
Bar U Historical Ranch:   http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ab/baru/visit/visit1_E.asp
 

Week 5:

During week five we will spend most of our time in the Castle Special Management Area:  http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/fieldoffices/southernrockies/castlearea/default.aspx

    Day 21 - Loop out of Allison Lake Campground over the Great Divide through Deadman's Pass, then south to the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3A), cross highway and take Ptolomy Creek Mine road crossing Great Divide (GD) again between Summit Lake and Island Lake, then take East Crowsnest Creek Road past abandoned mine over the Great Divide and down to Corbin Creek Mine Road, go north west on road to lunch at 25 miles.  Head north up mine/forestry access road and over GD, past lake and down Crowsnest Creek Road to common trail back to Summit Lake, then up Crowsnest Ridge to to power line over Phillips Pass, and back to camp.  Distance 49 miles, lunch at 25 miles.   Probably reverse the route above.  THERE HAS BEEN SOME MINING, FORESTRY, PARK AND GAS DEVELOPMENT HERE.   MAY HAVE TO ADJUST PROPOSED ROUTING
PV05

    Day 22 - Drive to Coleman Staging area for Castle Special Management Area.  Take trails south per maps to Lynx Creek Campsite at 30 miles for lunch stop. Follow York Creek Road,  take cut line to Lynx Creek Road on to Lyons Creek Road turning west on Goats Creek Road staying on easterly branch to Lost Creek Road, turn north through pass just past Lost Creek and North Lost Creek rejoining Lynx Creek Road and proceed to Lunch stop.  After lunch go south on Carbondale River Road, taking west branch to Castle Highway (Highway 774), go east on highway past campground to road over river and on to Castle Falls Road and loop around onto road back to camp at Castle Falls.  Total distance 50 miles, lunch at 30 miles.
PV05

HAVE REARRANGED LOOPING TO SPEND MORE TIME AT CASTLE MOUNTAIN PENDING APPROVAL

  Day 23 - Lynx Creek Camp Loop over GD and back
P

    Day 24 - Lynx River to Castle Mountain Ski Hill
P

    Day 25 - Castle Mountain Ski Hill To Scarp Creek or back to Castle Mountain     http://www.skicastle.ca/index.cfm
P
 

Week 6:

    Day 26 - Scarp Creek or Castle Mountain to Beryl Creek Campground on the Flathead River
P

This route is near (but avoids) Waterton National Park.  It has been proposed to annex a large portion of the area of Day 26, to 30 into the Waterton National Park, which is contiguous with Glacier National Park in the United States. The two Parks were established at the initiative of Teddy Roosevelt as one of, if not the first International Parks in the World - Waterton Glacier International Peace Park.   For more information see:        http://www.watertoninfo.ab.ca/    and    http://www2.parkscanada.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/waterton/index_E.asp   This may impact permits and some riding in this area but the proposal is to maintain it for back country use
 
Logging, quad and snowmobile clubs have been improving trails and access into this area.  May reroute some trails depending on development.

    Day 27 - Beryl Creek to Corbin Road  48 miles- lunch at 27 miles Check Camping at Crowsnest Provincial Park or at Michel
 

    Day 28 - Michel back towards Beryl Creek Campground, remote camping.
 

    Day 29 - Remote camp to Beryl Creek

    Day 30 - Beryl Creek to Community of Elkford
 

Week 7:

US riders in the country after expiry of their 30 day health papers will have to go through the border on a week day in order to access veterinary services.  Consequently two days have been added to the end to allow the ride to end during the week without having to sit and wait.

    Day 31 - Fernie Park loop back to Elko

    Day 32 - US border Rooseville to Elko Loop

    Day 33 - Elko to Fort Steele

    Day 34 - Fort Steele to Elko

Add a rest day here or at Fort Steele -  Fort Steele would be good if possible to allow touring of the historic site.

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE LAKE SHORE.   IT APPEARS THAT CAMPING AREAS ARE AVAILABLE BUT ON PRIVATE LAND ONLY.  A NUMBER OF AREAS HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED AS ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE.   CAMPING MAY BE A BIT RESTRICTIVE BASED ON TOUR AND DISCUSSION WITH LOCALS IN SPRING OF 2008

   Day 35 - Elko - Kikomoun - Wardner - Saturday

    Day 36 - Wardner - Newgate - Sunday

   Looked at both ends of Day 37 in March 2008 but need to look at access to middle of the loop.  Impassable due to snow in March.

    Day 37 - Newgate - Yahk - Monday

 US border crossing at Kingsgate about 10 miles south of Yahk.  Veterinarians on duty during the day week days.

  
Local Information:

Fort Steele Historical Site:  http://www.fortsteele.bc.ca/visitor/main/index.asp
Kimberly:   http://www.kimberleychamber.ca/
Cranbrook:   http://city.cranbrook.bc.ca/

Reference: Camping in BC - http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/camping/        http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/rec/rec.htm

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