It was the most ideal day one could imagine for mid-January in Alberta—blue sky, bright sunshine, mild temperatures, but with no wind. The hills of Sheep River and Bluerock Wildland Provincial Parks were golden with dry grass, and the views of the Rocky Mountains were crisp and clear. And when Wally (who would usually prefer to ski than hike in the winter) says it was worth not going skiing to do this hike, you know it was a good day!

View over Foran Grade Ridge from Long Prairie Ridge

From the Sheep River information centre we walked on the Long Prairie trail to reach Long Prairie Ridge, which was a short, easy ascent. From the pleasant ridge we had great views over Foran Grade Ridge to the Rockies. We had a leisurely lunch with a great view, and not a hint of wind, before following the Death Valley trail to the Sandy McNabb trail and the Sandy McNabb Hills.

West Sandy McNabb Hill from the west

There was a good trail up the western hill, with great views west to the mountains and into the Sheep River gorge. Notice the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram on the hill.

Our Rocky Mountain Ram(bler) mascot

The ram hiked along ahead of us for a while.

View of Mount McNabb from West Sandy McNabb Hill

From here we had a great view past Mount McNabb to the front ranges of the Rockies, including the Highwood Range and Mount Gibraltar, from Mount Head to Mount Glasgow.

West Sandy McNabb Hill from the east

At the top of the hill there is an impressive cliff and coal banks dropping into the gorge. From here we ascended the middle and eastern hills, where we enjoyed our “basking in the sun tea break.” It was above freezing, and warm enough to work up a sweat hiking without any jacket (a welcome change from the chilly minus 13 morning in Calgary).

Our other mascot Skyler

We were back to the cars by 3:30. Participants: Dorothy-Ann, Brian, Madeleine, Ron, Cornelis, Francisco, Dave, Peter, Pauline, Jeff, June, Joanne, Wally and Carl, coordinator and scribe.

Sheep River Area: Long Prairie Ridge and Sandy McNabb Hills. 12km, 130m effective elevation gain, 420m total elevation gain