Kananaskis Country

Alberta Parks

Spray Valley

Updated: April 28, 2025

Updated: April 28, 2025 | Print Report

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.

    April 28th: Trails will be partly snow covered, icy in places, with expanding bare spots, especially at lower elevations. Higher elevation trails will hold more snow in shaded areas and snow depth may vary. Expect freeze thaw conditions with some areas becoming slushy and/or muddy as the days warm up. Spikes are recommended. 

    Grooming is now finished for the season in PLPP and at Mt Shark. 

    If heading into the backcountry, be aware of avalanche conditions. Skiers/riders and ice climbers should be aware of overhead hazards. Current conditions can be found at Avalanche Canada

    Note that hiking, snowshoeing and biking are permitted on Watridge Lake Trail only.

    At any time come prepared for a variety of conditions. You may want to consider bringing hiking poles, micro spikes, toques, gloves and multiple layers.  

    Be aware of closures in the area and check advisories before you go.

    Notes:

    • Be aware of avalanche conditions. Current conditions can be found at Avalanche Canada.
    • Practice wildlife safety. Travel in groups, make noise on the trail, and keep pets on leash. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is highly recommended, even in winter.
    • It's tick season! Make sure to check you and your pets when you get home. For best protection, use a bug repellent with DEET.
    • Caution is advised for natural hazards such as downed trees, washouts and missing bridges. Route-finding may be necessary. Please report any downed trees on the trails.
    • Be sure not to overestimate your ability when planning your trip: Humility can be a life saver. Plan for rapidly changing conditions and bring extra socks.

    Snow Depths:

    Burstall Pass: 156cm

    Mud Lake: 92cm

Maps

Trail Name Permitted Activities (Legend) Length Status Keywords
Burstall Pass (Backcountry) Skiing Skiing Open
Chester Lake Skiing Skiing 4.6 km one-way Open
Chester Lake Snowshoe Hiking (Winter) Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing Snowshoeing 3.4 km one-way Open
Frost Heave Snowshoe Fat Biking Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing Snowshoeing 2.5 km Open
Graupel Snowshoe Fat Biking Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing Snowshoeing 5.6 km Open
High Rockies

Note: Between Nov. 1 and May 1 the trail is closed through the Buller Slide Path due to Highway Avalanche Control.

Fat Biking Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing Snowshoeing 63.0 km Goat Creek to Peninsula Day Use Open
Hogarth Lakes Loop Snowshoe Fat Biking Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing Snowshoeing 3.9 km Open
Rummel Lake Hiking (Winter) Hiking (Winter) Skiing Skiing Snowshoeing Snowshoeing Open
Sawmill Loop Snowshoe Fat Biking Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing Snowshoeing 5.1 km Open
Snowdrift Snowshoe Fat Biking Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing Snowshoeing 8.3 km Open