Spray Valley

Kananaskis Country

Updated: June 08, 2025

Updated: June 08, 2025 | Print Report

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

June 4th: Trails at lower elevations are a mix of bare ground and mud. At higher elevation trails are mainly snow covered, deep in places, with some sun exposed bare spots likely.

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

Be bear aware, as there is a possibility of bears on the trails.

People seeking alpine objectives should keep in mind that spring avalanches are a potential hazard, and slow, heavy wet avalanches have real potential to push hikers/scramblers into terrain traps. Please ensure you check avalanche.ca before you go.

Always come prepared for a variety of conditions, that can change suddenly throughout the day. 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.

Closures:

West Wind Valley: Closed Dec 1 - Jun 15 for protection of critical winter range for elk and bighorn sheep.
Chester Lake: Closed May 1 - Jun 29 to allow area to dry and prevent damage to trail.

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: 11cm

Mud Lake: 8cm

Maps

Trail Name	Permitted Activities (Legend)	Length	Status
Buller Pass June 4th: Path is snow free, downed trees have been removed. Trail East of Buller Pass closed due to G7 Closures	Hiking	7.5 km one-way to the pass; 9 km one way to Guinn's Pass junction, 10.1 km to Ribbon Lake Campground.	Partially Closed
Burstall Pass June 5th: The lower portion of trail is snow free with snow patches becoming progressively deeper with elevation, with the some completely snow bound sections near border. Note: Bikes permitted on first 2.9 km of trail ONLY.	Biking/Cycling Hiking	7.4 km one-way	Open
Chester Lake Chester Lake: Snow covered. Annual closure in place for Chester Lake until Jun 29 to allow area to dry and prevent damage to trail.	Biking/Cycling Hiking	4.6 km one-way	Closed
High Rockies May 15th: Partly snow covered between Sawmill to Black Prince and north of Buller. The remainder is a mix of bare with snow patches. Note: Hiker-cyclist camping allowed at select day use areas only from Jun 1 - Sep 20. See details.	Biking/Cycling Hiking	63.0 km Goat Creek to Peninsula Day Use; 80.0 km Goat Creek to Elk Pass	Open
Karst Spring May 26th: Snow covered. Snow free, downed trees removed.	Hiking	0.8 km one-way	Open
Peninsula May 16th: Snow free. Downed trees removed.	Hiking	0.4 km	Open
Rummel Lake Warning: Trail is not maintained for summer use. Signage may not be up to date and hazards may exist along the trail.	Hiking		Open
Spray Road West	Biking/Cycling Hiking Horseback Riding	10.8 km one-way	Open
Watridge Lake	Biking/Cycling Hiking Horseback Riding	3.7 km one-way	Open

Spray Valley

Kananaskis Country

Maps