Spray Valley | Trail Report | Kananaskis Country

Updated: September 10, 2026

Updated: September 10, 2026 | Print Report

Sep 10th: Cold nights and warm days will change the trail conditions fast. Expect the trails to be wet with the potential of snow at higher elevations. Be prepared for shoulder season hiking conditions and check the forecast before heading out.

Flood damage has hit many trails with some bridges and sections of trails washed out, especially on parts of the High Rockies Trail.

Crews are conducting detailed assessments of trails, campgrounds, day-use areas, roads and other infrastructure impacted by flooding and high water. While access has been restored to many areas, numerous backcountry campgrounds, trails and day use areas remain closed while damage is assessed, and repairs are planned.

Visitors are reminded use extreme caution around waterways, obey all posted signs, barricades and closures. Please stay off closed trails and out of restricted areas to protect your safety, allow crews to complete their work, and help prevent further damage to already vulnerable landscapes and infrastructure.

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:

High Rockies Trail (partial): Flood damage
West Wind Valley: Closed Dec 1 - Jun 15 for protection of critical winter range for elk and bighorn sheep.

Notes:

Practice wildlife safety. Bears are up and active. 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.
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.

Maps

Spray Valley Trail Map (North) Spray Valley Trail Map (Middle) Spray Valley Trail Map (South)

Trail Weather

No picture available

Sep 10 @ 01:05 PM

Trail Name	Permitted Activities (Legend)	Length	Status
Buller Pass	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.	Open
Burstall Pass Note: Bikes permitted on first 3.5 km of trail ONLY. Aug 25th: Downed trees removed.	Biking/Cycling E-bikes Hiking	7.4 km one-way	Open
Chester Lake Sep 3rd: The split log bridge on the trail around lake has been replaced.	Biking/Cycling E-bikes Hiking	4.6 km one-way	Open
High Rockies Aug 20th: Closed from Driftwood Day Use Area to Sparrowhawk Day Use Area (at the junction of High Rockies Trail and Sparrowhawk connector), and from Chester Lake Trailhead (at the junction of Burstall Pass connector and High Rockies Trail) to Sawmill Day Use Area due to significant precipitation and high stream flows. Note: Hiker-cyclist camping allowed at select day use areas only from Jun 1 - Sep 20. See details.	Biking/Cycling E-bikes Hiking	63.0 km Goat Creek to Peninsula Day Use; 80.0 km Goat Creek to Elk Pass	Partially Closed
Karst Spring	Hiking	0.8 km one-way	Open
Peninsula	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. Sep 8th: Downed trees removed.	Hiking		Open
Spray Road West	Biking/Cycling E-bikes Hiking Horseback Riding	10.8 km one-way	Open
Watridge Lake	Biking/Cycling E-bikes Hiking Horseback Riding	3.7 km one-way	Open