Camp & Bike the ‘Hawk, at Nitehawk Grande Prairie
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Top 5 hikes in Grande Prairie
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Grande Prairie-based Drew Rogers is a trail runner, ultramarathoner and snowboard coach. We asked him for his top picks for hiking and trail running near Grande Prairie. #seekersambassador #exploreNWAB
When most people think hiking or trail running, Grande Prairie is a little off the beaten track. From Edmonton region or Calgary area many people tend to head for the busier trails of the Canadian Rockies. But if you're looking for great hikes without the crowds, there are so many hiking trails to enjoy in the Grande Prairie area.
No matter that type of challenge you're after, whether it's a gentle cruiser trail that delivers you to beautiful payoffs (like the hike to O'Brien Point pictured above), or a monster summit run on the front ranges of the eastern Rockies, Grande Prairie region serves it up.
Five top hikes in Grande Prairie Region
Here are five of my favourite hiking options all within 2 hours of Grande Prairie.
WaxWing Trails
Within City of Grande Prairie limits, the Waxwings are perfect for a quick mid-day, nature recharge. There is an inner and outer loop so you can choose your own adventure. Don't forget to stop at Bear Paw Par 3 Golf for some ice cream to celebrate your new favourite local trail!
O'brien Provincial Park - Nitehawk Corridor
Head to the M.D. of Greenview for some wilderness fun! The Wapiti River valley is full of wonderful trails to explore.
An 8.0-km loop trail near Greenview, Alberta
From O'Brien Provincial Park all the way up to Nitehawk Year Round Adventure Park you will find the most travelled path.
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Stop half way up at Pams Point to get an amazing view of the Wapiti River. Cell service is limited so plan ahead for your hike.
Saskatoon Mountain Park
Just outside of Beaverlodge in the County of Grande Prairie, Saskatoon Mountain Provincial Recreation Area provides breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
There are endless trails that are my favourite for mountain training. The bountiful Saskatoon Berry bushes make for great snacking while you're out and about.
Bootski Lake
Heading to the Northern Rockies is a quick drive from Grande Prairie. Bootski Lake has a very moderate approach to let you warm up.
Photo:
Drew Rogers
Bootski Lake, a beautiful lake in the rockies near Grande Prairie.
Once you break up to the alpine, it’s a whole new world. The lake is great for an ice bath with a few optional scrambles above. My suggestion is to bring the mountain bikes for the decommissioned forestry road to cut down the round trip by an hour.
Mount Stern
Grande Cache is Alberta's last hidden gem. If you're up for it, Mount Stern is well worth the sweat to enjoy. A steep start with lessening grades as you ascend.
The long ridge walk and quick scramble will get you to the summit. Amazing views of Lightning Ridge will inspire you to come back for more. The Smokey River makes for a great spot to soak your legs after you finish.
Photo:
Drew Rogers
Drew near the summit of Mount stern.
Always do your research and plan to be self-sufficient for your hiking outings. The Adventure Smart website is a great way to ensure you are ready for any of these hiking adventures.
And most importantly, Have fun out there!
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more Grande Prairie adventures
Through our #exploreNWAB expedition, you'll find tons of great ideas to make an epic time of any visit to the Grande Prairie region, from camping to biking to dinosaur fossil hunting!
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