The Sheephole Valley Wilderness is a little-known natural gem in Alberta that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the wilderness and all its natural splendour. This lesser-known wilderness area is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about an hour from Calgary. The Sheephole Valley Wilderness is smaller than other nearby wilderness areas such as Canmore, Kananaskis, or Drumheller; however, it’s still packed with natural beauty and activities that will leave you speechless and itching to come back again. Here are five reasons why you should visit the Sheephole Valley Wilderness:
The hike is surprisingly beautiful
The hike itself is surprisingly beautiful, especially when compared to the rocky, barren landscapes of the Badlands, Drumheller, or Writing-On-Stone. The Sheephole Valley Wilderness is a lush, green valley near Cochrane and Sundre in the Rocky Mountains. Hiking through the valley, you’ll get to see lush vegetation, wildflowers, and birds galore. During the fall, you can expect to see plenty of golden-coloured trees. And in the winter, the Sheephole Valley Wilderness is blanketed in a beautiful layer of snow that will leave you in awe. The hike itself is also relatively easy and short, making it perfect for anyone and everyone.
Explore the canyons
Another activity you can do in the Sheephole Valley Wilderness is explore the canyons. There are a few different canyons that you can hike through, including Canyon Creek Canyon, Pine Canyon, and Beaver Creek Canyon. You can expect to see towering cliffs, crystal blue-green waters, and wildlife roaming around. Be careful though, as some canyons are quite narrow, so only one person can walk through at a time. Exploring the canyons is an experience that is surely to leave you in awe and is perfect for photographers.
You’ll see some rare wildlife
Home to some rare wildlife, including black bears, elk, cougars, and wolves. While the black bears in the area are rarely seen, you may get lucky and spot one lounging near the water. Other mammals you can expect to see include squirrels, weasels, and beavers. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot some Bald Eagles swooping in the air. Also home to many types of birds, including hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and bluebirds.
It’s perfect for a day trip from Calgary
The Sheephole Valley Wilderness is about an hour from Calgary, making it the perfect day trip. You can drive there and be back in the city by late afternoon. Exploring the Sheephole Valley Wilderness is also great for families and is a perfect way to spend time with the kids while also experiencing nature and learning about the environment. In the summer, there are plenty of activities you can do at the Sheephole Valley Wilderness, such as hiking, canyon exploring, and wildlife watching. In the winter, there’s snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
There are cultural significance sites to visit
Another activity you can do in the visit cultural significance sites. There are a few different sites that you can visit, including the remains of an old lumber camp and a remnant of an old train track. The lumber camp is a great example of how people were once able to live and work in the wilderness. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about how people used to work in the wilderness and get a glimpse into our past.
Conclusion
The Sheephole Valley Wilderness is a lesser-known natural gem in Alberta that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the wilderness and all its natural splendour. This lesser-known wilderness area is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, about an hour from Calgary. The Sheephole Valley Wilderness is smaller than other nearby wilderness areas such as Canmore, Kananaskis, or Drumheller; however, it’s still packed with natural beauty and activities that will leave you speechless and itching to come back again.
