Description

Distance: 30.55km
Elevation Gain: 1386m
Surface: Maintained Trail (Mainly singletrack)
Trail Type: Loop
Parking: Ribbon Creek Parking Lot

For most amazing views close to Calgary, The Guinn’s Pass Loop wins. The area that this trail goes through has a feel of grandness, that is reminiscent of areas near the continental divide, but it is accessed from Highway 40 near Kananaskis Village. The trails themselves are superb for running and these factors make it an excellent route.

It is the author’s opinion that the best place to start is at the Ribbon Creek trailhead and run this loop in a counter-clockwise direction. The trail is straightforward and easy to follow the whole way.

It should be noted that there is a cliff that must be ascended on the Ribbon Creek side. The cliff is right after the Ribbon Falls backcountry campground. To make the ascent easier, cables and rebar steps have been installed, but you still need to be careful and safe through this section as a fall here would be potentially fatal.

If you have a second car, you could park at the Galatea Lakes trailhead and skip the Terrace Trail back to the Ribbon Creek parking lot. This will shorten the trip by roughly one-third, but keep in mind that the Terrace Trail is relatively flat and makes for a great way to end the day.