Description

Distance: 40.96km
Elevation Gain: 1340m
Surface: Maintained Trail (Road & single track)
Trail Type: Loop
Parking: Goat Creek (Many options available)

The Rundle Circumnavigation (AKA Run ‘Round Rundle) is not the most scenic trip listed here, but it has its moments of beauty and tranquility. One downside of this route is having to run at least one short section of the busy and dusty Spray Lakes Road. In addition, the Goat Creek Trail on the southwest side of the mountain, which is mostly flat and wooded, does not offer much in the way of views.

Despite these downsides, the Rundle Circumnavigation is a classic because it allows you to loop around a big and famous mountain between Banff and Canmore. The trail is very close to the distance of a marathon, and does not have any major obstacles or steep sections to slow you down. This makes it a fast and smooth run for those who want to push the pace.

If you want to run the Rundle Circumnavigation trail, you have many options for parking. However, in the author’s opinion, the best place to park is at the Goat Creek Trailhead, which is located near the Spray Lakes Reservoir. From there, it is suggested to run counter-clockwise.

From the Goat Creek Trailhead, you can simply run down the Spray Lakes Road to the Canmore Nordic Centre, shortcutting a corner via a powerline cut. Or, for a longer but more scenic but probably crowded route, you can use the Grassi Lakes Trail system. The main thing one will want to avoid is running up (clock-wise) the Spray Lakes Road, as it would be quite unpleasant.