Porcupine Hills

Near Claresholm · Porcupine Hills Public Land Use Zone

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 33 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Porcupine Hills is a 45.4 km out and back trail near Claresholm in Porcupine Hills Public Land Use Zone. It runs 22.7 km each way. The route gains 1,760 m in total and tops out at 1,754 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 16 hours of moving time. It meets Beaver Creek Tr at 3.3 km. 13 side branches with the same name split off the route, at 5.3 km, 9.2 km, 9.3 km and further on. The map also shows 22 separate sections with the same name that are not part of this route. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass a campground. Also used for backpacking.

Length: 45.4km; 22.7 km each way
Elevation gain: 1,760m
Estimated time: 16h; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,754m
Lowest point: 1,404m

Elevation profile

1,404 m to 1,754 m

Highest point 1,754 m, lowest 1,404 m, 1,760 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 28% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

15.7 kmPorcupine Hills Main Staging AreaCampground

Good for

Hiking, Backpacking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Camping

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 49.8598° N, 113.9754° W.

Driving directions

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 9 trails in Porcupine Hills Public Land Use Zone

Government of Alberta, Open Government Licence Alberta
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30