Rec Grounds Trails

Near Banff · Banff National Park

Easy · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 56 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Rec Grounds Trails is a 1.4 km out and back trail near Banff in Banff National Park. It runs 0.7 km each way. It is close to flat, staying between 1,381 m and 1,384 m. Hike Alberta rates it easy. Allow about 20 minutes of moving time. It meets Multi use Trail at 0.2 km, and passes one other mapped junction. Four side branches with the same name split off the route, at 0.2 km, 0.3 km, 0.5 km and 0.7 km. The map also shows two 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 Buffalo Nations Museum. Much of the route follows Bow River. Also used for walking and mountain biking.

Length: 1.4km; 0.7 km each way
Elevation gain: 1m
Estimated time: 20min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,384m
Lowest point: 1,381m

Elevation profile

1,381 m to 1,384 m

Highest point 1,384 m, lowest 1,381 m, 1 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 3% 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

0.1 kmBuffalo Nations MuseumHistoric site
0.2 kmLittle Bow Picnic ShelterShelter
0.2 kmProtection Picnic ShelterShelter
0.3 kmNorquay Picnic ShelterShelter

Good for

Hiking, Walking, Mountain biking
Dog friendly (on leash), Kid friendly
River or creek, Historic site

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.1723° N, 115.5720° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

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 588 trails in Banff National Park