Swany's Ridge

About this trail

Swany's Ridge is a 12.3 km out and back trail near Paddy's Flat in McLean Creek Off Highway Vehicle Public Land Use Zone. It runs 6.2 km each way. The route gains 828 m in total and tops out at 1,980 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 6 hours of moving time. It meets Swany's 2000 at 2.4 km, Iyarhe Ipan Route at 3.3 km and Swany's 1990 Trail at 3.9 km, and passes two other mapped junctions. Along the way you pass the summit of Quirk Ridge and a stream crossing.

Highest point 1,980 m, lowest 1,526 m, 828 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 33% over 100 m.

Along the way

1. 0.0 kmStream crossing
2. 3.2 kmSwany's RidgeSummit · 1,890 m
3. 4.6 kmQuirk Ridge NorthSummit · 1,858 m
4. 6.1 kmQuirk RidgeSummit · 1,949 m

Good for

• Hiking
• Dog friendly (on leash)
• Summit, Views

Rankings

• 2in Best hard hikes in McLean Creek Off Highway Vehicle Public Land Use Zone
• 3in Best hikes with views in McLean Creek Off Highway Vehicle Public Land Use Zone
• 3in Best summit hikes in McLean Creek Off Highway Vehicle Public Land Use Zone
• 5in Best hikes in McLean Creek Off Highway Vehicle Public Land Use Zone
• 11in Best hard hikes near Bragg Creek

Trailhead

The trail starts at 50.8481° N, 114.7302° 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:

• Kananaskis trail reports
• Alberta Parks advisories and closures
• Avalanche Canada
• Alberta wildfire status

Nearby trails

• Swany's 2000Moderate · 5.1 km · 306 m gain · 0.0 km away
• Silvester TrailModerate · 11.7 km · 335 m gain · 0.2 km away
• Swany's 1990 TrailModerate · 5.8 km · 303 m gain · 0.7 km away
• Johnny Two Ski DoosModerate · 8.6 km · 379 m gain · 2.0 km away
• Elbow Look OutModerate · 7.5 km · 240 m gain · 2.7 km away
• Flight 66Easy · 3.3 km · 110 m gain · 2.8 km away