Waiparous Creek Trail

About this trail

Waiparous Creek Trail is a 13.7 km out and back trail in Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park. It runs 6.9 km each way. The route gains 300 m in total and tops out at 1,868 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 4 hours 15 minutes of moving time. It meets Bypass at 3.3 km, Castle Rock Canyoning Approach at 5.4 km and Waiparous Chasm at 6.0 km, and passes three other mapped junctions. Between 2.4 km and 2.6 km a 0.3 km alternative with the same name runs beside the route. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass a stream crossing. Much of the route follows Waiparous Creek. Also used for mountain biking and horseback riding.

Highest point 1,868 m, lowest 1,690 m, 300 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 21% over 100 m.

Along the way

1. 0.0 kmStream crossing
2. 1.5 kmStream crossing
3. 2.6 kmStream crossing
4. 2.6 kmStream crossing
5. 3.3 kmStream crossing
6. 3.5 kmStream crossing
7. 3.8 kmStream crossing
8. 4.6 kmStream crossing

Good for

• Hiking, Mountain biking, Horseback riding
• Dog friendly (on leash)
• River or creek

Rankings

• 13in Best hard hikes in Ghost and Waiparous
• 22in Best hikes in Ghost and Waiparous

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.3925° N, 115.1971° 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

• Sheep's Claw RouteHard · 4.0 km · 431 m gain · 3.5 km away
• Castle Rock Canyoning ApproachModerate · 5.3 km · 299 m gain · 4.6 km away
• Waiparous Creek Canyoning ApproachHard · 7.0 km · 307 m gain · 5.9 km away
• Sheep Meadow Mountain RouteModerate · 2.2 km · 226 m gain · 6.1 km away
• Devil's Head RouteHard · 9.2 km · 776 m gain · 6.3 km away
• Johnson Lake TrailModerate · 10.5 km · 308 m gain · 8.3 km away