Jumpingpound Summit Trail (6.5 kilometres round trip) offers spectacular views with very little effort. It’s also a great wildflower hike!
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Getting Here
Jumpingpound Summit is an easy and scenic summit to cross off the list if you don’t mind the long and bumpy drive. The road to the trailhead is narrow, winding and potholed. Signs warn: “unmaintained road”, “dangerous conditions when wet” and “logging activity ahead”. Heading south on Powderface Trail, there are many sections with a drop-off on the right – and few barricades – so take your time and watch for oncoming vehicles.
Around the 16 kilometre mark, slow down so you don’t miss the unmarked parking area. The first time we attempted this hike, we blew past the parking, and ended up at the end of the road, at the western trailhead for Powderface Ridge. The silver lining is that we discovered Sunrise Hill, one of our favorite short hikes.
Route Description
The trailhead is located across the road from the parking area (look for the green map). Follow the gently graded forest trail for 2.5 kilometres, then turn left at the junction*. Within 100 metres, you’ll see a meadow filled with red paintbrush flowers. After 300 metres, head up the ridge on the right. The trail traverses meadows filled with fireweed, harebells, bluebells, and shooting stars. From here, it only takes a few minutes to reach the top.
The views are amazing, especially given how easy the hike is! Look north to Cox Hill, east to Moose Mountain (and the fire lookout!), west to the jagged Fisher Range, and south to countless peaks in Kananaskis. Enjoy the scenery, then return the way you came.
Jumpingpound Summit At a Glance
Distance: 6.5 km round trip (Going further: Possible extensions include Jumpingpound Ridge and Coxhill Ridge)
Elevation Gain: 330 m
Elevation: 2,225 metres
Nearest Washrooms: Dawson Equestrian Campground
Stroller Friendly? No.
Best time to go: July when the expansive alpine meadows are full of wildflowers
Distance from Calgary: 87 km. Allow 1.5 hours as the gravel road is narrow, winding, and bumpy.
Directions from Calgary: Take Hwy 1 west. Take exit 143 for AB-68 S toward Sibbald Creek Trail. Turn left at the stop sign and continue on AB-68 for 23.1 km. Turn left onto Powderface Trail and continue for 16.6 km (approximately 40 minutes). Note: POWDERFACE TRAIL IS TREACHEROUS IN WET/SNOWY/ICY CONDITIONS. This road is closed from December 1 – May 14 each year.
Parking: The parking area is NOT marked. Look for a gravel pull-out about half a kilometre past the 16-kilometre marker if headed south on Powderface Trail.
Trailhead: The trailhead is across the road from the parking area and has a map of Sibbald / Jumpingpound Trails.
Know Before You Go
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis. Purchase your pass online at https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx.
What to Bring
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Waterproof mid-height hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a fully-loaded backpack (or are babywearing). You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass / Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator* and map of the area, mineral sunscreen, bug spray (this DEET-free insect repellent contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
*A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required.
History
Jumpingpound Mountain and Jumpingpound Creek are named for a buffalo jump near the creek that was used by the Blackfoot First Nations.
