Foran Grade and Windy Point
Table of contents
Foran Grade and Windy Point Ridge are two smallish peaks in the front ranges providing great views of the surrounding ranges to the west and the prairie to the east. The views are gorgeous, especially considering the limited elevation you gain at just over 305 m.
Route Description for Foran Grade and Windy Point
Parking at the gates on the 546 head west along the closed highway for about 1.5 km until you see the clearly signed Foran Grade trail. Follow the trail as you break away from the road and into the trees. Shortly after you will come into a meadow, where you might run into some free range cattle.
As you continue on the Foran Grade Trail you will gain elevation and quickly reach the summit. Leaving the Summit on trail heading WSW you will see our final destination Windy Point. The trail descends through switchbacks down to the saddle between the two peaks.
From the saddle you are confronted with a few options on how to proceed. We recommend that you follow the Windy Point Ridge trail, this route provides as well marked trail. The more adventurous can explore the unsigned but more direct paths to the summit.
After a final steep approach you will reach the summit of the Windy Point. The views from Windy Point make the whole hike worth it (no offense to Foran Grade). Take in the views of the Rockies (particularly Mount Rose, Banded Peak and Threepoint Mountain) towering over the treed foothills to the west.
Returning home, there are many options: You could follow the our out route-back (suggested), or alternatively, at the Saddle head down the mountain on the marked Windy Ridge trail to link up with the highway (shorter). Finally, you can explore the many minor trails down.
Insider Hints for Foran Grade and Windy Point
- In the winter and early spring we recommend bringing microspikes as there may be residual snow and ice in the upper elevations.
- In the summer you can park higher up on Sheep River trail (park right before the road takes a left heading west) to cut off 1.5 km from the route.
- If you are looking for more scenery from the off you can walk along the Sheep River from the the Sandy McNab day use area connection withing our trail as the river and road converge.
Getting to the Foran Grade and Windy Point Trailhead
Closure of the winter gate forced our start at the inter gate closure at Sandy McNab day use area on Highway 546. Take highway 546 west from Turner Valley, and park either along the highway in the Winter or in the day use area in the summer.
Route Information
When to do:
Accessible Year Round - May -October suggested
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Foran Grade and Windy Point Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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