Nihahi Ridge Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Nihahi Ridge
From the car, take the gravel road that follows the Elbow River until you exit the campground. You should now see signage marking the trail to the right. The start of the hike will take you through beautiful forest full of spruce and fir before exposing a grassy meadow with its gorgeous wild flowers after about 45 minutes.
Looking west across the meadow we can see the ridge, follow the established trail as it loops through the trees as you begin to gain elevation. Don’t forget to look down as trail turns to the rock of the ridge, as the views down of the Little Elbow River Valley are spectacular.
As you work your way up the ridge, the trail will become more steep and more dangerous. There is a brief section of guard fencing to ensure you stay on the trail. Before long as you quickly gain altitude, you will reach a large buttress which marks the end of the official trail. At this point we recommend you take it all in, savor the views and head back using the same trail.
Insider Hints for Nihahi Ridge
- For those expert hikers, there is the opportunity to summit the ridge, in which you will face two short but technical scrambles, this part of the hike is technically beyond most hikers.
- This is a very popular hike, we recommend starting early to beat the crowds.
Getting to the Nihahi Ridge Trailhead
Take Highway 66 until it terminates (about 40 minutes from Calgary). Be aware that this road is closed from Dec. 1 to May 15. Park at the Little Elbow Campground.Route Information for Nihahi Ridge
When to do:
May 15 - October
Backcountry Campsites:
Yes
Toilets:
Yes
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate to High
Route Type:
Out and back
Nihahi Ridge Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Nihahi Ridge
Much tougher than expected, because of crowds, had to park FAR away, and trail along river add many kms. Couple great viewpoints along ridge, then quick easy but steep scramble near peak. The actual peak is at least 15min further than shown, about 1/3 along ridge. DO NOT go when its windy or icy.
- Trip Length
- 05:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Gorgeous hike but I'm glad I got an early start. The way down was the busiest trail I've ever experienced. If you're going on a weekend go early and you'll be fine
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Beautiful Hike. Feels very secluded, we only saw a couple of people on our way down. Plenty of great photo opportunities as well as some steep sections to challenge your hiking skill. Easy to miss the path back on your descent, make a note when ascending of where you come from after the railing section (We missed it on the way down and found another group who had as well).
- Trip Length
- 02:36
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
I'd say bring your bikes to cruise through the campground faster and lock em to a tree, but my girlfriend and I had a great time out here. You can kind of choose how far along the ridge you climb. The views are awesome the whole way. She's not a big scrambler so we didn't summit the somewhat intimidating-looking buttress, but still a great one.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Sensational scenery of wildflowers and green meadows.
- Trip Length
- 03:30
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The grassy meadow looks spectacular. It was a great experience.
- Trip Length
- 03:15
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Very scenic but heavily trafficked. Easy access to restrooms and lots of nice spots to rest and enjoy some picnic.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It's fun to do this hike, you will experience beautiful Canadian nature, adventure and endless spectacular views.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Great little walk along the grassy meadow. Went there a few months ago and there were very few people. Enjoyed taking pictures of the river valley.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
The valley was gorgeous with its flowering trees, lush green meadows, and staggeringly gorgeous views.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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