Vision Quest Ridge Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
700 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead
Vision Quest Ridge Trail

The Vision Quest Ridge hike near David Thompson Hwy is a short challenging hike. The trail up is quite steep, but the views once you go above the treeline are breathtaking! This trail also leads to the site that is believed to have held a spiritual meaning to former inhabitants of the surrounding areas.

Download the 10Adventures App

View Vision Quest Ridge Trail on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Vision Quest Ridge Trail

The Vision Quest Ridge hike might seem easy by just looking at the numbers, but don’t be fooled. This trail is quite steep and the terrain here is quite difficult, so come prepared: hiking boots with good grip and ankle support is a must and we strongly advise on wearing hiking gloves and having poles with you.

After parking your car near the Cline waste transfer site, you’ll see the trailhead looking towards the north along the fence. The elevation will increase steadily all the way to the top and you will notice that very early into your scramble. The terrain here is difficult and you will be walking mainly on shale rock and rubble.

It won’t take you long to leave the tree line (around 15 minutes of hiking) and stunning views to Lake Abraham and the surrounding areas will open up. These views will lead you all the way to the top! The visible path will end here, and from now on you will have to choose the path yourself. Just aim to follow the ridgeline.

Soon you will see the fake summit in front of you. As you approach, the view to the real summit will open too, but not until almost reaching the top of the fake summit.

Once at the top of the false summit, you will see the even plot of land where you can rest a little (or put a tent!) and the real summit won’t look too far away from here. Lots of hikers chose to end their scramble here. Don’t forget to sign into the summit register!

The path to the real summit is quite the challenge and is advised for experienced scramblers only, so be careful when deciding on whether your final destination of the scramble is the real or fake summit.

Retrace your footsteps back once you’ve reached the top (regardless if it’s fake or real summit). Be very careful, as the descent will put up even more challenge – it’s almost impossible not to slip on slate rock and rubble.

Insider Hints for Vision Quest Ridge Trail

  • Stay at Aurum Lodge or one of the numerous campsites along the Abraham Lake
  • Arriving from Calgary? Make your way through Icefields Parkway instead of Red Deer – the distance is similar, but Icefields Parkway is way more scenic!
  • Here’s the secret – what is called the ‘real summit’ on this hike is actually not that ‘real’! There are at least 10 summits along this ridge and some very experienced scramblers go even further. This trail is very long, unmarked and gives the new meaning to the word ‘challenging’ on the Vision Quest Ridge’s hike.

Getting to the Vision Quest Ridge Trail Trailhead

From David Thompson Resort, go north until you reach a small road on your left. Take this turn and drive until you reach the waste transfer site, where you can leave your car.

Route Information

  • When to do

    May - October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Vision Quest Ridge Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Vision Quest Ridge Trail Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs