Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop

Route Description for Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop

The Windy Ridge and Plains of Abraham Loop is an exciting hike with varied terrain. This trek feels truly remote in some parts and offers lots of challenges for a moderate hike. It feels like you’re getting up right next to a volcano on this trail- which you are!

We don’t recommend this hike for those who aren’t confident in their routefinding or who dislike high exposure. There is a section of trail that becomes very faint, and users report being led into an unsafe boulder canyon by accident. When you do find the faint trail, it takes you through a high, exposed trek on the side of a mountain that would likely feel very unsafe for some. Use your judgement and turn back if you’re uncomfortable.

Beginning from the Windy Ridge Interpretive Site, you’ll take the gravel Spirit Lake Iron Creek Road to where the trail splits. Most users prefer clockwise, so go left. You’ll navigate the steep, rocky terrain, making sure to watch for the game trail instead of taking the large boulders through a canyon. Loop around on Loowit Trail (keeping right) to pass beside Alpine Butte. Stay right to close the loop and return on the gravel road.