Blackshale Suspension Bridge Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Blackshale Suspension Bridge
The hike is accessible from the highway but is not clearly marked. Those doing the longer route can cross the highway at the Black Prince parking lot and find the trailhead, but those doing this shorter route will need to look out for a trail starting directly from the roadside. There is a small social distancing sign at the trailhead but no official signage, so we recommend dropping a maps pin or using GPS coordinates to find the trailhead. If all else fails, keep an eye out for cars parked on the side of the road.
This is a great family-friendly hike with little effort required, and the bridge is a unique feature with an exciting view. Once you’ve found the trailhead, it’s only a quick 450 m or so until you reach the bridge with very minimal elevation gain. The bridge itself is lovely, with mountain and forest views on all sides. Take a peek over the side at Blackshale Creek—if you dare! Those who don’t like heights will appreciate the handrails.
After crossing the bridge, continue on the obvious trail back to the highway.
Find other amazing hikes in Kananaskis Country
- Kananaskis - Smith Dorrien Trail: Chester Lake, Tent Ridge, Burstall Pass, West Wind Pass and Rummel Lake.
- Bragg Creek and Sheep River Provincial Park: Prairie Mountain, Powderface Ridge, Nihahi Ridge and ForgetMeNot Ridge.
- Kananaskis Trail: Troll Falls, Rawson Lake, Wasootch Ridge, Sarrail Ridge and Pocaterra Ridge.
Insider Hints for Blackshale Suspension Bridge
- The longer route from Black Prince is 6 km with 1093ft of elevation gain, making it a great choice for those wanting to lengthen their day a bit. Just park at the Black Prince parking lot and cross the highway to the trailhead.
- We love this hike when the wildflowers are in season
- Note that the bridge is closed in the winter
Getting to the Blackshale Suspension Bridge Trailhead
From Calgary, head west on Highway 1 until you reach the exit for Highway 40. Continue on Highway 40 for 59.1 km, then turn right onto Highway 742. The hike begins just past the Peninsula day use area turnoff.Route Information for Blackshale Suspension Bridge
When to do:
May-October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit
Blackshale Suspension Bridge Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Blackshale Suspension Bridge
Easy, family-friendly trail with fantastic wildflowers and mountain views. There's a short loop for those who want to enjoy the bridge.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
You can take a peek over the side at Blackshale Creek. Amazing view of the mountains when you're at the bridge. It's not good but not bad either.
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- Physical Difficulty
Great views through a simple walk. You can see the forest and the peaking mountains. Very thrilling and exciting for the children.
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Beautiful hike with little effort required. Lovely view of the wildflowers. The bridge is also remarkable.
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- Physical Difficulty
Very nice trail. The bridge route was very scenic. Very beautiful anywhere we looked!
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- Physical Difficulty
Very simple and fun. Crossing the bridge felt great. Glad there weren't too many people on the trail.
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- Physical Difficulty
The temperature was so warm. It was fun crossing the bridge. Really exciting as I don't always get to cross a suspension bridge very often.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
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