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    Arethusa Ridge

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    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.
    2-2.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    5.4 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.
    352 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    10.0
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Arethusa Ridge

    Arethusa Cirque is a gem of a hike, being an overlooked neighbour to nearby Ptarmigan and Pocaterra Cirques. The views are especially spectacular in larch season, which takes place in

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    Route Description for Arethusa Ridge

    Arethusa Cirque is a great hike, but it has poor signage, and it steep in places, so while often recommended for children and families, it is a challenging hike.

    From the parking lot head off into the forest on a clear path. This hiking trail meanders through the forest while gaining altitude.

    Eventually you come to a small creek, and you want to go to your left. We prefer going clockwise around the cirque, as the challenging hill is easier to go up then come down. It can be tricky to get on the right path here, but the path will become clear quickly.

    The path goes over another creek and then start to rise, at one point up a very steep hillside where you’ll want to hold your children’s hands.

    Once at the top of this hill, you are above the tree line and you have fine views in all directions. This is a good place for a break, and if you look out you can see a faint trail going through the boulder field in the distance.

    Follow the path as it curves around to the right. The views are spectacular, though the trail can be hard to follow at times.

    Follow the trail as it goes into the boulder field and continue heading east. Eventually you come out of the boulder field, and come onto a small plateau. It’s easy to get mixed up here as the path is really hard to see, and some people have ended up on challenging terrain here. There is a clear path down from this little plateau and it takes you to a narrow creek bed.

    Follow the narrow creek bed beside a steep scree slope and cross and recross a small stream, until you come out into a little grassy area. From this grassy area continue ahead and you’ll soon rejoin the route you came in on.

    Insider Hints for Arethusa Ridge

    • Arethusa Cirque is one of the best larch hikes in the Canadian Rockies. The colours and views are spectacular.
    • Route finding on this trail can be challenging, and it seems we regularly meet other hikers who are lost. It’s best to have a GPS app on your smartphone to help you follow the route.

    Getting to the Arethusa Ridge Trailhead

    From the Stoney Nakoda Casino on the TransCanada, take Highway 40 south for roughly 69.0 km. Drive past Highwood Pass and roughly 1.7 km past you’ll see a dirt track on your left which leads to a dirt parking lot. This is the Arethusa Cirque Parking lot.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      July-October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Arethusa Ridge Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Arethusa Ridge Reviews

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