Coral Ridge

Route Description for Coral Ridge

Although the Coral Ridge scramble is on the easier side, be aware that most of the time the trail is not clear, so get your navigation senses ready! Some alternative ascending or descending paths might be steeper than expected, so come prepared. Don’t forget to cover your shins as some light bushwhacking is involved too, but once you reach the ridge, it will become easier to navigate, as the route will get on your plain sight.

The trail starts at Coral Creek White Goat Staging Area. The beginning part of the route is shared with the Coral Creek Trail for about 3.2 km. This route is popular among horse riders and it’s hard to mix it up, as it’s very obvious.

Follow this trail for some time parallel to Cline River a bit further on your left, until the path takes a sharp turn right along the Coral Creek. Soon you will see the flagged trees on your right marking a small path separating up towards the ridge with some cairns here too. If you can’t see anything like that along your route, you can take an alternate path from the overlook of the gorge, which can be found around 4.0 km from the trailhead. From the overlook, there’s an unclear path to the right, going up the ridge.

Regardless of which path you take, continue straight either looking for cairns or some small hints of the trail. Don’t get scared when (or ‘if’) all traces of trail disappear – try to ascend towards the ridge, keeping its east side on your right-hand side.

Once the forest thins out, you will see the ridge in its full beauty in front of you. From now on the navigating will get easier – just aim to reach the ridge crest and stay on top of it. The trail here is rocky and some parts may require you to use your hands, but it’s relatively easy to scramble all the way to the top.

Observe the views surrounding you, from the stunning Canadian Rockies to amazing Abraham Lake below. You will find yourself approaching the Mt Stelfox. The end of the ridge will get you quite close to it! If you are looking for a nice spot for a picnic, we advise you take a break before reaching the very top, as the summit of the ridge only offers the view to Mt Stelfox and surrounding few peaks, leaving the most beautiful vistas behind you.

Retrace your footsteps back the same way you came.

Insider Hints for Coral Ridge

• If you feel like you are on the right path, you can put together a cairn or two along the trail for fellow hikers who are going to attempt to summit the Coral Ridge in the future!
• Take a walk all the way to Coral Creek Gorge overlook – the views here are stunning!