Backpack the Vision Quest Trail
Clearwater County, Alberta
Details
Distance
4.16 miles
Elevation Gain
2818 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Stephen Underhay
Distance: 6.1 miles (10 km) roundtrip (or more). Elevation gain: 2,620 ft (800 m). Amazing views of Abraham Lake. Steep initial hike and scrambling/ridge walk. Great backcountry camping.
This short, but steep hike includes a moderate scrambling section, leading to an open spine that becomes increasingly difficult. The views of Abraham Lake are well worth the uphill grind, however, and this makes for a great half-day or beautiful backcountry overnight trip.
About one third of the way up the trail you will reach a level area, which is said to have been a Stoney vision quest site, though this hasn't been confirmed. This is a great spot for a campsite, or you can continue climbing for higher views.
Once you get above the tree line, there is no longer a marked trail, allowing you to choose a route yourself. The final piece of the hike is a moderate scrambling section called the Buckle. At the top there are amazing river valley views, where you can appreciate the blue-green color of the mighty Abraham Lake.
If you choose to camp overnight and take in the amazing night skies over Clearwater County, be sure to stay alert to bears.
Getting there: Follow David Thompson Highway 11 for 82.6 miles (133 km) west of Rocky Mountain House, just east of the David Thompson Resort. Turn right onto a secondary road marked "Waste Transfer Station.” The trailhead is just to the right of the fence. Its GPS coordinates are 52°12'57.25"N 116°28'14.57"W.
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Backpack the Vision Quest Trail Reviews
There is no specific trail. Lots of the mountain is loose rock so footing is difficult at times. However this hike has the most incredible views of the mountains and Abraham lake
3.0
There is no specific trail. Lots of the mountain is loose rock so footing is difficult at times. However this hike has the most incredible views of the mountains and Abraham lake
3.0
Once you reach the cairns you can just keep going and exploring the ridge line - some exposed scrambles and steep slopes to traverse but it's a great walk for as long as you please! Unsure if it connects to Mt. Abraham, but if it did that would be a sweet adventure to loop the trails and abseil from Abraham summit. You can descend the way you came or cut left whenever you please. Skree ski your way down to the woods that eventually leads to a river. The river eventually crosses paths with a quad trail that goes all the way back to the car park
5.0
This is one of the best hikes I have ever done. It's not an easy trail, and most of it is straight up, but the view at the top in unbelievable. It's away from the popular places in Banff and Jasper, but well worth the drive up there. If you are looking for a photo op, I would recommend bringing a wide angle lens to capture all of Abraham Lake.
5.0
Vision quest is a must hike! All up steep rocky terrain with a wicked view of Abraham Lake all the way to the peak!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike Windy Point Ridge
Night Photography at Windy Point
Hike to Allstones Lake
Photograph Abraham Lake in the Winter
Hiking Mt. Ernest Ross
Siffleur Falls Trail
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