Bow River Loop
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General Area
Valley floor walk along the milky-blue Bow River. Mount Temple views, no shuttle required. Good warm-up or recovery option.
Quiet compared to the lakeshore trails. Village trailhead - no shuttle needed. West side seasonally closed for grizzly activity.
West side closed May 15–Oct 15. Walk the east bank out-and-back during closure. Open and usually clear from late April.
Read the full guide in Field Notes
A gentle, scenic loop that follows the milky-blue waters of the Bow River. This is the ideal choice for a low-effort recovery walk or for those wanting to explore the valley floor.
The Route Visit
The trail begins at the Bow River parking lot near the train station. It follows both banks of the river, connected by two sturdy bridges. The path is wide, flat, and mostly forested.
- Wildlife Corridor: The west side of the loop passes through a critical wildlife corridor and is often closed in the summer to protect Grizzly bears.
- River Views: Enjoy the constant sound of the rushing river and views of Mount Temple and the Slate Range.
Safety & Logistics
- Seasonal Closures: Check for "Wildlife Corridor" closure signs. If the west side is closed, the hike becomes an out-and-back on the east bank.
- Bear Spray: Even on the valley floor, you are in bear country. Always carry bear spray.
Photography Tips
- Mount Temple: The river provides a great foreground for shots of Mount Temple's massive north face.
- Glacial Water: Capture the distinct "rock flour" color of the Bow River in the midday sun.