Jumpingpound Trail

Posted March 20th, 2007 by Chris

Distance:

9.7 km

Difficulty:

Easy

Elev. gain:

90 meters

Time required:

2 - 4 hours

Bikes permitted:

Yes

Dogs permitted:

Yes

Download GPX | Download KML

Directions to trail head

This hike is generally considered to start at the Pine Top Recreation Area. Take Highway #1 west 16 kilometres from the intersection of Highways #1 and #22. Turn off at the Sibbald Creek Trail exit and head south for approximately 12.5 kilometres. Park at the Pine Top Recreation Area which is at Waypoint #99. There are several points, including the points at which the trail crosses the highway, at which you can get onto the trail. You will note that I started in the picnic site at Waypoint #89 which is approximately 2 kilometres further down Highway #68. This one can be viewed at Everytrail but due to Everytrail technical difficulties the gps download at Everytrail is not working so use the gps file attached to this post.

Hazards on trail

There are no real hazards on this trail but until they clean it up in the spring there are a shocking number of trees that have fallen on this trail. The first time I tried this trail there was fresh heavy snow and I could not find sections of the trail. It is fine now but there are a lot of trees to climb over and around.

Hike Description

I was surprised how much I liked this hike. I usually find that hikes that are near group camping areas are a little disappointing. This hike starts out rolling along the creek and then opens up into a meadow with a good view of the surrounding mountains. Once you cross highway 68 at waypoint #93 you begin a gradual climb parallel to the highway. The maximum height is about 70 metres above the highway at waypoint #96 with a nice view of PineTop Hill. From waypoint #96 it is a gradual downhill to the highway at waypoint #98. Most of the hike is sheltered and there are a few nice spots for a lunch along the trail including the picnic and group camping areas.

The GPS track for this hike can be downloaded via the file attached to this post. Go to the "About" page for directions prior to download or use of this data. Please submit your feedback and let me know your thoughts on the hike. If you have the the GPS data for other hikes in Alberta please send it along with a couple pictures to chris[at]hikealberta[dot]com.