The Best Trail Running Routes in Alberta

The route begins at Forget-Me-Not parking lot. You'll have a bit of time to warm up. As you run along part of the big elbow loop, you will start to climb your first peak: Mount Glasgow....

You can go either direction on this loop, although I prefer to head to Three Isle Lake and go that direction. The trail starts off nice and wide and progresses to a nice soft backcountry trail....

This hike or run is ranked as difficult due to the distance. The terrain is very straightforward and low hazard. The distance is where you might struggle. The trail starts off and gradually climbs up, and after a while in the trees, you will pass a nice little creek area where you will start to see Castle mountain right above you....

With 1000m of rugged vertical delivered within the first 5km, this race really is Canada's toughest 10K. Starting in picturesque Downtown Blairmore, this race takes you across the Crowsnest River within the first KM, where you'll immediately start the 1000m climb up Bluff Mountain....

Heart Mountain is a difficult scramble with route-finding, scree, and loose rock on top of rock slabs. It is technical footing and is very hard to keep balance. As you climb up, you go through steep sections and some rock where you need to actually climb up and over....

You will need two vehicles or prepare to run or walk the road back to the car. Once you leave the parking lot of the Fortress gas station, you will be climbing immediately....