Spray Loop
Posted on March 23, 2011 by Scott in hiking
A pleasant 11.5 km loop with views of the Spray River and the long ridge of Mount Rundle. It is an easy trail following old fire roads that you will share with mountain bikers. In winter it’s groomed and trackset with tracks on either side leaving space for you to walk in the middle. It can get very icy, so hiking poles are in order. The only day hike in the Banff area that can be accessed by public transportation.
THE TRAILHEAD
Cross the bridge over the Bow River at the south end of Banff Avenue. Turn left. Keep left at the next traffic light and drive to the Banff Springs Hotel. Keep right around the traffic circle and pass under the bridge. Follow the road, bearing right past the staff parking, to its end at Spray River trailhead parking.
If you are in Banff without your own transportation you can ride the Banff Public Transit bus to the Banff Springs Hotel. Check with your hotel or the Information Centre for routes and schedules.
THE TRAIL
- Follow the wide trail on the west side of the Spray River through spruce and pine forest to a trail junction at 0.7 km. The trail to the left leads down to the river and will be your return route.
- Keep straight ahead for now. Just after the top of the first climb look for a horse trail to the left. It makes a pleasant alternative to the fire road for the next kilometre. At a junction near the river, keep right and climb back up to the fire road.
- The road finally descends, and the forest opens up to allow views of the river and the long ridge of Mount Rundle to your left. Arrive at a junction and picnic area. The trail straight ahead continues up the Spray River valley.
- Turn left toward the river and descend a few feet to the bridge. Beyond the bridge, the trail climbs gently for the next three kilometres, passing Mount Rundle campsite after about half a kilometre.
- Keep your eyes open for a trail sign on your left indicating the start of Old Quarry Loop.
- Turn left and follow the trail as it traverses down across a steep bank toward the river. You can see the bridge downstream that you will be crossing shortly. A couple of switchbacks bring you down to river level where the trail follows the river edge to the bridge.
- Cross the bridge and climb the bank to the trail junction 0.7 km from the start. Turn right to return to the trailhead.
