Exploring Burstall Pass

Head to the northwest corner of the parking lot to find the trail. For the first 5.5 km the trail is quite easy, with only modest elevation increase. At 5.5 km you will arrive at what is known as the gravel flats. Depending on the time of year the gravel flats can be either quite dry or a wide, shallow river.

You can stop here, or do a bit of route finding to get to the trail on the other side of Burstall Creek. If you decide to wade through the water bring an extra pair of socks or take off your shoes!

Once you find the trail, which is marked by signs throughout the wide creek bed, the trail starts to gain elevation a bit quicker than the first section of the hike. From the gravel flats to the summit it's only about another hour to hour and a half.

Enjoy the view from the summit of the pass and consider having lunch there, the views will not disappoint!

To get to the trailhead, drive west on Hwy 1 out of Calgary for 86km. Take exit 98 onto Three Sisters Pkwy and follow as it quickly turns into Smith Dorrien Trail or Hwy 742, which you follow 48km until you reach the trailhead.