Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park March 6, 2025

The only debate I had this morning was which boots should I wear!  Do I go for the winter hiking boots for warmth, waterproof and to safely trudge through ice, slush and snow or do I opt for my regular hiking boots!  I laced up my regular hiking boots, packed my spikes in my pack and headed out the door for the drive west to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.  The early on trails were clear and dry which I assumed they would be, it was the trails down by the river that I expected to be on the sketchy side.  These assumptions were made from past years' visits here in early March.  

early on trails as I assumed they would be

on guard as I hiked by

This was about as sketchy as it got with snow on the lower trails heading towards the river.  From here I could see the river  which is that small blue section in the middle of the photo. The Rocky Mountains line the westerly view.  I thoroughly enjoyed my stay out there last week.  I am already itching to head somewhere again but that will have to wait.   

It was along here where I thought I might need my winter hiking boots!  The entire trail was clear of snow,  ice and slush.  It was when I veered off trail and meandered down towards the river where conditions changed. 

There would  be no going further on the trail through the trees out to the river.  There are nice spots to sit out there and watch the river run by. The only tracks on the snow covered ice belong to wildlife. 

You can see the faint trail I followed in the grass on the right.  

Bald Eagle

Common Redpoll

It may not look like it, but it is a long way down from where I am standing to the river below.  I hiked the entire Bow River Loop.  My favourite part was along the river where I had views like this.  The sound of the river running, blue sky, the fresh air, a slight breeze, the vistas, sunshine, thirteen kilometres covered!   

Aaaah!

Just living life!