Alberta's Kananaskis District is home to the Black Shell Suspension Bridge, which is located on the southern portion of the 80-kilometre High Rockies Trail that runs from the Goat Creek parking area above Canmore to Elk Pass on the border with British Columbia. The addition of the suspension bridge increases the fun factor for hikers and mountain bikers alike, and provides a more direct route along the High Rockies Trail.
There are two ways to hike to Blackshale Suspension Bridge – the longer official 6.0km return hike starting from the car park at Black Prince Cirque and the short and quick 1.0km return hike from the Smith Dorrien Way. However, this ride is unique and will be loved by people of all ages.
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Blackshale Suspension Bridge Elevation in Kananaski Summary
Allow: You need to Kananaskis Conservation Trail. The cost is $15 per day, or $90 for a year – this covers two cars registered at the same address. It is best to purchase online, although you can purchase in person on Interstate 40 at the Visitor Information Center in Kananaskis.
distance: 6.0 km return from Black Prince Cirque parking lot and only 1.1 km return if you start from the side of the road Smith Doreen Road To the south.
Height gain: 330 m or 1,083 feet
Time needed: About 1.5 – 2 hours.
Difficulty level: easy
a map: Jewel Trek Kananaskis Lakes or Organic maps As an offline hiking app. I recommend both.
be ready: Blackshale Suspension Bridge is located on High Rocky Mountain Trail – which are shared with mountain bikers. You may need to jump to the side of the track quickly.
Cell service: Don't rely on any service after you pass the turn off to Nakiska Ski Resort.
Dogs: Allowed on leash.
Wildlife: We have seen moose and grizzly bears in the general area of the bridge in the summer. Be smart and carry bear spray with ease. If you see new droppings, make a lot of noise.
weather: Check the Kananaskis forecast before you go.
please: Practice Leave no trace Principles and bearing Hiking basicsEver had an easy upgrade like this.
Site Map
Background on Blackshale Suspension Bridge
The Blackshale Suspension Bridge is a 73 m (240 ft) rope bridge built for 'Providing a special on-road experience and allowing users to cross the creek directly instead of detouring around the steep creek bed– According to McElhanney, the company that provided the structural design for the bridge.
The Blackshale Suspension Bridge is closed in the winter because the weight of the snow can be a problem, especially after a big storm. Strut cables were added to improve the stability of the bridge when exposed to high winds.
Best time to hike the Blackshale Suspension Bridge
The best time to visit Blackshale Suspension Bridge if you want to walk or bike across the bridge is in the late spring, summer and fall. Once snow arrives, Alberta Parks closes the bridge, although you wouldn't know it from the busy path across it.
Check on Warnings and Closings by Peter Lougheed Before you head to Kananaskis, if necessary have a photo of yourself on the bridge.
Find the main hiking trail on the official Blackshale Suspension Bridge
There are no public transport options to get to Blackshale Suspension Bridge – either by official or unofficial route.
Drive south on Highway 40 from the Trans-Canada Highway. You'll pass the Kananaskis Visitor Information Center in about 10 minutes – so stop here if you need a Kananaskis Reserve Card or a pee break. You Check cell reception Shortly after passing the information centre, so you will not be able to buy a ticket online at that point.
From there, it takes 45 minutes by car.
- Stay on Highway 40 to reach Kananaskis Lakes Trail AB 742. Turn right and follow it for 2.2 km.
- Turn right onto Smith-Dorrien Road – which becomes a dusty dirt road in the summer. Stay on it for 8.4 km.
- Turn left onto the signed Black Prince Cirque Trail. Drive 300 meters to reach the car park.
- To get to the trailhead, you can return to the Smith Dorrien Trail, cross it and look for a sign for the High Rockies Trail to the left in the woods.
If you have the time I highly recommend the easy 2 hour return Trip to Lake Warspite From the car park before or after hiking the Blackshale Suspension Bridge.
This is the most popular height of the Blackshale Suspension Bridge because it is so short. Although the path is not marked, so you will need to take a closer look at it Location on Google Maps. There are usually cars parked on the side of the road, but be careful as there are other unmarked trails in Kananaskis County.
Park your car on the side of the road next to a narrow crevice with two dirt tracks on either side. The hike is on a circular path, so you can take any path up to the bridge. From the road it only takes 10 to 15 minutes on foot to reach the bridge.
Official description of the Blackshale Suspension Bridge hike
After returning to Smith-Dorrien Road, cross the highway with caution as vehicles travel on this road. Look for the High Rockies Trail sign on the other side of the road. Hike through the trees to meet the High Rockies Trail after 400 metres. Signs direct you to the Blackshale Suspension Bridge.
Follow the trail as it weaves through the forest, gaining and losing elevation regularly. There is a total elevation gain of 330 metres, but it is never a long climb. It's like a little rollercoaster.
There are a few openings along the trail that provide great views of the mountains.
In winter, there is one short corridor to cross (27 steps for me) and it can be done in about 7 seconds. There wasn't much snow when we made the trip in mid-February, so I wasn't worried about an avalanche. However, I would avoid it after a big snow storm.
You know you're just seconds away from reaching the Blackshale Suspension Bridge when you see a sign that says Busy Area. Honestly, the area around the suspension bridge seems too crowded to me at peak times, so if you're like me go early or late in the day or visit in the off-season. winter.
Black Shell Suspension Bridge rules
The Blackshale Suspension Bridge gets very crowded in the summer and fall – and from what I've heard there can be queues of people. Be patient and be polite.
The bridge is designed to support a certain weight. To be on the safe side, stay away from the bridge when there are 20 people on it.
There is no right of way per se for mountain bikers, but if you see one, let them pass so they can continue their ride without being stopped for selfies. Again – just be polite and patient.
Where to stay in Kananaskis County?
If you have the budget I recommend the neighborhood Engadine mountain descent And their wonderful tents. Although their prices seem high, they include three meals a day and a plate of grilled meat in the afternoon.
Other options near Nakiska ski area are Kananaskis Mountain Lodge Or the Kananaskis Wilderness Lodge.
Other excellent options that kids will likely love are the teepees and fisherman tents located on the property Sundance by Basecamp Near the entrance to Kananaskis Village.
More activities you'll love in the Kananaskis area
Day Tours in Kananaskis
Backpacking trips in Kananaskis
Camping in Kananaskis
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