Calgary 
The Sheep River Valley is part of the Rocky Mountain foothills’ more rugged landscapes.
The Sheep River flows into southwestern Alberta from the Bow River watershed. The river is narrow and shallow, but the waters can move with mighty force during spring runoff. One of the easiest ways to explore the Sheep River Valley is to spend at Sheep River Provincial Park.
Part of Kananaskis Country, the Provincial Park is surrounded by the Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park, making the area quiet and peaceful. Camping is available, too, including sites for equestrian riders and their horses.
Sheep River Provincial Park is a hiker’s dream. The park has an extensive trail network with excellent scenery of forests, mountains, and rolling hills. These trails are multi-use, too! Some allow hiking, biking, and equestrian riding.
Trails at Sheep River Provincial Park
Follow the Sandy McNabb Interpretive Trail
This is one of the simpler hikes in the park at a 1.7km loop. The hike offers viewpoints and interpretive signage to help you learn about the area’s rich history. Find the trailhead at the Sandy McNabb Interpretive Trail parking lot on Highway 546. This trail is for hiking only. Directions
The Bluerock Interpretive Trail
This hiking-only trail’s head is found on the west side of the Bluerock Campground. The hike is 4km it total (2km one-way), and leads you through a wide variety of scenery, including an abandoned sawmill. Directions
Biking or Hiking the Green Mountain Trail
This trail follows the summits of Green Mountain, Mt. Dyson, and Mt. McNabb. The trail makes gentle inclines and declines as you travel past meadows and fields of wildflowers. The trailis 3.5km one-way, and you’ll need to park at the Sheep Falls day use area. From here, connect to the Green Mountain Trail with the Sheep Trail.
Horseback Riding on the Sheep Trail
A large number of Sheep River’s trails permit horseback riding. And with a horse, you can travel much farther in a shorter amount of time. This is a perfect opportunity to see as much of the scenic Sheep River Valley as possible. The Sheep Trail is 45km one-way, and you can begin at the park’s different day use areas. Those which connect to the Sheep Trail include Sandy McNabb, Indian Oils, Sheep Falls, and Junction Creek.
No matter how you explore the Sheep Trail, be sure to stop by and cross over the Sheep River Bridge. From here, you get gorgeous views of the small canyon and powerful river.
Chasing Sheep Falls
One of the park’s day-use areas, Sheep Falls, will put you directly beside the waterfall of the same name. Also in the area are picnic tables, washrooms, and trailheads.
If you want more of a challenge before your waterfall views, you can take the Sheep Trail about 4.5km out from the Sheep River Bridge. Near the junction of three other trails, you can view the Dyson Falls. It is a narrow but tall set of falls.
Camping at Sheep River
There are two equestrian campgrounds at Sheep River Provincial Park, and regular campgrounds. Both the Bluerock and the Sandy McNabb Equestrian campgrounds are first-come, first-served (FCFS) and open from spring to fall.
The Bluerock and Sandy McNabb campgrounds are both seasonal and open from spring to fall as well. Sandy McNabb campsites must be booked in advance, while Bluerock sites are FCFS.
Camping at any of these sites will mean access to vault toilets, firepits, and picnic tables at each site.
Planning your Trip: Sheep River Provincial Park
What: Sheep River Provincial Park follows the Sheep River Valley on the north and south sides. Beyond the park is the Bluerock Wildland and Kananaskis Public Land Use Zone. This is a wilder, more remote part of the Rocky Mountains with less tourism activity than most other areas. The park offers camping, hiking, cycling, and fishing and is set up for equestrian use. Many of the trails permit horseback riding, while two campgrounds offer hitching posts and corrals. The area’s history can be explored via interpretive trails and signage: the rich history includes logging and mining stories.
You can only access the Sandy McNabb Trailhead Day use area in the winter. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and ice skating.
Location and how to get there: 25km west of Diamond Valley, about 100km southwest of Calgary.
Best time to go: Vehicle access and camping are April-October.
Winter access is only available at the Sandy McNabb Trailhead day use area. From here, Highway AB-546 is closed to vehicles in the winter. However, you are able to cross-country ski around the entire park.
Cost:
Admission: Kananaskis Country Pass
Camping: $31-$46 per night
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