Centennial Ridge Trail

This trail has two approaches. The southern approach shown here on the map is accessed from Ribbon Creek Road branching from Centennial Drive to Nakiska, just off highway 40. The Centennial Ridge Trail is combined with Hidden Trail for the first half-kilometer, and crosses the Coal Mine Trail. Signs are posted at most intersections but are sometimes unclear; a rule of thumb is to keep left after both of the first two puzzled pauses. The trail climbs steeply through an evergreen woodland followed by stunted poplar and continues along a series of switchbacks on a meadowed hillside. The variety of scenery, both natural and man-made, along this trail is remarkable. It had rained hard the night before my hike and at 6:30 a.m. the mist was wafting up from the valley towards the clear blue sky. As I climbed, clouds of mist scuttled up the slopes, sometimes enveloping me in a secluded, ascending remove. This sense was shattered by several helicopter flybys and in the afternoon the mist had been replaced with views of highways and condos, a golf course, ski resort, old clearcuts and the sprawling town of Canmore. The exhilarating elevation gain, abundant wildlife including elk, pikas, marmots and peregrine falcons, as well as the colourful alpine flora and lichens, varied mountain panorama and striking rock formations combine to make this a worthwhile, if not too remote, hiking experience.