Devon Hills & Drills Backpack Conditioning Hike - Wed, May 25 2022

Devon Hills & Drills Backpack Conditioning Hike (5/25/2022)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Town of Devon
Date(s) & Time:Wed, May 25 2022  6:30 PM
Registration Cut Off: Wed, May 25 2022 5:30:00 PM
Event Duration:2 Hours, plus travel time
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Event Coordinator(s): Mark G
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Member Cost:Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 18 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 11 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:
We will meet at 6:30 PM at the boat launch (directions below). This walk will be at a brisk pace.

There are lots of hill trails, stairs, and single track trails located in the North Saskatchewan River Valley around Devon, so we will go and check them out!

The event begins at the parking lot by the boat launch at Devon, on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River.
The trails are accessed to the east of the parking lot, and begin by following the river bank for a short distance. Then it gets interesting....

I have classed this hike as "moderate to difficult" because there are a lot of steep sections where the trail rises and descends (including a tough section of switchbacks), which will prove challenging to many of us, but we will prevail!

We will pass by the golf course and campground below, before climbing back up again. There are even some "mini-hoodoos" to admire!
We will then follow a scenic ravine to its southern end, before turning back, and linking up with a lower route towards the river.
Having walked along the riverside, we will reach the water treatment plant.
From that point, we will climb again and reach the "tougher" sections for a second time.
Once we have covered this part, it will then be a relatively straightforward walk back to the cars.

Bring some snacks or sugar if you need some to keep your energy going!
Dogs are permitted on this event, but just a reminder (for dogs and humans alike) that this is a longer/tougher hike than other ones I tend to organize!

Please note that proper hiking footwear with good support and grip is essential, as some sections are steep and challenging, especially if underfoot conditions are wet and/or slippery.

Also please note that this is a group hike - therefore "superfast hikers" should be prepared to wait for the group as a whole throughout the whole hike.
If you're not prepared to do this, then this will not be the event for you.

Similarily - "less than superfast hikers" - please find the time to get some training hikes in before this one, so that you are not "caught cold" doing this one!

In summary, this is not an easy hike - there are lots of significant gradients throughout the whole hike and you will get a good workout! However, it is a very scenic area and well worth visiting.


Required Items to Bring:

  • ESSENTIAL: good clothing and footwear for the conditions.
  • Water
  • snacks
  • Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Hiking poles
  • Backpack for training!

  • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:Meet at 6:30 PM at the boat launch at Devon on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River.
    To get to Devon, follow Hwy 60 south from Edmonton and take the first turn into Devon south of the bridge.
    Take the first left, then left again, and go down the hill to the river bank.
    We will meet at the boat launch car park area, towards its right side vehicle parking area near washrooms.


    Notes:

    - We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in EOC events.
    - Please scroll through and read the entire online waiver when you sign up.
    - Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.

     
    Voluntary Donation:What is this?)
    Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
    Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!