Coral Creek Canyon Backpacking (beginner-friendly) (6/8/2019)

If you are interested in attending, please place your name on the waiting list, and then fill out this Google Form.

Due to the modest distance and elevation gain, beginners with limited backpacking experience are very welcome to participate in this event. Please note that we will be camping on provincial crown land, and there will be no facilities (e.g. outhouses, picnic tables, bear poles/lockers, etc.) at our campsite. Everyone will be expected to adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace Camping.

Hiking to the Campsite: We will have a short hike (approx. 4 km one-way) to reach a suitable area that I have found where we can camp next to the Coral Canyon Creek, and we should be able to set up camp within approximately 1.5-2 hours.

We will begin our hike at the Coral Creek Staging Area, located along Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway) near where it crosses the Cline River. The main Coral Creek Canyon Trail reaches a viewpoint that offers a magnificent view over the Coral Creek Canyon. The trail then descends down from the top of the canyon into its floor, where we will camp on the flats next to the creek.

Day Hiking Options: After we set up camp, we will be able to consider options for day hiking in the area.

One option would be to consider hiking further down the Coral Creek. The creek flows through a long, relatively straight valley, and the Coral Creek Trail extends for 42 km into a remote wilderness area. The Coral Creek Trail is also part of a two day, 30 km Stelfox Backpacking Loop described in the "David Thompson Highway Hiking Guide".

If we hike further down the creek, we may be able to find waterfalls (including a triple punchbowl waterfall that flows into the creek). We may need to ford the creek while we are hiking, and for that reason I'm recommending that everyone brings waterproof shoes that can be used while day hiking.

Another day hiking option would be to ascend the Coral Ridge, which overlooks the area.

Getting There: We will leave at 7 AM on Saturday morning (June 8), allowing us to arrive at the trailhead by approximately noon. It should take us about 1.5-2 hours maximum to reach the campsite, allowing plenty of time to explore the area after setting up camp. On Sunday afternoon we will hike back to our cars, and then return to Edmonton.

Carpool: I would like to gather everyone’s input (via the Google Form) before finalizing carpool plans. My tentative plan is to designate a central meeting point (likely near a coffee shop) where the group can meet on Saturday morning. Alternatively, if participants are making their own arrangements to travel to the area, we can also meet at a location nearer to the trailhead. Because cellphone reception at the trailhead is limited, in case participants get lost on their way, or expect to arrive late, I would prefer that participants do meet up first at another suitable location near the trailhead where there is reception (e.g. in Nordegg).

Costs: We do not need to pay any camping fees, which means that travel costs are the only significant cost. The return distance from Edmonton to the trailhead is 690 km. The EOC’s standard carpool formula is $0.23 km (this assumes $0.14/km for gas, $0.09/km for car maintenance costs), for a total of approximately $159 per car. (This amount would be divided between drivers and passengers; this means that if a vehicle as 3 passengers plus gear, this works out to a cost of approximately $53 per person).

What to Bring: I am asking that everyone who is interested in attending fills out a Google Form that I have created. The purpose of this form is to provide me with information that I would like to have about everyone’s skill level and experience, as well as the gear that everyone is able to bring for the trip.

There are no limitations on the number of tents that we can bring. If anyone does not have access to a tent, or if anyone who has a tent is willing to share with someone else, please let me know through the Google Form.

There are no facilities in the area, which means that everyone will need to consider: (1) appropriate measures for storing their food/toiletries (I am planning to bring a bear- proof canister to store my own food) (2) appropriate measures for disposing of human waste. For convenience I recommend bringing a bear-proof cannister for food storage. However, an alternative option that would also be acceptable is to hang food on a rope that has been slung over a tree (in which case, participants will need to bring a rope/bear bag).

Suitable footwear for hiking is a must. I also recommend that everyone brings waterproof footwear (e.g. Crocs, or other water shoes), which may be useful in case we want to cross the Coral Creek at some point during our day hiking excursions.