[twitter]Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park [map] Trail Lengths: 2.3 km – 25 km
Elevation Gain: 120m
Age Appropriate: Hiking 4+, Cycling 6+

Opened August 9, 2011, Glenbow Ranch is Alberta’s newest Provincial Park. The land was acquired from the Harvie family and is in part still a working ranch (so watch out for cattle and horses).

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park tells the story of Alberta. It is wide open grasslands, wandering waterways, secluded coulees, native and historic archaeological sites, small towns, big industry, ranching, and recreation all rolled into one. Alberta’s philanthropic spirit initiated this Legacy. The generosity and determination of the community will see it grow to benefit us all.

The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation exists to support the responsible development of Park infrastructure and programming. Together with the Government of Alberta, the Foundation encourages residents and visitors to appreciate the beauty, and to contribute toward the protection of this environmentally and historically significant area. [source]

There are a number of trails, some paved some not paved. Some are designated no bikes. Picnic areas and viewpoints dot the landscape.

There are a couple of 2-3k loops you can do in the park, just know that you start at the top of a hill and head down it to get to the trails. If you want to stretch your hike out, there’s more than 25 km of trails to explore in every direction. Just remember: at the end of your hike, you’ve got to climb back up.

It’s also a great place to take the kids and their bikes as much of the park has paved trails that run down along the Bow River. Again, be warned that the downhill hill karma at the beginning becomes an uphill trudge at the end.