Kelsey’s Trans Canada Trail: Mountain Biking on the High Rockies Trail

Written by Kelsey Olsen

I’ve always admired the daring people who set out on a trail with their mountain bikes, helmets and an adventurous attitude, but I’ve never been one of them — until recently. The scenic High Rockies Trail was beckoning on a sunny autumn afternoon, and I couldn’t resist.  

The westernmost section of the Trans Canada Trail in Alberta traverses some of the prettiest scenery in the Alberta Rocky Mountains, and while you can hike it, it’s best experienced from the seat of a mountain bike. Even though my partner, Garrett, and I had only tried mountain biking a couple of times, we set out on one of the most scenic sections of the High Rockies Trail with an adventurous attitude and all the protective gear we could round up. I was feeling a little nervous, but I did my best to embody the persona of a confident mountain biker.  

The 80-kilometer High Rockies Trail connects Alberta with British Columbia, passing through three provincial parks in the Kananaskis region of Alberta: Peter Lougheed, Spray Valley and Goat Creek. The diverse terrain surrounding the trail takes you through lush forests, alongside turquoise mountain lakes, and even across a suspension bridge. While I wasn’t ready to tackle the entire trail as a beginner, I planned to bike a manageable section of the trail, starting at the Goat Creek Trailhead and cycling to Spray Lakes West, about a 20-kilometer round-trip ride.  

Photo credit: Kelsey Olsen

Gearing up for the ride 

Garrett and I arrived at the Goat Creek Trailhead, both nervous and excited for the adventure we were about to have. We collected our bikes, helmets, bear spray, cell phones with GPS maps downloaded, snacks and water bottles before hitting setting out. The High Rockies Trail is in the heart of bear country; it’s important to carry bear spray when cycling or hiking along this trail. As we were looking at the trail map, a kind solo mountain biker quickly pointed us in the right direction. The trail started off relatively easy, which we were grateful for. The first section of the trail starts in dense forest, which is absolutely beautiful, with mountain views all around. I especially appreciated the fresh air that smelled like a crisp blend of pine and earth. 

We cycled for about six kilometers before reaching Goat Pond, where we stopped for a snack break. The view of the mountains over the lake was amazing. Since we were planning on cycling back to our car at the Goat Creek Trailhead, we had to be mindful of how far we went as we had to cycle the same distance back. I really wanted to make it to the Spray Lakes section of the trail before turning back, so we decided to continue for another 3.8 kilometers. Luckily, this section of the trail was completely flat, which made for a smooth and stress-free ride for a couple of beginners.  

Photo credit: Kelsey Olsen

Reaching Spray Lakes Reservoir: the perfect lunch spot 

The trees thinned out, and soon enough we reached a clearing and could see the expansive Spray Lakes Reservoir up ahead. I was blown away by the contrast of the golden autumn leaves and the blue water, with the surrounding mountains. We pulled into the Spray Lakes parking area and sat at a picnic table overlooking the reservoir to eat our sandwiches and rest our legs before tackling the ride back. As we sat there admiring the view, a few other visitors pulled into the parking lot to take pictures of the lake and the mountains. It really made me appreciate how close I live to this stunning environment, so I can immerse myself in it, explore the trails and take in the jaw-dropping scenery. 

We finished up our sandwiches and made sure to drink enough water before turning around and cycling back. By this point, Garrett and I had definitely gotten more comfortable on our bikes, but our legs were tired, and we were a little nervous for the 10-kilometer ride back. We both promised to take lots of breaks so we could stop and enjoy the surroundings.   

As it turned out, we managed the ride back quite well. I found that because I had already cycled the trail once, I felt more comfortable knowing what to expect. Garrett and I were able to enjoy the views more and have some nice conversations. We cycled at an easy pace and soon enough made it back to our car. With tired legs, we were grateful to put our bikes away and sit down in our vehicle. I couldn’t help but feel proud of what we accomplished that day. I’ve always been intimidated by mountain biking, but this ride showed me that it was not only doable, but also super rewarding. The High Rockies Trail had challenged us in the best way, and we enjoyed a great day in the mountains that we won’t ever forget.  

Photo credit: Kelsey Olsen

Kelsey Olsen is an award-winning travel writer from Cochrane, Alberta. She loves exploring the outdoors, especially hiking in the mountains, and sharing unique travel stories. Follow along on her adventures at www.wanderwoman.ca or on Instagram at @kelseyrolsen. 

Main photo credit: Kelsey Olsen