The trail to Ribbon Falls is an easy, enjoyable hike, passing through a deep canyon with several waterfalls. It is a very popular trail because of the gentle grade. It's suitable for families with small children and weekends are very busy. It is also the first leg of the trail to Ribbon Lake, Guinn's Pass and Buller Pass.
Bikes are allowed on the first 3.5km but there are always some who bike all the way to the falls.
The falls are very busy, but worth enduring the crowds. Along the way you will find numerous waterfalls (especially early in the season) and an abandoned logging camp.
Directions:
Ribbon Creek parking area in Kananaskis Country, just off the road to Kananaskis Village.
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ByPosted By: dmack011
- Wed Aug 15 15:10:11 EDT 2012
Not Rated
QuestionHow long of a hike is it from the parking lot(by the village) to Ribbon Falls ?
Then Ribbon Falls to Galatea ?
DaveANSWERS are in this forum: Ribbon Creek Trail
ByPosted By: CanadianAce
- Mon Aug 22 17:21:14 EDT 2011
UpsideEasy hike up to the falls. Beautiful waterfall and sceanery along the way. Ribbon Falls campground is very nice. It has two out houses, group eatting area with two firepits, 4 picnic tables, 10 tent pads/sites, and 8 lockable storage lockers (bring your own lock).
DownsideCrazy busy trail. Must have passed over 80 different people in the two days we were up there. Some people ride their bikes up to the falls even though you are not allowed to. Out houses could use some cleaning at the Falls Campground.
CommentIt was a nice hike, and I will likely take my son with me next time. If you want a great view of the falls just hike another 25m or so past the bench at the lookout. You can see the cascading falls above this way. I suggest hiking up to the "chains" if you want a great view of the valley. I didn't go up the chains, but lots of others did. The chains are not for the faint of heart or those who are scared of heights at all. I would do them with a harness though.
ByPosted By: mlarocque
- Mon Aug 08 00:39:18 EDT 2011
UpsideNice views and easy hike
DownsideDogs are ok to go up to the Falls past that i would not recommend from personal experience...i had a hard time getting my dog down after his paws were peeled apart by the rocks up there. Also the Ranger took over a hour to get there and by then we had already gotten him to the bottom and instead of asking if he was ok he tried to intimidate us by telling us he could give us a fine if the dog wasnt leashed..which he was and i told him that.
ByPosted By: longleggedhiker
- Tue Jan 11 15:41:01 EST 2011
UpsideA fairly easy 17 km return hike to the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Kananskis Country. On your way to the falls you will enjoy the scenery of this spectacular valley hemmed in by cliffs as well as the many smaller waterfalls along the way.
DownsideThis is definitley one of the most popular hikes in all of Kananskis Country. From mid-June until Labor Day, the trail is quite crowded, especially on weekends. If you can visit during the week, do it! Or come after Labor Day and enjoy the fall colors as well!
CommentThis is definitley an essential hike for anyone who is in the area. You will enjoy every minute of the day!
If time is short or if you want to spend more time sitting arround at the falls and you are not staying overnight, you might want to consider biking to then end of the old road. Bike racks are provided. This will cut out 8 km (4 km one way) of hiking which will definitley speed things up. It is at the point where the bikeable section ends where the scenery really gets spectacular anyway!
ByPosted By: Sonja23
- Fri Oct 22 11:54:43 EDT 2010
UpsideGreat relaxing hike with beautiful views of the river and then the falls, wide trail for most of the way, stroller friend, bike friendly
Downsidebusy
CommentI always enjoy going to Ribbon Falls and then Ribbon Lake
ByPosted By: mark3107
- Sat Sep 25 22:28:26 EDT 2010
UpsideEasy hike up to the falls along double track for the first 4 km which is open to bikes, then the next 4.5 km up to the Falls is on single track with not much elevation gain.
Downsideunable to get to ribbon lake....Not dog friendly..... unable to negotiate the cliffs with the dog.
CommentDefinately more than the 11 km as stated..... from the parking lot up to the cliffs and back 19.45km.
ByPosted By: mitcht
- Sun Dec 28 22:12:58 EST 2008
UpsideLots of smaller sights along the way and beautiful scenery near the end.
DownsideAs expected from a course with minor elevation change (relative to its length), there isn't a great overview at the end (at the falls, at least).
CommentI really enjoyed this course though it was a bit tiring for the length. Make sure to not to start this one too late in the afternoon, especially if it's a crowded weekend.
ByPosted By: MChaisson
- Mon Sep 01 13:44:20 EDT 2008
Not Rated
UpsideFairly level trail so it is great for a family or a group of beginners. Great scenery.
DownsideNot the trails fault but we hiked to the chains the evening of our arrival to have a look with every intention of returning in the morning to head up to the lake and Guinns pas only to have 30cm of snow fall over night. Scratch that idea...
CommentAll in all a great trail and we will do it again in July of next year in hopes of avoiding snow....ahhh summer in the Rockies.
ByPosted By: zohariel
- Mon May 26 22:20:47 EDT 2008
UpsidePretty easy trail
DownsideCamping on long weekend last year brought nothing but rain, then 2 feet of snow literally overnight! Still fun though......
CommentIts a nice hike, great if you want an easy day outside, great for picnics! There's a couple great spots to jump in the water, with maybe 12 foot "cliffs", but only on a hot day since the water is absolutely FREEZING! Really refreshing though. If you can make it to the lake, its a longer and harder hike, but very much worth it.
ByPosted By: MyfanwySwansea
- Sun May 25 21:07:28 EDT 2008
UpsideThis was the second walk I have ever done and I found it easy and really enjoyable. It is great for a family, however, it must be said that you should be in good physical shape to do the climb. Signage on site says it's 7 kms up to the falls. Excellent picnic spot at the top and spots along the way.
DownsideNone.
CommentI'll definitely do it again.
ByPosted By: Hermanater
- Thu Nov 01 14:42:08 EDT 2007
UpsideI liked the fact that there was not much elevation gain or challenges. This allows the trail to be used by most people.
DownsideNone really
CommentOnly tough part for some is the length. Nice falls at the end. Will try the lake next time.
ByPosted By: ovanderkooi
- Sun Jun 03 21:39:48 EDT 2007
UpsideGreat falls and worthwhile climb to Ribbon Lake
DownsideVery long flat hike-in
CommentNice easy day hike
ByPosted By: sdecarie
- Sun Aug 13 14:54:04 EDT 2006
UpsideIt's a great walk of about 9km each way with only 400 meters of elevation change. We arrived at falls almost precisely 24 hours after "I do"
DownsideThere are many open views it is a lenghty walk
CommentIt's a great relatively easy hike but it can be crowded on long weekends.
Posted By: dmack011
Posted By: CanadianAce
Posted By: mlarocque
Posted By: longleggedhiker
Posted By: Sonja23
Posted By: mitcht
Posted By: MChaisson
Posted By: Hermanater
Posted By: sdecarie
