The sheep river trail is an old road into the backcountry west of Turner Valley. There are numerous horseback, hiking, or Mountain biking options. A person can connect with highway 40 in Kananaskis over Rickert's Pass to mist creek, or continue along the headwaters of the sheep river to Tombstone Lakes and the elbow river.
The area is rich in Alberta's history with an old cabin that you can still camp at. As this is a wilderness area, random camping is permitted, however practice leave no trace camping and be considerate that you will be traveling through private ranching land at some points.
Be prepared for numerous crossings of the fast and cold sheep river, so early spring is not reccomended. The hiking has minimal elevation gains and losses and is generally easy backpacking. Expect a lot of horse traffic as outfitting companies do use the sheep trail.
You will pass abandoned villages, and several abandoned coal mines. For further reference I would suggest Gillean Daffern's Kananaskis Country Trail Guide Volume Two.
Directions:
Take Highway 546 east from Turner Valley to the end of the road. Start at the Junction Creek day use area, and head west along the fire road.
Park2 already posted this trail, it's also in Eastcott's "Back Country rides of the Canadian Rockies"
Posted By: sdecarie
