Last updated on August 30th, 2024 at 03:00 pm
Got itchy feet to hit the trail? Here are some popular spring backpacking trips in the Rockies, these are lower elevation trails which tend to be snow free earlier allowing backpackers to enjoy these trails in Spring, depending on the year.
Winter in the mountains is different every year so before you head out on any of these Spring backpacking trips, check trail reports to find out if they are accessible and safe.
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Table of Contents
Spring Backpacking Trips
Lake Minnewanka
A short drive from the town of Banff is Lake Minnewanka. Dotted along the shore at numerous distances from the trailhead, are a number of backcountry campgrounds.
These gorgeous lakeside spots are usually snow free and ready to hike to sometime in May. The trail is mostly flat so it makes a great spring backpacking trip.
You can decide how far you want to hike to your campground. I stayed at Mount Inglismaldie, LM11 and it was great and super peaceful with many people opting to stay at the two closer campgrounds.
Quaite Valley
A popular spring backpacking trip in Kananaskis is Quaite Valley. Typically accessible from late April or sometime in early May. This short and fairly easy backcountry trip is great for first timers or people looking to get an early season night in the backcountry under their belts.
The Quaite Valley backcountry site can be access from one of two trailheads either as an out and back or through hike. Typically accessing the trail from its true trailhead near Heart Creek is the easiest option in spring and you are less likely to encounter snow.
Elbow Loop
The road to the Elbow Loop trailhead at Little Elbow, is open from May 15th annually. You can complete this backcountry trip as a whole loop taking in three different campgrounds if you wish. Alternatively you can do it as an out and back to either of the first or last campgrounds.
This is a popular option for a spring backpacking trip, so make sure to reserve your sites ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Expect some beautiful mountain views and perfectly maintained campgrounds on this hike.
Cascade Valley
Open year round Cascade Valley is a great spring backpacking trip. Although snow may linger in the valley well in May, the trail doesn’t cross any avalanche paths so you can safely access it.
During winter the campground is on a maintained cross country ski trail, if they are still track setting the trail, avoid walking on the tracks and leaving deep holes. Most winters track setting is done by late March or early April.
Point
Point backcountry campground is a popular spot and typically accessible fairly early in the season. Check trail conditions and avalanche reports though as the trail does pass through some avalanche run off areas.
There are communal fire pits at the campground which allows you to warm up on cooler spring camping trips!
Spring Weather
Every year the winter is different and that means that each year the backcountry campgrounds become snow free at different times. So make sure to check trail reports before heading out on any spring backpacking trips..
Alberta Parks Trail Reports
Parks Canada Trail Reports
It can snow during any month in the mountains. Make sure you are prepared for any and all weather. One day it might be plus 20 the next day snowing and negative 10. Make sure to be fully prepared for all weather’s regardless of what the forecast says.
If you are relying on water sources during spring backpacking trips, it can take a long time for these to thaw, especially the larger lakes. So be prepared and do good research before you leave home to make sure you can pack enough water or that the water source is open to draw from. Alternatively be prepared to melt snow and boil it.
Items You Might Need
You’ll want some solid hiking boots to wear on spring backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. I have the La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots and these are perfect for tackling mud, puddles and snow. Keeping my feet warm and dry.
I always make sure to bring my Garmin InReach Mini 2 on all our backcountry adventures. This allows us to communicate with people at home and if there is an emergency we can message for help. This is especially important when doing a spring backpacking trip since there are typically far fewer people on the trail to help you if you get into any trouble.
If the temperatures are forecast to be cold, I like to take the Thermarest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad. I use this under my summer sleeping pad and it makes a world of difference to keep me warm in cold temperatures. You can also use it to sit on around camp if the benches are cold or damp.
Always pack bear spray and know how to use it! The bears typically start to wake up in mid April depending on the weather.
