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Foran Grade Ridge
Kananaskis, Alberta
November 22, 2025
Distance: 6.9 km (4.3 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 314 m (1030 ft)
On a mild fall day, Dinah and I hiked a short loop on Foran Grade Ridge, a nicer trip than our 2009 winter hike when snow hid the trail, and we had to walk 1.5 km up the road because of a seasonally closed gate. This time, we were joined by Sonny, Zosia, Zora, Suzy, and Tomiji.
From the trailhead pullout, we followed Windy Point Trail, which parallels Highway 546, and looped back on Foran Grade Ridge Trail. The clockwise route meant losing 40 m at the start, which appeared more attractive than finishing the trip with an uphill stretch.
From the parking lot, we took a shortcut across a meadow to Windy Point Trail. After dropping first down, the trail gradually rose through meadows and thin forest. We stopped briefly at a viewpoint overlooking Sheep River before crossing the highway and continuing up the trail.
At the pass, we turned right and started up Foran Grade Ridge. The trail ascends a large meadow that offered the best views of the trip before we entered the woods. We climbed the trail to the ridge and soon reached the viewless summit. We continued down and passed a viewpoint where I took the panorama. As we descended, the grade eased, and we passed through an expansive meadow. At the far end, we went through a cattle gate less than 200 m from the parking lot.
We cut across a meadow to the trail seen left
The trail parallels the highway. Windy Point Ridge appears ahead.
Sheep River
Before crossing the highway, we stopped at the
viewpoint
Posing at the viewpoint. Mouse over to look down at the river.
Continuing up Windy Point Trail after crossing
the highway
On the pass ahead, we turned right onto Foran Ridge Trail
Continuing up the trail as it climbs a
meadow. Behind us is Windy Point Ridge and Gleason Ridge.
Looking back from the pass
Stopping on the trail to regroup
On the ridge, looking east at Macabee and Forked Ridges.
Far left, barely visible, is Calgary (mouse over for a close-up).
Continuing up the ridge to the summit
Zosia, Tomiji, Zora, Dinah, Suzy, Sonny
and me on the summit
There was no summit cairn
but there was an odd arrangement of rocks
Continuing down the ridge
We passed a viewpoint
Near the end, the trail crosses a vast
meadow
Looking back after passing through a gate less
than 200 m from the trailhead
82 J/10 Mount Rae