Preserving Bow Valley's Access and Environment

It is essential to acknowledge and pay our respects to the climbing pioneers and volunteer trail builders who have poured their hearts into constructing and preserving our access trails. Their monumental efforts deserve our utmost admiration, and we owe it to ourselves and future generations to carry on their legacy by dedicating our own time and energy to the cause.

If you've ever ventured into the magnificent Bow Valley or embarked on its challenging climbs, you know that our approaches are far from simple. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the dedicated individuals responsible for constructing and upkeeping these arduous trails? The folks who safeguard our access to the cherished crags and rock climbing areas that fuel our passion.

Consider the crags of Bow Valley Sport: out of the 19 described, half are diligently maintained by a government organization, while the rest owe their existence to the tireless efforts of volunteers. And these are just a fraction of the access trails that weave through the valley, leading us to countless crags and captivating multi-pitch routes.

Recognizing the paramount significance of well-built and maintained trails, we come to realize that they bear tremendous influence on both the environment and our access to these natural wonders. Constructing and upkeeping quality trails allows us, as climbers, to minimize our impact and ensure sustainable exploration. In these endeavors, trail maintenance days often see the collaboration of local organizations like the Friends of Kananaskis and CAMBA (Canmore & Area Mountain Bike Association), particularly when multi-use trails are involved.

A typical day of trail maintenance involves dedicated volunteers assisting in various tasks. From pruning branches and roots to carving new pathways, the work is diverse and demanding. Building a fresh trail entails identifying the optimal route, excavating the trail's tread, redistributing material away from the tread, contouring the upslope to promote plant regrowth and stability, removing roots, smoothing the tread, and carefully pruning plants along the trail's edge. Depending on the project, a unique combination of these tasks may be required, ranging from minor trail adjustments to full-scale rerouting or the retirement of old trails.

Join us in celebrating the unsung heroes of trail building and the invaluable impact they have on preserving our access, safeguarding the environment, and fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of the Bow Valley.

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