The Hiking section of this website has gotten pretty quiet lately. It’s health related stuff for both of us and we’ll elaborate on that shortly. But first let’s get on to today’s outdoor adventure and it’s an easy one. That’s about all we can do right now, but it’s still better than sitting at home. We’re in Okotoks Alberta, along the pathways system and connecting the Sheep River Cove and Mountainview loops together.
Even though it’s an in-town adventure, it doesn’t always feel like it. There’s lots of natural areas, green spaces, the river is always close by and there’s wonderful views west to the Rockies. The hustle and bustle of this fast growing community sort of fades into the background for a bit. There’s a million possible starts, but we decided to begin at the Sheep River Cove neighbourhood. Just because.
Sheep River Cove & Mountainview Okotoks: an easy in-town adventure. Hiking with Chris and Connie.
Back to the problem at hand, briefly, and then we’ll get down to business. The last couple years pressing health issues have limited our ability to get out and hike. We used to do it weekly, a mix of wilderness and city treks done at all times of year, but now it’s only once in a while.
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Connie’s Cancer battle, her second, is the main reason, but frankly it sometimes seems like we’re both falling apart. Hers, of course, is the most pressing matter. Neither the long lead up to her last operation this year, nor the chemo to follow has been pleasant. It’s a rather big bump in the road, but rest assured we don’t think it’s the end of the world.
We should be back with gusto by next year. She’s doing amazingly and any other nagging issues with us, they’ll get fixed. We hope – finger’s crossed.
Our hiking adventures are not the most popular articles on this site, so even if we stopped them completely we doubt anyone would notice. But we love doing them and will continue as long as possible. Now go…
We began at at the very west end of Sheep River Cove, at a small park and hit the paved pathway meandering east in behind rows of homes. Most sections of this hike will be on pavement, but there are some gravel bits (at the end if you follow our route to the letter). Continue on by crossing a road, dipping in behind some homes next to a wooded slope, cross another road, then it’s in behind some stormwater ponds.
Note a junction soon after with a trail heading away and to the left. Don’t take that one now, but continue east. You’ll use it on the return leg, however.
Parallel the Sheep River for a time and if you look across to the to the north, you’ll see where you’re going later. Come to Southridge Drive/Highway #2A and cross over the river heading north. Pass over the CPR tracks – soon after that’s downtown Okotoks to your right – then soon after Elizabeth Street, duck in behind some homes away from the busy road. The way is always clear.
Climb up above the river, and on topping out, take to the streets briefly (left) and then soon after go left again. It’s back on the pathway and it takes a line at the top of this valley. There’s nice views of the mountains far off to the west but it’s been a while since we answered their call. Without a long lens, they’re really not easy to photograph.
The trail drops down to Mountainview Gate briefly and then climbs back up on the other side. The whole time you’ll pass backyards and gardens of homes in the community. There’s lots of places to have a picnic along here. We did! Lunch should be a high-point of any adventures and plain trail food won’t do.
Sit back in one of those easy chairs and enjoy the views. Some cured meats, an extra tasty pretzel thingy, a fruity $7 wine (haha), good company and good conversation makes it all the better. Trust us on that part.
Once in motion again – if you even stop – drop down to Mountainview storm ponds on the left. Loop around them to the right and head out to the parking lot if you so desire. There’s biffies there and when you get to a certain age, it’s good to make note of them. Mountainview Ponds are part of a nice little green space and it’s birding heaven. We noted water birds of all kinds, raptors and owls. And guys with really big lens on their cameras chasing them.
This post dates back early June (yeah, we’re a little slow to the party) and we saw lots of new ducks families swimming about. Lots of big cottonwoods here and it’s a peaceful, natural spot.
Once you’ve looped around further, retrace yours steps back to that junction mentioned earlier. But first, it’s up then down, then up then down. Later, go right and enter the wooded river flats. It’s a pleasant stroll through the trees, with occasional glimpses of the Sheep River. There’s a lot of off-shoot trails and they go every which way. Stay on the widest and compact one (you’re on dirt now) and you’ll get where you’re going.
The trail bends around and comes out right where it all started. The trail, as you’ll note by this point, was pretty easy. The minor ups and downs on the north side of the river were a bit trying for Connie, but she’s a trouper. In the past would have hardly registered but today felt like Everest. We’ll get back to being better…finger’s crossed…and regain our enthusiasm.
Thanks for joining us on this adventure and be sure and watch for us out on the trails soon. The worst will behind us by earlier next year and then it’s off to the nearest trailhead. In the meantime, we’ll do some little ones and mostly in town.
“These two are amazing!! I love following their adventures and the photography is…jaw dropping. Enjoy your working vacation, Chris & Connie!!…” Dayna Kent. (We love what we do).
If you wish more information about this adventure or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!
Date of adventure: June, 2025. Location: Okotoks, Alberta. Distance: 10.5km Height gain maximum: 40m Height gain cumulative: 130m. NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own). Reference: Town of Okotoks.
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