A few days ago I decided the Cross Conservation Area would be the perfect destination to take my visiting mother. She was interested in a hike but nothing too hard and neither of us felt like driving very far. I’d heard about the Cross Conservation Area from my next door neighbour, who just happens to sit on the board. Naturally he has waxed eloquent about it.  And it just so happens that Bill Corbett who penned Day Trips from Calgary calls the 4.8 kilometer Fescue Trail the best interpretative short walk in the Calgary area. I didn’t need any more convincing.

Dramatic contrast of fresh lime green leaves against a prairie sky

The Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area lies just outside the Calgary city limits, about a 45 minute drive from downtown with cooperative traffic. The 4800 acres (though only 2200 acres accessible to the public) of prairie and woodland are definitely worth exploring and hiking.

The first thing you notice when you arrive at the conservation area is the topography. Feast your eyes on views of the Rocky Mountains and the rolling foothills. Then let them rest on the fresh lime green foliage and the first of the wildflowers making an entrance. What a treat after so much brown.

The start of all the trails at the Cross Conservation area

Lovely Rocky Mountain views

Rolling hills with native grasses at the conservation area

The conservation area boasts over 400 plant species and mammals ranging in size from the deer mouse to the moose. Unfortunately the only mammal we saw was the Richardson’s ground squirrel but there were loads of swallows, a few bluebirds and plenty of raptors. The area is reportedly home to the highest concentration of red tailed hawks in all of North America – perhaps not the best place to live if you’re a mouse. It’s also famous for its great horned owls.

Richardson's ground squirrel

Love the variety of colours - even if they're muted

Beautiful hiking on the wide grassy Fescue Trail

The hiking is particularly lovely – especially since its grass you’re walking on – a nice change from the usual rock, gravel or dirt. Signage is good and park benches, outhouses and shelters are to be found at regular intervals.

Do be careful of where you sit down. I found a nice looking rock and within minutes I was swarmed with red ants. Plus we found a few giant ant piles where the ground appeared to be moving.

We came across a red ant pile

Golden bean - one of the early spring blooming flowers

You really couldn’t ask for a nicer hike on a spring day. In fact my mother declared it to be an exceptional hike.

I can only imagine that over the coming weeks it will be even more beautiful with all the trees leafed out and even more wildflowers on display.

Aspen trees full of interesting texture; the powder on the bark can be used for sun protection - but I don't know the SPF factor

Hiking the last hill on the Fescue Trail

Looking back towards the city from the conservation area

Useful Information

• Pre-book your visit 24 hours ahead of time on the Cross Conservation Area website.
• Bring exact change and pay a $2 per person fee; it’s on the honour system.
• Trails are open from 4 am to 11 pm seven days a week.
• To get there drive 12. 5 kilometers from the intersection of McLeod Trail South and Highway 22x. Turn left onto 160th Street SW and drive 1.6 kilometers up the gravel road until it dead ends. There is no sign on the highway!
• Carry lots of water if you plan on hiking.
• The longest trail is the 8.8 kilometer Pine Creek Trail.
• Dogs, horses and bicycles are not permitted.
• Camping, fires are smoking aren’t allowed either.

Do you have a favourite local trail?

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel