A classic hike along Abraham Lake
A popular day hike and overnight destination with stunning views of Abraham Lake along the way, Allstones Lake is worth the effort.
While this is not the longest hike, plan on making a full day of it. It is a relentless climb and well worth a rest on the shore of this picturesque lake before heading back down.
At a Glance
- Distance: 7.8 km return
- Elevation gain: ~615 m
- Challenge Level: Challenging
- Trail type: There and back
- Congestion: Moderate
- Management: Kiska / Wilson PLUZ
- Other Trail Uses: None
Trailhead: The trailhead provides ample parking space but there are no washrooms. The trailhead is approximately 31 km west of Nordegg and 52 km east of the Banff National Park boundary.
We all have our part to do to keep this place special. Planning ahead is key to ensuring that we all continue to enjoy adventures in the Nordegg & Abraham Lake region. These are a few of the things you can do to help:
- Minimize your impact by using existing sites, fire rings and toilets instead of creating your own.
- Know about current fire bans, make sure that your fire is completely out before you go and buy firewood instead of cutting down trees. Remember that shooting fireworks is not allowed in the region.
- Keep your site clean and your food stored inside your vehicle to help keep our wildlife wild. Always use bear-proof garbage bins.
- While alcohol is now permitted in some Alberta Parks day-use areas, none of those are in our region. Alcohol is only allowed at registered campsites.
- Be mindful of your neighbours and other visitors, including keeping noise to a minimum.
- Be prepared for adventures in a remote area. Explore within your skills to reduce the strain on our volunteer search and rescue team.
- Remember that cell service is limited. We recommend carrying a satellite communicator, like a Zoleo, on your adventures.
- Support local businesses and communities in Cline River, the Bighorn and Nordegg.
Information provided here may be inaccurate or outdated. Always make sure to obtain current information before going on your adventure.
The trail guide
Distances
- 0.7 km | Stream crossing
- 2.7 km | Trail starts to level out
- 3.9 km | Allstones Lake
- 7.8 km | Trailhead
The Journey
The trailhead parking lot is located south of the highway, immediately east of the Allstones Creek bridge. The trail is straight across the highway from the trailhead parking lot.
Before heading out on the trail take a few minutes to enjoy the great views of Abraham Lake and Allstones Creek Cove.
The trail is well-used and easy to follow all the way to the lake. The first third of the hike gradually gains elevation in the forest, providing much-appreciated shade on a hot summer day. After crossing a small stream the hike starts its relentless climb toward the lake. There are no switchbacks and it can be quite slippery on a rainy day. Hiking poles are definitely recommended for this trail.
As you emerge from the forest the views of the surrounding mountains, Abraham Lake and the valley below are simply stunning.
The trail eventually flattens out, after climbing approximately 700 metres over 3 km, before dropping just over 100 metres down to Allstones Lake.
On the ridge before heading down toward the lake you will come across another trail taking off on the right. According to the map from Sustainable Resources Development (available at the trailhead) this leads to the other end of the lake.
Arriving at the lake you will first see the campsites before reaching the shoreline. There are trails going around the lake. Although some are in rough shape it is well worth the views.
The Return Trail
Head back to the trailhead following the same route as you did on the way up.
The People
All the stories we share are by locals, whether they live here or love our region and contribute to making it an amazing place.
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