The narrow canyons of the Cline River and Coral Creek
Coral Canyon is probably one of the most delightful half-day hikes in the area with gorgeous views and narrow canyons along the way.
While the hike itself is not overly long, the perfect lunch spot awaits with dramatic views of Coral Creek. Plan on spending some extra time on this hike.
This hike is located in the Cline River Area. It is an area that includes alpine, subalpine and boreal upland ecoregions with a significant population of grizzly bears, elk, goats and mountain sheeps.
At a Glance
- Distance: 7.7 km return
- Elevation gain: ~190 m
- Challenge Level: Moderate
- Trail type: Partial loop
- Congestion: Moderate
- Management: Kiska/Wilson PLUZ
- Other Trail Uses: Horses
Trailhead: Coral Creek White Goat Staging Area.
Head Out With A Guide
All bookings are handled by Explore Nordegg & Abraham Lake and offered by local partners. Most bookings require a minimum of 2 days' notice, contact us for last-minute options.
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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Information provided here may be inaccurate or outdated.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.
Head Out On Your Own
The Journey
From the trailhead parking lot, head toward the trail kiosk where you will find the well defined path.
A short walk from the parking lot (approximately 100m) you will come across a stream crossing. There are usually enough rocks and logs to make it across with dry feet but a pair of hiking poles is helpful for balance as you cross this slippery section.
As the trail starts to climb after the stream crossing you will notice a smaller trail to the left heading into the forest. This is the trail we will follow here since it offers the best views of the Cline River and Coral Creek canyons. For those looking for an easier option, the horse trail alternative is described further down.
The June 2013 flood washed out the trail in many sections. A new trail has formed along the river. Remember throughout the first section that although the old trail is visible, many sections are unstable. Stick with the new path.
From there the trail follows the Cline River. The trail start to climb away from the river as you approach the Cline River canyon. From there follow along the canyon until you reach the confluence of the Cline River and Coral Creek.
At this point you will reach a viewpoint overlooking the Coral Creek canyon and a junction with the horse trail (the horse trail veers off a short distance from the viewpoint along the cut line).
Continue along the canyon, following the path through the forest and along the ridge until you meet the horse trail. Follow the sign for Coral Creek. From here you are approximately 500 metres from the viewpoints.
As the trail reaches the top of the hill heading into the forest, follow the smaller trail leading down toward the canyon and a great viewpoint of the narrow canyon and broad valley above. This makes for a great lunch spot but we'd suggest heading a little further along the trail and down to the creek.
Head back up to the horse trail and follow it into the forest and down the hill on the other side all the way to the creek.
On the way back, follow the trail into the forest for a more relaxing adventure back to the trailhead. You will see the trail on your left shortly after the viewpoint access.
Alternate Trail
The trail described above is easy with some steeper sections. Those looking for an easier option can follow the horse trail at the first junction, shortly after the creek crossing. While on the main horse trail you will come across many trails to your right, heading into the forest. Keep going straight on the main path until the well used horse path veers right into the forest. At this junction, stay on the horse trail for the easier option or continue straight ahead to join the more scenic hiking trail.
Even if you intend to follow the horse trail at this point, we strongly encourage you to go straight ahead catch an up close view of the canyon. It is a short distance away and you can easily back track to this junction to resume your journey on the horse trail if you choose to.
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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