What we’re about
How many times have you seen hiking clubs where if you're not a super fast uber- hiker they don't want you going on any harder hikes or scrambles. They believe that if you are slower you should only stick to the easier stuff. Boring!! This is a club for those of us who still wish to do all styles of hiking from easy walks to scrambles. We just don't feel the need to make a "mad dash" for a summit or to finish a trail in record time. Hiking and being in the outdoors is meant to be an enjoyable activity for all of us. Slow and Steady is about hiking at a consistent, manageable pace -- which may vary from slow to moderate depending on the organizer -- and finishing the hike or scrambling to a summit together. If this is more your style and wish to meet like minded hikers please consider joining our club. We will be doing all kinds of summer and winter activities such as day hikes, scrambles, backpacking trips, XC skiing, snowshoe trips, downhill ski trips and any other outdoor related activity. Remember slow and steady wins the race. Lets all enjoy the great outdoors together. Just in a more relaxed pace.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Boom Lake hikeNeeds location
Trip description
This is a fairly easy trail that gently climbs through a lush subalpine forest and then opens up to a beautiful backcountry lake, surrounded by majestic limestone walls and the spires of Mount Quadra and Bident Mountain. Here is a description of the hike:
Boom Lake Hike- Guide to Hiking Boom Lake Trail in Banff National Park (adventurealberta.ca)Trip details:
Distance: 10.7 km round trip
Difficulty: Easy- moderate
Elevation Gain: 175 m
Surface: Packed dirt with areas of exposed rock
Trail Type: Out and back
Time: about four to five hours, including a lunch stop at the lake (and about an hour and a half driving each way)Trailhead: Boom Lake Day Use Area parking lot on Highway 93 South, about 7 km southwest of Castle Junction. Meet at the trailhead at 9:30 a.m. It is about an hour and a half drive from Calgary, so you will need to leave by 8:00 a.m. or a bit earlier.
Because this is a fairly easy hike, it is suitable for strong beginners. However, you must agree to stay with the group at a slow and steady pace. If you are a speed demon, please don't sign up for the hike. I'll take a maximum of 10 people on the hike.
Passes required
You will need a Discovery Pass from Parks Canada.Equipment
Please bring bear spray as grizzlies have been known to frequent the area at the back of the lake. Bring all of the equipment you would normally have for a mountain hike such as layers of clothing (including warm layers such as a sweater, hat, and mittens) as well as water resistant clothing (in case of showers); and a small personal first aid kit. Bring water and a lunch.The current trail condition report indicates that the trail might have some wet or muddy sections, due to recent rain and small streams that crisscross the trail. In case your boots get muddy, bring a plastic bag to put them in for the drive home.
Carpooling
As I don't live in Calgary, I won't be arranging carpooling from there. However, you can certainly set up your own carpool using the comments section of the hike. The suggested gas contribution is about $20.Waiver
You will be asked to sign a waiver at the trailhead before starting on the hike and agree to adhere to the Slow and Steady Code of Conduct.Disclaimer
You are aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, weather, and trail conditions. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike. - Eighth Annual Pocaterra Ridge - North to South (T4)Shouldice Park & Ride Lot, Calgary, AL
What to Expect:
Trip logistics tentative due to construction @ Highwood Pass Day Use. Also weather may impact this trip.The ridge is known for its views but is also very scenic and photogenic during larch season. Note that while larch season is nearing its climax this will still be a golden hike. According to author Mike Potter: "This is an enjoyable ridge walk among rugged peaks, one whose easy access seems out of proportion to its scenic rewards ( which include golden larches in autumn.)".
Also the ridge undulates with 4 distinct bumps (peaks) to hike up that will give your legs a good workout.Event Type: Ridge Hike from N-S- and return to north trailhead
Group Size: >12 & <24
Trip Description:
http://bobspirko.ca/Hiking/Kananaskis/PocaterraRidge/PocaterraRidge.html
Pocaterra Ridge - Spectacular MountainsWeather Forecast: Expect Alberta mountain weather so be prepared. http://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Tyrwhitt/forecasts/2000
Distance: <7 kms (one way) 4 peaks. Distance may vary depending upon whether we go to final peak and then bypass the closure area on the way to the south parking lot or stop before 3rd peak and return to Little Highwood trailhead.
Elevation Gain: depends on who you read or trust. Four different versions considering a N to S or S to N: a) 550m gain/ 875 loss; b) 460 m; c) 1036m; d) 785m.
Physical Difficulty: moderate
Event Pace: Steady and not so slow or as fast as the slowest one of us.
Trip Duration: >6 Hrs on trail; ~3hrs driving.
Required Gear : Backpack, sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing to handle wet, wind and possible winter conditions, mitts/gloves, personal first aid kit, hydration - suggest 2L water; fuel - lunch/snack.
Suggested Gear: Hiking poles, gaiters, toque, icers (Kahtoola style), camera, headlamp, extra batteries.
Gas Fee will be $20.00 per passenger for this trip.
No dogs or guests. All attendees must be Slow & Steady member.
Once you have answered all questions, you'll be placed on a waiting list until approval from your event hosts. I will NOT proceed in order and only pick qualified persons.Your Event Host reserves the right to remove member as he sees fit without prior notice for the safety and comfort of the group. If I'm not familiar with your hiking history I will be contacting you. Also, when you RSVP please include your real name and a photo of yourself or you will be moved to the waiting list. Trip will have a limit of participants! We use a program that alerts us to double booking on meetup. If I get an alert I will take you off the hike.
Waivers: As per the new policy for waivers, you will be requested to sign the waiver form which will be with me at both the Calgary Meetup location and the trailhead. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: https://4142298.xyz/Slow-and-Steady-hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/ You must sign it before you will be allowed to go on this event. You will also be asked for the name and phone number of an emergency contact. Please come prepared with this information.
**Disclaimer:**You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group. You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
- Mount Crowfoot (S5 Scramble)Dalhousie LRT parking directly behind the Indigo store (not the shopping parking in front of Indigo), Calgary, AB
"LONG DAY"
"Weather Dependent"Last minute posting! Crowfoot mountain is another scenic trail in Bow Lake area. So it's been on my list. There is snow Forecast on Friday but I still want to take my chances at this scenic hike. This could be the last good week before it starts snowing heavily.
This hike will require advanced level of HP (or XP) and endurance for a long day with elevation gains.
As usual all my hikes are weather dependent. We will turn back if the weather becomes dangerous/unsafe.
Trail Description:
- https://www.on-top.ca/Outings/2020/Crowfoot-Mountain-August-2020.html
- https://bobspirko.ca/NugaraScrambles/CrowfootMtn/CrowfootMtn.html
Climbing HELMET is mandatory!
Please also bring microspikes._Turnaround Time - 4:00pm_
Stats:
Cumulative Elevation: ~1400
Distance: ~23km
Time: 10 - 13 hours + Driving + lunch
Pace: Moderate. The aim is to maintain at least a 2.5km/hr speed.
Difficulty: S5 or Class 3. (It will be a LONG day)BE READY for some hard work.
Proposed Route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-9a0684d-13?u=m&sh=vmrvmgWeather:
https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/crowfoot-mountain_canada_5933333?day=2https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Crowfoot-Mountain-Alberta/forecasts/3055
Meeting/Carpooling Details:
Time: 4:45am
Location: Dalhousie LRT parking directly behind the Indigo store (not the shopping lot parking in front of Indigo)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAf7jcRh3HxBMbrd9Trailhead:
Meeting Time: 7:00am !
Trailhead Direction:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pnTQSUgJgRdaVMvd9Some Ground Rules:
- Must remain with the group and be willing to turn back with the group
- Must participate is route finding when necessary. MUST raise concerns if any
- Absolutely no complaining. Prepare to work hard
- We are out for the day. Don't rush the group because you have a birthday party to attend to in the evening or some other crap
5. Friendly and experienced dogs are welcome ONLY IF leashed
6. No guests and kids
7. Be BEAR SMART - Leave no trace
Required gear:
- Bear Spray
- Rock helmet
- headlamps
- hiking boots, water (at least 2L), lunch / snacks, technical clothing (no cotton or jeans), hat/gloves for cold weather and wind
- first aid kit
- electronic or paper maps
- NO bear bells
Suggested gear:
- rain coat/windbreakers, scrambling gloves
- bug spray, tick tweezers
- gaiters
- light pad to sit on, hiking poles
- sunscreen, sunglasses, toilet kit
- SOS sending device (Garmin, SPOT etc.)Waitlist and RSVP rules:
It is NOT an inclusive event due to it's nature and safety. If I don't know you, then you must answer the questions. Preference will be given to those who I know is a good fit for the event as well as the group. I reserve the right deny anyone access to this event if necessary. I will make additional inquiries if I am not sure about your fitness or experience.
WAIVER:
You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip. You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the meetup location and/or the trailhead.
DISCLAIMER:
You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume ALL responsibility for your own safety and well-being. ALL participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable) for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
(Photo Credit: Bob Spirko)
(This event post is inspired by many organizers I have hiked with in this club - Mark & Terri, Lisa W, Atash, Wesley Cook, Mark S, Mark K, Michael K) - Burstall Pass – T3 – SLOW paceNeeds location
Trailhead and meeting location: Burstall Pass Trailhead
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tK6Fyv3g7CfYkFxJ8Distance: 15 km
Elevation Gain: 470 mTrail rating: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EwslsRqLvFp-6anYK_pw_YNLrr94qklcbyZXsv87qs0/edit
No dogs, no children, no guests
Time: We are out for the day
Max 10 hikers
Event Pace: SLOW with plenty of rest stops for de-layering, water, snacks, pictures or just to catch our breaths. Journey is as important as destination, so we won’t be rushing. You must stay with the group for the duration of the entire hike and allow slower members to catch up.
This hike is weather dependent, please check in the morning of the event to make sure it’s not cancelled due to poor weather.Weather forecast:
https://www.windy.com/50.761/-115.375?cams,no2,50.758,-115.375,16A waiting list has automatically been created to determine this trip suitability for you as a potential participant and it's not first come, first serve, but it’s based on the ability to fit into group dynamics and it's up to organizer’s discretion. You must meet all the pre-requisites and answer RSVP question to be eligible to attend this trip. If the organizer deems it necessary to obtain additional information from you, please provide it, otherwise, you will remain on the waiting list. If you are double booked for this day, you will be automatically moved to "not going" list. Preferences will be given to members with good attendance history (no "no-shows").
You must agree to adhere to the Slow and Steady Code of Conduct: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k2Zyj4O6tHRGSIMQQ3bH2PbH_u9v65bQN-DOA9SzZCc/edit
FAQ: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jnWldobxa7MsuaTrYlkL7O09BKD1ZTqgMGTb0GRnfwU/edit
Required Gear:
Bear spray **MANDATORY**
KC Conservation Pass
Hiking boots
Appropriate layers for the temperature
Windproof/waterproof jacket/pants
Backpack with lunch/snacks
Water/hot drinks
Personal-sized first aid kitABSOLUTELY NO BEAR BELLS or COTTON CLOTHING.
Please don’t put me in position to turn you away from the trailhead if you don’t have above listed required gear.
Other Recommended Gear:
Water shoes
Poles
Pad to sit on
Sunglasses
Headlamp and spare batteries
Lightweight emergency blanket
Hand sanitizer
Change of socks/footwear for after the hike and plastic bag for your muddy boots and gear if you are a passenger.Carpooling is up to drivers and all their requirements. I do not arrange carpooling, please use message board to offer/ask for rides.
Gas Fee contribution: $25 per person (ZONE 3) from Calgary plus extra amount to cover the cost of KC Conservation Pass ($15 daily).
Gas Fees by Area and Price:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/124qrzTgy-XY_zMT0ilo8HcCG7h5NEufrpQib-4BN3V4/editCarpool etiquette: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hV2sjH6XsCaeraUYZcbzbr0uly5e-JPrtrCIhFgG5PU/edit
As per the new policy for waivers, I will bring the group waiver form with me to the trailhead. You must provide phone number of an emergency contact. Please come prepared with this information.
Waiver:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ExpOe-9cZweQV8mObp6t0VTb8YjjMpzzXlLNP0nnnD8/editYour participation in this event means you have read the waiver and by signing up for this event you have accepted the waiver. You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides, and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear, and you are physically fit to do this hike with the group. You are responsible for your own safety and well-being.
All participants are responsible for assessing current road, weather, trail and avalanche conditions for the trip.s for the trip.