Horseback trails have been well established in the Grande Cache area over the past 225 years by voyageurs and explorers who were employed in the Canadian fur trade. These historic trails were used even earlier by the indigenous people of this Rocky Mountain region. Travelling by horseback is still very common, and many commercial outfitters operate in Willmore Park, offering guided pack trips and hunting. To live the lifestyle, overnight pack trips are a wilderness experience rich in memories.
EQUESTRIAN STAGING AREAS
For visitors who wish to bring their own horses, staging areas with corrals provide access to the multi-use trails in Willmore Wilderness Park. Contact Alberta Sustainable Resources for current regulations and conditions.
The Grande Cache Tourism & Interpretive Centre has maps and information for your horseback adventure.
SULPHUR GATES STAGING AREA
Sulphur Gates provides holding corrals and camping facilities to act as your base camp. Visitors may take a day trip to Kvass Flats to view the beautiful meadows or climb Mt. Stearn to see spectacular mountain vistas. The more adventurous can explore the backcountry with a week’s trip to the Sheep Creek Forestry cabin. A day’s travel west will take travellers to Casket Lake and the Continental Divide Trail to Jackpine Pass and the BC border, or Bess Pass Trail.
COWLICK CREEK STAGING AREA
This allows visitors access to the eastern border of Willmore Wilderness Park. Travel to Cowlick Creek, which is the jump-off point to Big Grave Flats. There are many trails that branch off from Big Grave Flats, which leads to Rocky Pass, Snow Creek Trail, A La Peche Lake, Whistler Trail, Glacier Pass, Eagle’s Nest Pass or the Rock Lake Staging Area.
OUTFITTERS
HIGH COUNTRY VACATIONS
Traditional packhorse trips for families and groups and exploratory expeditions. Trail ride and horseback through history and experience Canada’s Rocky Mountains. See Alberta’s pristine wilderness, wildlife and wildflowers, as if through the eyes of the Indians, cowboys, trappers & mountain men.
P: 1-780-827-6404 | Box 818 | Grande Cache, AB | E: bazsue@telus.net
www.albertarockiesadventures.com | www.horsebacktherockies.com
INDIAN TRAILS ADVENTURES
Horseback riding, summer pack trips & resident-only hunting. Named after one of the first trails in the Willmore Wilderness Park, Indian Trail Adventures offers a unique “once in a lifetime” experience in the Alberta Rocky Mountains.
P: 1-780-501-0525 | Grande Cache, AB | https://www.indian-trail-adventures.com
SHERWOOD OUTFITTERS
A family-owned & operated business with 40+ years of outfitting experience. Summer pack trips into Willmore Wilderness Park start at the Sulphur Gates Staging Area. Experience a hunting trip of a lifetime, with exceptional scenery, hospitality, meals & tent lodging.
