Simpson River Interpretive Trail
An interpretive valley walk through a fire-shaped landscape of regeneration and succession.
Route overview
Walk the signed interpretive section to its turnaround, then retrace the route to the parking lot.
The first 1.6 kilometres of Simpson River Trail are developed as an interpretive day hike. Signs explain lightning, wildfire and forest recovery; beyond this section the route continues toward the park boundary and Mount Assiniboine country.
Trail facts
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Canadian Rockies
- Distance
- 3.2 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- 30 m gain / 25 m loss one way
- Best season
- Late spring through autumn
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No day permit; park pass required; overnight travel requires backcountry authorization
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Wildlife, creek conditions, limited communications and accidental continuation beyond planned turnaround
Highlights
Wildfire ecology, valley scenery and interpretive signs
Why find a buddy
The trail’s longer backcountry continuation makes a companion useful for keeping the day-hike turnaround clear.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.