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1.8 miles
Distance
2 ft
Climb
-1,262 ft
Descent
00:42:54
Avg time
-1,260 ft
Altitude change
3,862 ft
Altitude min
5,122 ft
Altitude max
5,122 ft
Altitude start
3,862 ft
Altitude end
-13.2%
Grade
-78.6%
Grade max
2.7%
Grade min
449 ft
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
348 ft
Distance flat
00:42:54
Avg time
Athabasca Lookout Details
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Activities
- Hike
- Mountain Bike
- Trail Running
- Snowshoe
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Riding AreaWilliam A. Switzer Provincial Park
Hinton, Alberta -
Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity45 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 75 in Trail Running
- 80 in Hiking
- 5 in Snowshoeing
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT1 Hiking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Physical RatingModerate
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Trail VisibilitySometimes hard to follow
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eBike Allowed
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Land Owner
HIKERS
This ridge hike connects the Athabasca Tower and Joachim Valley trails. Please plan carefully, this is most commonly completed as an out and back climb/descent or a one-way hike requiring a shuttle drop off / pick up. Difficulty is moderate depending on weather /conditions it can be difficult with some steep sections and exposure. It is still not a popular local hike yet. The best info comes from the Provincial Parks info center at Kelly's Bathtub.
MOUNTAIN BIKERS
This is rarely ridden as a downhill. Though initially there are some awesome sandstone slabs and fun tight descents, it quickly turns into steep chutes (controlled sliding) with pedal high stumps and tight last minutes 90 degree turns. In the thick aspens there are wet roots and leaves. Try to plan this ride for evenings while the trail is less populated. Please be prepared to encounter other user types including bears..
Local Trail Association
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trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 0 rides
6 Months
- 2 rides
- 82.7 km avg distance
All
- 4 rides
- Last: Jul 5, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Athabasca Lookout Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
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- > 6 months
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Directions to athabasca-lookout trailhead
(53.409470, -117.788880)
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Nearby Trails
- Telemark Hill 1,017 ft
- Telemark Hill 1,227 ft
- Athabasca Tower Trail 2,894 ft
- Joachim Valley Trail 2 2 miles
- Cabin Loop 2 miles
William A. Switzer Provincial Park
- By napsack & contributors
- #400163 - 2,029 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Athabasca Lookout
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Where is Athabasca Lookout located?
Athabasca Lookout is located in William A. Switzer Provincial Park, Hinton, Alberta, Canada. It is part of the William A. Switzer Provincial Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 53.40947, -117.78888.
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How hard is Athabasca Lookout?
Athabasca Lookout is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 13.2%.
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What is the elevation gain for Athabasca Lookout?
Athabasca Lookout has 2 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,262 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 3,862 ft to 5,122 ft.
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Is Athabasca Lookout a point to point trail?
Athabasca Lookout is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
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