Rockies :: Canmore and Bow Valley :: Jura Creek |
 
Slot Canyon in the Rockies? Typical early Springtime Jura Creek Canyon Detail in Dry Conditions |
|||
| Trip Summary | |||
Multiple Dates, last March 29, 2022
Similar to its westerly neighbor Grotto Creek Canyon, Jura creek is another awesome year-round hike on north side of Bow Valley. Canyon mouth is as beautiful slot canyon as you'll see in this part of the world. Sandwiched between Exshaw Ridge to the west and Doorjamb - Loder - Goat ridgeline to the east, Jura drainage extends for over 10km until finally petering at north end below Hassel Castle and Morrowmount. You can go as far as you like, but typical undemanding day objective is hike to Exshaw / Palliser Fault ~3.5km from the trailhead. Deeply inclined strata have created narrow gorge with pools that fill with water later in season - a must see. Hike is feasible year round and each season has something different to offer. In winter ice walking at bottom of narrow parts is special experience, while in summer deep water pools can be quite refreshing.
Parking is at new wide lot on Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) opposite Baymag Plant. Follow trails to the left towards the canyon. During high water slot portion might not be passable all the way - there are bypass trails on both sides. After clearing this part going is easy with snippets on trail on both sides. It takes about an hour to the Fault. If you came this far, don't turn back - it is worth scrambling on ledges (see gallery) to the upper part to check the water pools. In winter I was able to go straight through, but when snow/ice has melted it will not be possible and west side bypass must be used. Beyond the Fault going becomes more rough and is worth only if you are planning to scramble Morrowmount (not feasible until snow has melted). If you have time you can explore a bit east fork leading to Loder Peak; it has some interesting rock features, but note that climbing Loder is much better via Doorjamb Ridge. Return the same way.
|
|
Gallery |
|||
 Doorjamb Peak
View of Doorjamb Ridge on approach to Jura Canyon mouth |
|||
 Jura Canyon
Jura Canyon narrows in snowy conditions; micro-spikes can be asset here |
|||
 Shadow and Light
Interesting contrasts and textured rock. In late spring runoffs make this part impassable and forest bypass trail on east side must be used |
|||
|
|
|||
 Fault Ledge
Ledge above False Fault between Exshaw (left) and Palliser (right) formations. This is usual turnaround point |
|||
 Fault Canyon
Walking the Fault canyon on snow. In summer conditions bypass trail on west side must be used |
|||
 Fault Pool
Pools of water in Fault Canyon after snow has melted |
Abstract
| Overall Difficulty | D2 | Rock hopping in creek bed for most part. Steep and eroded, but short bypass trail. Minor scrambling if ascending the Fault to Loder drainage junction | |||
| Snow Factor | S2 | Creek bed sometimes icy in winter, but otherwise safe and due to low elevation likely snow free good part of the winter | |||
| Scenery | "Slot canyon" with textured rock. Jura Fault with limestone rock and pools of water; bottom view of several front range peaks | ||||
| Trail/Marking | Poor | Official trailhead with Map. Occasional trail on both sides of the canyon, often washed out but going is obvious. | |||
| Suggested Time | 2-3 hrs | To Jura Fault and back; less is just exploring "Jura slot". Several more hours / full day for Loder or Morrowmount | |||
| Elevation | Start: 1320 Max: 1520 m Total: ~200 m (Jura Fault) | Round Trip: ~7 km (Jura Fault) | |||
| Gear | Day Hikers and Hiking Poles; Micro-Spikes could be essential with icy creek bed | ||||
| Water | Seasonal Jura creek, dries out early or late in season. Carry ~1L, depending how far you plan on going | ||||
| Dog Friendly | Yes | Standard back-country precautions. Note that initial part can get quite busy and is fairly narrow - keep dog on least for courtesy to other hikers | |||