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Rockies :: Banff-Louise :: Muleshoe Ridge

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Panoramic view of Bow Valley from upper part of Muleshoe Ridge, past the deadfall.  Oxbow to which ridge owes its name is lower center

August 9,  2021

Muleshoe Ridge is west outlier of Mt. Cory.  It owes its name to Bow River Oxbow directly below.  Ridge is visible nicely on east side as one drives past Sunshine turnoff towards Lake Louise.  Parks Canada have built nice picnic area along 1A highway, but as this road faces at least semi-permanent closure it is largely unused now.  Trail is mentioned in Patton/Robinson Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, but authors advise turning back at Muleshoe Meadows after "255 meters of relentless climb".  If you continue further up, views will improve considerably but going is not easy.  Entire ridge is very steep and although there is defined trail most of the way, it is more or less straight up with little switchbacks;  this grade becomes quite taxing at knees on descent.  Deadfall in upper ridge significantly impedes the progress, but is manageable.  Highpoint is forested, but short drop to opening on north side grants fab views of Bow Valley.  It is possible to continue across intervening saddle to talus slopes below Mt. Corry, although this way does not connect all the way to the summit (peakbaggers use published Kane route instead).  Ridge is entirely dry - closest drinking water is ~2km along 1a towards Banff (good spot to fill-up when cycling).

Drive or cycle Bow Valley Parkway for ~5km from Banff side to signed Muleshoe Picnic Area.  Trail starts opposite Washroom on other side of the road and might be hard to find in summer as area is getting quite overgrown.  After crossing stand of Aspen trees trail gets better defined;  it turns right and climbs old reclaimed slopes to old weathered hiking sign, then charges straight up to Muleshoe Meadows.  This is very pleasant stretch but after passing by junction with cairn (right branch descends to canyon and is climber access route), grade resumes.   Turn back here if short on time.  After reaching upper part grade mellows, but significant deadfall develops.  Initially it is bypassed on climber right, but soon you are forced back to the ridge and must navigate this mess. Use caution as there are lots of hard dry spikes that can puncture your skin.  Finally bypass obvious rock outcrop past all difficulties on the left side and reach forested highpoint.  Descend a bit north to opening and enjoy great views of Bow Valley, with landmark "Finger" directly across.  Return the same way

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