While taking a road trip through Southern Alberta and exploring my roots at the Bar U Ranch and High River, we had the opportunity to go on a high mountain trail ride into the Canadian Rockies. By the time we got to the Anchor D Ranch, in Black Diamond, we were ready to explore the Rocky Mountains and heading into the foothills on horseback was just the ticket.
We didn’t know what to expect from a high mountain trail ride, but we assumed that we wouldn’t be walking across rocky ledges plunging into the valley below. Boy were we wrong!
What is a High Mountain Trail Ride
It turns out that a High Mountain Trail Ride, means exactly what it says. It’s a trail ride that goes high into the mountains.
We started off with an easy ride following ranch owner and our guide for the day, Dewey Matthews, where we got our legs and used to our horses. You may also like The 52 Best Things to do in Alberta, Canada – The Ultimate Guide
A cougar ran out on the trail in front of us but we weren’t afraid. Sitting on a horse makes you feel invincible and we had our watchdog, Buddy along to alert us of any moose, grizzlies or cougars in the area. He’d scare them away or fend them off.
We didn’t see any more cougars that day, but the adventure was about to begin once we started to go up. We gained 1000 metres (3000 feet) reaching an altitude of (2500 meters) 7250 feet. Our horses worked hard that day, but they were fit and ready for the challenge. The trails were steep and narrow, but the fun had only just started. Check out: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta
Heading up the Mountain
After a couple of hours of riding through the mountain trails,
Dewey asked: “Are you feeling adventurous?” “Hell ya,” We said. “
“Great! I’ve always wanted to go along that ridge, let’s do it” (as he pointed way up over the valley.)
He pulled out his machete and started climbing up a rocky slope. He yelled back at us to take the exact route he was taking. One misstep and we could be in trouble. Our horses seemed excited about the challenge. I was amazed at the temperament of Dewey’s horse. As he chopped away at wild evergreen branches the horse stood still until it was time to move on.
We ducked our way through trees, climbed over rocks and hiked up steep slopes until we emerged to a beautiful view of the Canadian Rockies. We had come to Surveyors point and looked out at Ware Mountain; A mountain named after a former slave who settled in Alberta and worked on the Bar U Ranch.
He gained quite a reputation and respect for his skills on a horse and strong character. So much so that there are monuments dedicated to him throughout the province. We ate our lunch here at this million-dollar view as Buddy ran around sniffing in holes and Dewey tipped his cowboy hat over his eyes for a short nap.
What goes up must come down though and the real challenge was about to begin. Our ride down the mountain took us along a trail clinging to the edge. If you had a fear of heights, this would not be a great position to be in.
All we could do was trust our horses and know that they didn’t want to fall over either. We squeezed our knees into the saddle and kept the reigns short guiding our horse through the rocks and dirt. I have to say, that both Dave and I were utterly amazed that we were capable of riding this type of terrain. But most of the credit goes to the horses.
As Dewey said to us “You have to have good horses out here, or else you’ll get someone killed.” This isn’t a beach vacation day trip, it’s a Rocky Mountain adventure.
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We followed Dewey’s lead through the switchbacks and cliff edges until the trail became so steep that we all had to dismount. Dewey told us that our horses would be thanking us and our own knees would be happy too.
We held the reins loosely and led our trusty steed through the steepest section until it was safe to get back on and finish the descent. After that it was smooth sailing.
Once the ground levelled off, we had a few chances to gallop. You could tell that the horses were itching to let off some steam and we loved the feeling of riding free and fast. This was a full day trail ride from dawn to dusk and we still had several miles ahead of us but the most difficult task was over. Now we only had a few river crossings which our horses were grateful for and an easy leisurely ride back to the horse trailer.
About the Ride
Dewey told us that we rode 20 miles that day, but the real feat was the elevation gain. We went over mountains and high slopes did countless river crossings, navigated through washed-out roads, over bridges, and on plateaus.
We saw it all. Our horses Snip and Buckwheat worked for their hay today! It was one of the most memorable experiences of our lives and Dewey and his staff at Anchor D were welcoming and hospitable. They didn’t judge these two novice riders, instead, they treated us like a couple of veterans and allowed us to push our boundaries and see what we were made of.
If you’re looking for a true cowboy experience in Alberta, check out The Anchor D ranch in Black Diamond just a short drive from Calgary. You’ll feel like you’ve moved into the old west and may never want to leave.
Anchor D Outfitting does trail rides from a couple of hours to several days. When visiting Alberta, you can contact them through their website to book your own high mountain trail ride. AnchorD.com
Get our full Alberta Itinerary at Alberta Road Trip Through Cowboy Country
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