Crescent Falls - David Thompson Highway, AB

Whenever I need to clear my head and de-stress, the Alberta Rocky Mountains calls my soul. Thankfully, we live close enough that I can heed the call and that is exactly what I did this past Sunday.  We planned on a day trip out to finally see Crescent Falls just West of Nordegg, AB.  There is an easy dog-friendly hike along the canyon up to the falls and the Blues Bullies were as excited to be going to explore.  We left home at 9:00 and stopped in Rocky Mountain House to get some groceries for our picnic.  We were set...or were we?  As we were driving and about half way to the parking area for our hike, I realized that I had forgotten to bring the leashes.  How could this be?  The get away that we all so desperately needed was on the verge of not happening.  Thankfully my husband is handy with knots and we stopped in Nordegg and bought some rope and he made two custom leashes for the pups. Tragedy averted!!!!

The road up to the parking area is a rough gravel road but only 6 km so well worth the bumps and rattles.  We parked at the lower viewpoint so that we could enjoy the canyon views and get some exercise on the way up to the falls.  And boy am I glad we did.  The canyon is spectacular and there were very few people on the trail.  The trail is narrow and there are no guard rails so you have to watch your footing but it is an easy hike with very little climb involved.

Upon reaching the falls the dogs enjoyed a swim in the creek that feeds the river right before the falls and even in the river upstream from the falls.  We did not go down but there is a rope strung up the bank to assist those who want to get right down to the bottom of the falls.  Clapton is just too heavy to take the chance that we would have to carry him up so we only observed from above.

After returning to the truck, we decided on a picnic at Dry Haven Provincial Recreation area and Campground which was beautiful.

 I am so glad that we finally made it to explore this beautiful trail and canyon so close to home.  As for the pups...well they enjoyed it too.  nothing beats a hike through the woods and playing in rivers and streams and then getting to snuggle up and sleep all the way home!