10 of the Best Hikes Near Red Deer, Alberta

August 14, 2021

Red Deer: a prairie town with a river, coulees and within driving distance of awe-inspiring mountains. There’s no shortage of incredible places to visit within driving (sometimes even walking) distance of the city, so make the most of each season by hitting the trails!

1. Maskepetoon Park Trail

Length: 3.5 km

Elevation Gain: Minimal

With good views of the rushes along the river and the opportunity to see wildlife like ducks and moose, this trail is a perfect family-friendly walk and an oasis located right in the city!

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2. Riverbend Hills Trail

Length: 4 km

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Another inner-city hike that’ll make you feel like you’re not in the city, the Riverbend Hills Trail, located near a golf course, is a beautiful place to walk, bike or trail run! Get in some trees, river views and river time with family, your dog or solo.

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3. Ram Falls

Length: 0.8 km

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Short and sweet, with an incredible view of the roaring Ram Falls. The views along the way are spectacular, and the chance of seeing the falls’ namesake on the drive or hike in is very good.

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4. Alix Lake Nature Trail

Length: 6 km

Elevation Gain: 135 m

Walk your dog (on leash) through the green trails, look out over the lake and keep an eye out for a wide variety of wildlife from birds to beavers. This is a good trail to bike as well!

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5. JJ Collett Provincial Natural Area

Length: 18 km total

Elevation Gain: Varies

With over 630 acres of trees, shrubs and wetlands to explore on 18 kilometers worth of winding trails, the JJ Collett Provincial Natural Area is a wealth of ecologically diverse habitats. Walk the boardwalk over the wetlands, which are always teeming with life or join the Foundation on a guided nature walk in the spring or fall!

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6. Old Baseline and Baseline Fire Lookout

Length: 10.8 km

Elevation Gain: 701 m

If you’re interested in green forest and mountain views combined with a visit to a historic site, this is a heart-pounder of a hike for you! Located about 130 kilometres from Red Deer, it is a fantastic way to exercise your dog any time of the year, although spring can be quite muddy.

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7. Ram Lookout Trail

Length: 14.2 km

Elevation Gain: 817 m

If you’re looking for wildflowers and can pick the right time, this out-and-back hike will deliver! The 360-degree rocky mountain views aren’t bad either. The trail itself is diverse, with forested, wide open and rocky sections to keep you entertained.

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8. Coliseum Mountain Trail

Length: 14.3 km

Elevation Gain: 815 m

This trail has everything you’d ever want in a hike, from the vistas to the wildflowers to the scramble. Bring a jacket, it can be quite windy at the top!

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9. Eagle Mountain Ridge Trail

Length: 13.7 km

Elevation Gain: 841 m

Also near Nordegg, the Eagle Mountain Ridge Trail offers incredible views in all directions. Either choose to do the ridge or you can aim for the peak, which has snow into summer. Wear good boots and bring cleats if you plan to try for the summit!

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10. Joffre Bridge Trail

Length: 5 km

Elevation Gain: 75 m

Walk off any lingering soreness from hiking the trails above with this comparatively relaxing jaunt along the Red Deer River. Enjoy the coulee and river views!

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