For a downloadable PDF version of this guide CLICK HERE!
The rope swing west of Calgary is an awesome place to spend a day. Just 25 minutes from downtown is a swimming hole plenty deep to swing or jump into. There is a platform roughly 30ft high and a long rope connected to a tree that you can swing off into the water. Lots of people will take floaty rafts and hang around in the calm refreshing Bow River water.
ADVENTURE STATISTICS
Time Required: 2 Hours
Location: 10 km west of Calgary
Distance: 2 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 100m
Difficulty: 3/10 – Easy trail to follow with minimal elevation gain.
Season: June to September
Additional Requirements: N/A
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Calgary: Take the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) approximately 4km west of Stoney Trail and take the Old Banff Coach Road exit north. Keep following that road until a T intersection and turn right onto Township Rd 250. Follow that road till it ends and park there.
WHAT TO BRING
- Comfortable Footwear: A pair of sneakers is all you’ll need for the walk to the rope swing.
- Water: Always good to bring water on a hot day.
- Swim suit: You’ll want a swim suit if you plan on jumping into the refreshing water.
- Towel: The water is cold. You will want to dry off after your swim.
- Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks and refreshments to enjoy at the Rope Swing. Some of our favorite snacks are trail mix, bananas, beef jerky and licorice.
- Sunscreen: If it is sunny and you’re like Mattson, who easily burns, bring sunscreen!
- Insect Repellent: Insect repellent can greatly improve your hiking experience.
- Camera: The rope swing is a great place to take photos.
- This Guide: Print a copy of this guide to reference throughout the hike
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Rope Swing: Know your limits. The rope can be slippery to hang on. Be sure your swing trajectory is clear and hang on tight!
Leave No Trace: It is important that we enjoy the outdoors responsibly and sustainably. Some key principles to consider when hiking to “Leave No Trace” are:
- Plan ahead and prepare: Proper planning allows adventurers to hike safely while minimizing damage to the land.
- Travel on durable surfaces: Stick to the trail when possible. If there is no trail, or you must travel off trail, stay on durable surfaces to reduce your impact.
- Dispose of waste properly: Pack it in, pack it out.
- Leave what you find: Leave rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
- Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed wild animals.
- Be considerate of other visitors: Be courteous to others to allow everyone to enjoy their outdoor experience.
To learn more about “Leave No Trace” visit http://www.leavenotrace.ca
HIKING DIRECTIONS
Summary: The hike to the rope swing is a relatively easy 1 km walk. There are two fences you will need to jump along the way but otherwise the trail is straightforward and easy to follow.
Step-By-Step Guide:
From the parking area (Route marker #1 on the map), the trail begins off to the left (heading north) over a barbed wire fence. The trail should be pretty easy to follow from then on. There are a few forks in the trail but if you stay left you are going the correct way. Eventually you will come to another fence you need to hop.
As you follow the trail you will have very nice view to the north across the river. Not too much further and you will decline in elevation to the swimming hole where the rope swing is located (Route marker #2 on the map). Enjoy and be safe!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Thank you for choosing Epic Trip Adventures as your guide. We are committed to continually updating our guides to be as relevant and accurate as possible. If you have feedback to improve this guide please leave it in the comments below.
We also want to hear about your Rope Swing adventures. If you have stories, pictures or even a link to your own adventure video please share them below!
Have fun out there!
– ETA