Jura Creek Hike, Exshaw Alberta

Jura Creek Hike is a stunning walk through a canyon carved out by many years of spring runoff. In 2013 flood breached its banks with swells off rushing water.

Jura Creek Hike, Getting there?

To get to Jura Creek follow HWY 1A west of the 1X junction for Kananaskis Ranch and Bow Vally Campground. Just before the town of Exshaw, you will see a sign, Jura Creek. There is a parking area on the right where we parked as it added a bit more adventure to our hike walking through the trees and climbing a bit of Door Jam to see some incredible views. Across from the creekbed on the Southside is also parking which the trail leads right up the creekbed from there.

The Hike

Jura Creek hike is about a 6.9km hike depending on how far you venture up. This canyon trail is only accessible during low to zero streamflow. During spring to mid-summer, the water level can be high making it a wet hike and not advisable. The best time to hike this trail is late summer and through the winter months.

Winter months it is called the Jura Creek Ice Walk with some of the trickling water off the rocks are frozen as is the creekbed. 2021 was a very dry year with only a tiny stream present beyond the crevasse.

The trail is very rocky with some tree crossings that normally cross over the stream below when water is present. Not far up the creekbed at the first bend is where you enter the canyon. The smooth rock face carved out by yrs of wear from run-off is stunning to meander through.

A cave can be seen just as you exit the canyon on the right. Most people don’t see it until heading back down into the crevasse.

The walk up the creekbed from here isn’t too exciting however there are trails through the trees on the right that are a nice change from walking over rocks. The trails are there however a bit hard to find but they are there.

A clear view of the mountain ranges of Goat Mountain, Old Fort Peak, and Ghost Peak once you reach the Loder Peak trail junction, where rock slides have covered the creekbed. The view is pretty here of Exshaw Mountain making it a nice rest or lunch spot before returning. A waterfall is known to be in this area however with no flow it was hard to find.

Conclusion:

Jura is a nice family hike as kids love climbing rocks and the overall time is around 3 hrs total, 7 km in and out. On snow or icy days, spikes or crampons are a must. Trekking poles help however can be a hindrance in some areas.

The best part is the walk through the canyon or a trek up to the cave, which would only be approximately a 2.5 km hike.

Experience Jura Creek Hike in the video below.