Amerada Trail at Crimson Lake Provincial Park Alberta

Amerada Trail at Crimson Lake Provincial Park

A10km Hike Near Rocky Mountain House Alberta Canada
Winter Hiking in David Thompson Country

Crimson Lake Provincial Park in David Thompson County near Rocky Mountain House Alberta has a well-developed trail system. Crimson Lake Provincial Park is a popular for camping year-round and for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and fat biking in the winter. During mild winters with little snow the Amerada Trail, also known as the Crimson Lake Loop, makes for a nice winter hike. Although the trail has little elevation change, the 10km distance gives this trail an easy-moderate rating. It is simply due to the length of the trail that some give it a moderate rating.

Crimson Lake Provincial Park

Located at the meeting point of the prairies, boreal forests and the foothills making it an interesting park to explore. This is an extremely popular camping destination during the summer and even has a few year-round sites. Summer activities include swimming, boating, fishing on the lakes as well as hiking, biking, and running on the extensive trail system. Popular winter activities include cross-country skiing, fat biking, snow shoeing, hiking and even ice fishing. Weather permitting there is even a double skating rink. The local community teams up with Alberta Parks each February to host Crimson Lake Winterfest, a fun family festival filled with outdoor fun and entertainment. There is even a polar bear dip if you are brave enough to take a winter plunge.

Amerada Trail Description

The Amerada Trail circles around Crimson Lake leading trail users through mixed forests and wetlands with some beautiful views of the lake. The trail is serene and has that wonderful alpine forest smell to it. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. There are two pit toilets (Aka outhouses) along the route with several rest areas as well. The local David Thompson Trail Running club has even installed a few shelters should the weather take a turn for the worse.

Amerada Trail Summary

Distance - 10 km
Route Type - Loop
Elevation Gain - Minimal
Difficulty - Easy-Moderate
Time Needed - 2.5 hours
Trail Surface - gravel
Trailhead - Crimson Lake Day Use Area parking lot
Dogs - Allowed and must be on leash.
Permitted uses - Hiking, running, biking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing
Trail Signage - Well marked with kilometer markers, trail names and maps
Interpretive Signage - Yes

Amerada Trail Notes

• The trail passes through woodland forests and wetlands. There are side trails that lead to a sandpit and boardwalk as well.
• Beyond the amenities at the day use area, the Amerada trail has two pit toilets along the trail, one near the road to Pioneer Ranch Camp and the other near the north end of Cabin Road. These are the only locations with garbage cans.
• There are benches periodically along the route along with a few weather shelters to rest at, to enjoy the views or to take shelter from the elements.
• The Amerada Trail leads away from Crimson Lake taking trail uses to Beaver Pond. Beaver Pond is 1.5km from the day use area at Crimson Lake or if you take the long way around to Beaver Pond, it is about 8.5km into the 10km hike. This is a small pond with a floating dock and good for bird watching.

Nearby Attractions for After the Hike

After the hike, there are plenty of other things to see and do nearby.

• Twin Lakes are also in Crimson Lake Provincial Campground. There is another campground here with a lake suitable for boating, swimming and fishing. Twin Lakes has an accessible dock and boardwalk as well.
• Rocky Mountain House has a variety of services and attractions including numerous hotels, restaurants and the Rocky Museum. Two of our favourite stops are the Mountain House bakery and Cake Art and Copper Creek Cafe next door. Both are excellent choices in Rocky Mountain House for pre- and post-adventure treats.
• Stop by the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site to learn about the fur trade
• Visit Nordegg a small hamlet with a fascinating coal mining history, great eats and off-the-beaten track Rocky Mountain Adventures
• Explore David Thompson Country trails and waterfalls
• See the world-renowned Ice Bubbles at Abraham Lake

Amerada Trail at Crimson Lake Provincial Park
Easy 10km Hike Near Rocky Mountain House Alberta Canada