WILD SCULPTURE

RECREATION TRAIL

GETTING THERE

From Hinton:From the Tourist Information Centre, proceed 5 km east on Highway 16 to the sign “Hinton Valley District All Services”. Turn left (north). Go 1.5 km to a 3-way stop “T” intersection. Turn right (east). Take the next left turn (0.5 km). You are now on the Willow haul road. Follow the road over the Athabasca River. Note the kilometre markers on the side of the road to gauge your progress. At 9 km, a sign will direct you to turn right (east) onto the Emerson Creek Road. Follow it until km 59, where a sign will direct you to turn into the parking lot for the Wild Sculpture Trail.

From Edson:Turn north off Highway 16 at the Silver Summit Ski Hill Sign. Follow the road for 32 km, where a sign will direct you to turn left (west). You are now on the Emerson Creek road at km 88. Note the kilometre markers on the side of the road to gauge your progress. Travel to km 59 where another sign will direct you to turn into the parking lot for the Wild Sculpture Trail.

CONTACT INFO:

For further information about this trail system, or to make a reservation at one of FRMA’s campgrounds, please contact:

Fox Creek Development Association at: 780-865-2154

GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTAwww.tpr.alberta.ca/parks/310-0000 or 780-723-8552

Remember some important tips for travelling on industrial roads:It is YOUR responsibility to drive safely (headlights on, seatbelts).

Observe posted speed limits; slow down for bad weather or road conditions (such as dust). The MAXIMUM speed on most main gravel roads is 80 km/hr.

Yield to large trucks and slow down when meeting other vehicles.

TRAVELLING TIPS

The Wild Sculpture Trail is approximately 2 kilometres in length (one way). The hoodoos occur between kilometre one and two, making them accessible to those who desire a short, spectacular hike. The forest in this area reveals the diverse plant life that is specifically indigenous to the area. Abundant populations of beaver and waterfowl can be observed on Beaver Lake. Moose, deer, bear, marten, and many types of songbirds are only some examples of the other species that also call this valley home.

There is an un-maintained, poorly-used, trail that travels further into the Park from the south end of the Wild Sculpture Trail. This un-maintained trail travels along the north side of the three lakes found within the Park. There are also several un-maintained creek crossings – travel this trail at your own risk and be prepared for a wilderness experience.

The Wild Sculpture Trail is part of Sundance Provincial Park. The Foothills Recreation Management Association, in partnership with the provincial government, manages and maintains this trail and the campground at Emerson Lakes.

The Wild Sculpture Trail offers a rare opportunity to view formations of sandstone that have been naturally sculpted by the wind. The rock sculptures reveal the peculiar geological design of the variable density sandstone that occurs in this unique valley. The Sundance Valley is narrow and protected with ridges rising above wooded slopes that descend sharply to the deep, clear waters of Sundance Lake. The spectacular skyline views of the valley are a great photo opportunity during all seasons.

Please be prepared and use the trail at your own risk. Remember - YOU are responsible for your own safety. As in all wilderness settings, bears may be encountered at any time. To reduce the chance of a bear encounter, make plenty of noise to alert the bear to your presence. NEVER feed or approach a bear.

The Foothills Recreation Management Association is a group of companies and organizations committed to providing safe and affordable outdoor recreation opportunities. Our partnership manages 15 campgrounds and eight trail systems in the foothills area near the communities of Hinton, Edson, Robb, Cadomin, and Brule.

The northeast slopes of Alberta’s foothills are rich in economic and recreational opportunities. The economy and communities of the West Yellowhead region are largely dependent upon the wealth created in the forest, mining, energy, and tourism industries. Equally valued by locals and visitors are the outdoor recreational opportunities the area provides. Partners in the association share a strong belief in managing for multiple values. Through the Foothills Recreation Management Association, we will provide quality camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities today and into the future.

The Foothills Recreation Management Association’s campgrounds and trails are maintained by Fox Creek Development Corporation. Fox Creek Development Corporation is an Aboriginal owned and operated not-for-profit company committed to creating and maintaining jobs for Aboriginals (Treaty, non-Treaty and Métis) in the Hinton area.

FOOTHILLS RECREATION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS

SAFETY