What we’re about
How many times have you seen hiking clubs where if you're not a super fast uber- hiker they don't want you going on any harder hikes or scrambles. They believe that if you are slower you should only stick to the easier stuff. Boring!! This is a club for those of us who still wish to do all styles of hiking from easy walks to scrambles. We just don't feel the need to make a "mad dash" for a summit or to finish a trail in record time. Hiking and being in the outdoors is meant to be an enjoyable activity for all of us. Slow and Steady is about hiking at a consistent, manageable pace -- which may vary from slow to moderate depending on the organizer -- and finishing the hike or scrambling to a summit together. If this is more your style and wish to meet like minded hikers please consider joining our club. We will be doing all kinds of summer and winter activities such as day hikes, scrambles, backpacking trips, XC skiing, snowshoe trips, downhill ski trips and any other outdoor related activity. Remember slow and steady wins the race. Lets all enjoy the great outdoors together. Just in a more relaxed pace.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Aylmer LookoutNeeds location
Trail Description:
This is one of the most scenic, long-approach hikes in the Banff area. It's 23km long and most of that approach is on an easy-grade terrain. The significant elevation gain begins as we ascend Aylmer Pass. It will take a full day (8 hours) to complete back-and-forth.https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/aylmer-lookout
Distance: Approx. 23 km return.
Elevation Gain: 1000m approximately
Duration: 7-8 hours on trail + 4 hours driving.
Group Size: 12, no guests
Trailhead Location: Lake Minnewanka Parking Lot
Park pass or daytrip permit required.
Dogs are not allowedRequired Gear: Hiking boots, Microspikes, bear spray mandetory, backpack, lunch, snacks and water, appropriate layers for the temperature, personal first aid kit/ medications.
No guests, dogs, bear bells or speed demonsSuggested gear: Hiking poles, lightweight pad to sit on, sunglasses, sunscreen, bathroom kit, headlamps.
Suggested gas fee contribution is $25. Please be considerate of your driver’s car and bring a change of shoes and plastic bag for dirty footwear.
Pace: Our pace will be moderate. We will stay in one or two groups for safety.
CODE OF CONDUCT: By signing up for this hike, you agree to abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the Code of Conduct https://www.meetup.com/slow-and-steady-hikers/messages/boards/thread/53768844
WAIVER: You must sign agreeing to our club waiver at the trailhead. You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver prior to arriving: https://www.meetup.com/slow-and-steady-hikers/messages/boards/thread/53768842
Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your host is a volunteer and not trained guide. You assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable). Ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
- Doug’s Birthday hike at Cat Creek Hill (OT4)Tim Hortons (Diamond Valley), Diamond Valley, AB
It's Doug’s birthday and we’ll celebrate with a hike up Cat Creek Hill. It’s supposed to have excellent views and a little bushwhacking along the way. After the hike, we’ll stop at the Twin Cities Saloon in Longview for some refreshments.
🌲 Distance: 8km
🌲 Elevation gain: 700m meters
🌲 Time: 5 hours + driving
🌲 Difficulty: OT4 routes may have sustained steep hill climbs usually on grassy or wooded slopes. Streambed hikes may encounter long stretches of loose boulders to navigate. Bushwhacking, more difficult stream crossings, or some mild exposure to heights may be encountered. Boots with good ankle support and more aggressive tread are best for these trips. Hiking poles can be a definite asset for maintaining balance.
Example: Kent Ridge🌲 Meeting Location: Tim’s in Diamond Valley. From there we’ll convoy 40min to the trailhead.
🌲 Descriptive Links:
https://www.explor8ion.com/2016/02/21/cat-creek-hills/
Weather: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Strachan/forecasts/2000
https://spotwx.com/products/grib_index.php?model=nam_awphys&lat=50.41678&lon=-114.67469&tz=America/Edmonton&label=
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/cat-creek-hills-trail🌲 There is a waitlist. If we have not hiked together before, please answer the question regarding your hiking experience. The waitlist for this event is not first come, first serve, but based on ability to fit into the group to make the hike enjoyable for everyone.
🌲 We move at a steady pace with short breaks for delayering, relayering, photos & bio breaks..
🌲 Required gear:
- hiking boots
- water
- lunch / snacks
- hat / gloves
- technical clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
- rain coat & hood
- personal first aid kit, toilet kit🌲 Suggested gear:
- bear spray
- bug spray, tick tweezers
- gaiters
- light pad to sit on
- trekking poles
- sunscreen, hat, sunglasses🌲 If you wish to carpool, you are welcome to use to comment section to make arrangements.
🌲 If you have not already done so, please read the Slow and Steady Code of Conduct here: Code of Conduct
🌲 WAIVER: You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip and you shall arrive prepared with an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. Organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the trailhead. You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: Club Waiver
🌲 Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
- Wind Tower - T3Shouldice Park n Ride , Calgary, AB
From the looks of it this is a scenic hike. However, please note that the enticing picture is from summer time. I am expecting complete winter condition there.
Based on description, I am not expecting anything dramatic or overly challenging. But this will still require a moderate amount of work. We will go to West Wind Pass first and turn to climber's right following an obvious trail. Then go around the west slopes involving some easy scree to reach the summit.
As usual all my hikes are weather dependent. We will turn back if the weather becomes dangerous/unsafe.
**Microspikes is mandatory!**
**Expect strong wind**Trail Description:
- https://www.explor8ion.com/2012/07/19/windtower-west-wind-pass/
- https://hikebiketravel.com/windtower-hike/
Stats:
Cumulative Elevation: ~1000meters
Distance: ~11km
Time: 4 - 6.5 hours + Driving + lunch
Pace: Moderate . The aim is to maintain at least a 2.5km/hr speed.
Difficulty:T3 or Class 1/2BE READY for some hard work.
Proposed Route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/windtower-summitWeather:
https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/week/windtower_canada_6183004?day=4Meeting/Carpooling Details:
Time: 7:31am
Location: Shouldice Parking Lot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LAf7jcRh3HxBMbrd9Trailhead:
Time: 9:00am approximately!
Trailhead Direction:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eGRxmzDbgLH7qo8Z8Some Ground Rules:
- Must remain with the group and be willing to turn back with the group
- Must participate is route finding when necessary. MUST raise concerns if any
- Absolutely no complaining. Prepare to work hard
- We are out for the day. Don't rush the group because you have a birthday party to attend to in the evening or some other crap
- No guests and kids
- Be BEAR SMART
- Leave no trace
Required gear:
- Bear Spray
- headlamps
- hiking boots, water (at least 2L), lunch / snacks, technical clothing (no cotton or jeans), hat/gloves for cold weather and wind
- first aid kit
- electronic or paper maps
- NO bear bells
Suggested gear:
- rain coat/windbreakers, scrambling gloves
- bug spray, tick tweezers
- gaiters
- light pad to sit on, hiking poles
- sunscreen, sunglasses, toilet kit
- SOS sending device (Garmin, SPOT etc.)Waitlist and RSVP rules:
It is NOT an inclusive event due to it's nature and safety. If I don't know you, then you must answer the questions. Preference will be given to those who I know is a good fit for the event as well as the group. I reserve the right deny anyone access to this event if necessary. I will make additional inquiries if I am not sure about your fitness or experience.WAIVER:
You must sign our club waiver before you are allowed to go on this trip. You will need to provide an emergency name and phone number to be recorded on the waiver. The organizer will have a group waiver for you to sign at the meetup location and/or the trailhead.
DISCLAIMER:
You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume ALL responsibility for your own safety and well-being. ALL participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions (if applicable) for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.
(Photo Credit: VD - https://www.explor8ion.com/2012/07/19/windtower-west-wind-pass/ )
(This event post is inspired by many organizers I have hiked with in this club - Mark & Terri, Lisa W, Atash, Wesley Cook, Mark S, Mark K, Michael K)