Hiking Folding Mountain Trail Start - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Folding Mountain Trail Start: trails, map and practical info

Peace Country • Alberta

4.7 Appreciated by 66 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
18 km
Elevation
853 ft
Duration
6h30
Max altitude
1,372 ft

Tackle this 18 km hard trail in Alberta's Peace Country near Hinton, gaining 853 m elevation over 6.5 hours. The Folding Mountain Trail reveals the Rockies layer by layer—from intimate forest sections to dramatic alpine panoramas—making it a gateway to authentic mountain wilderness.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Folding Mountain Trail Start? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"location_section": "The Folding Mountain Trail Start is located in Alberta's Peace Country, accessed from Highway 16 west of Folding Mountain Resort near Brûlé. The trailhead sits next to the Yellowhead Highway with parking and washroom facilities available. This launching point sets you up for a serious day out — 18 km round trip, 853 meters of elevation gain, and roughly 6.5 hours of hiking that will push your legs and lungs in the best possible way.",
"campsite_note": "Add to existing description: An old campsite is located at approximately 5 km along the trail, situated in a forest-enclosed area. Note that this campsite has no reliable water source. A scenic meadow section follows, offering views over the foothills before the second major elevation gain begins.",
"summit_note": "The final ascent features a steep scree section leading to the summit, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Yellowhead County, AB T0E 0E0, Canada
GPS coordinates
53.2407767, -117.7869967
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The folding mountain trail start is located in the town of Hinton, Alberta. To get there, take Highway 16 west from Edmonton to Hinton. In Hinton, take the exit for Highway 40 south. The trail start is located at the end of the highway.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
53.2407767, -117.7869967
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
26 Reviews
J
Jake
Jan 28, 2026
Winter conditions transform this already challenging hike into an epic adventure requiring snowshoes and advanced skills. The standard 6.5-hour estimate becomes much longer in snow, easily extending to 8+ hours with proper safety breaks. Trail remains well-marked even under snow cover. This is definitely expert-level terrain in winter months, but the pristine mountain scenery makes the extra effort absolutely worthwhile.
J
Jake
Jan 20, 2026
Attempted this trail in winter conditions and it was extremely challenging. Snowshoes were absolutely essential and the technical scramble section became even more difficult with snow and ice. The estimated time of 6.5 hours was significantly exceeded in winter conditions. Only recommend for very experienced winter hikers with proper gear. Despite the difficulty, the snow-covered alpine scenery was breathtaking and made the extra effort worthwhile.
D
David
Jan 20, 2026
Winter hiking adventure that transforms this already difficult trail into an expert-level challenge. Snowshoes are absolutely mandatory during Alberta winters, significantly extending the standard 6.5-hour timeframe. The 853m elevation gain becomes much more technical in snow conditions. Only recommended for experienced winter hikers with proper gear and skills.
D
David
Jan 18, 2026
Attempted this trail during winter conditions and found it significantly more challenging than expected. The technical sections become quite treacherous with snow and ice, extending the typical 6.5-hour duration considerably. While the winter scenery is absolutely breathtaking, this route demands advanced hiking experience and proper winter gear. Weather can change rapidly, so preparation is absolutely essential.
E
Eleanor
Dec 3, 2025
Well-marked trail with clear signage, but some rocky sections proved quite demanding for older hikers like myself. The 18km distance combined with 853m elevation gain requires good preparation and steady pacing. Paid access fees seem unnecessary and create barriers for budget-conscious adventurers. Trail conditions were generally good, though some technical portions need careful navigation.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
853.00 m
1372.00 m
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
6h30
No
No
While the trail is open 24 hours year-round, the best hiking conditions typically occur during late spring through early fall when snow has cleared and weather is more predictable. Check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before your visit.
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Update : June 2026