Dyson Falls hike is a beautiful and accessible trail that is inviting to everyone and suitable for most skill levels, allowing you to spend time in nature. It’s great for kids, seniors, those new to hiking, or if you just don’t want the grind of climbing a mountain.
It has minimal elevation and is essentially just a nice walk in nature if you can do the distance.
Getting There
From Calgary, you make it down to Turner Valley either via 22x or you go down to Okotoks to Black Diamond and over to Turner Valley. If you’re coming down via 22x then take a left at the four-way stop intersection to 546 or Sheep River Rd, as it is also called. If you’re coming in from Black Diamond, then go straight at the four-way intersection. The two towns recently combined, now called Diamond Valley but they still make more sense separately for direction-wise.
546 or Sheer River Rd is about a 45-minute one-way road that takes you through Bluerock Wildland Provincial and Sheep River Provincial Park, and it is a stunning drive. The trail is towards the end part of the road, and at the Indian Oils turn-off. It is also under Sheep River Bridge on Google Maps but keep in mind you won’t have reception for most of the way. If you get to the Sheep River Falls then you missed the turn off.
The Hike
It is pretty obvious where to go from the parking lot and within a couple minutes you will be at the Sheep River Bridge. The Sheep River Provincial Park has a number of hikes that requiring crossing the river so this spot is a good perspective.
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From the bridge you will continue on the trail that will go left and this is where most of the elevation is. A short walk in the pine forest soon will level off and you will be heading into the meadows. The flora will change but you will still mostly walk in a nice wide path in the woods.
This is a great area for flowers and this side of the Kananaskis and some other back roads in the area is where I’ve seen the most butterflies I’ve ever seen.
Soon enough a meadow will open up and it’s a nice stroll towards your final path. There isn’t too much to explore around here but it’s a beautiful picnic area and perfect for group hikes .
Dyson Falls drops down from a stream and you can view it from either side. You can also climb down to it rather safely on the right side where the stream is coming from.
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If you time this hike after a good rainfall or a melt off then waterfall really comes to it. Otherwise it’s just a nice walk in Alberta’s beautiful scenery.
I like to do the Dyson Falls hike during the fall when the leaves start to change as the drive to it is also becomes colourful and the valley is really showing off.
Distance: 8.5 km.
Elevation: 260 m.
Time: 4 hours.
Difficulty: Easy.
Season: All year round but keep in mind it can have snow and mud early on.
Dog Friendly: Yes.