A Short Drive, A Steep Climb, and a Perfect View

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After a quick chat over Welcome Centre Nespressos, we settled on Two Pines, a highly recommended hike, and a first for both of us. The plan was simple: something close, beautiful, and manageable for a few hours of outdoor fun.

We left Alpine Park and took Highway 22X heading west. The roads were clear, the sky was wide open and blue, and we already felt like we were leaving the busy city behind. The drive was incredibly smooth, and in less than 30 minutes, we had arrived in  charming Bragg Creek with the trailhead for Two Pines was just a short distance away.

As we pulled into the parking area, we spotted a small brown building and a wooden sign marking the trail. We gathered our gear, double-checked our bags, sprayed on sunscreen and headed off to begin our hike.

The temperature that day was about twenty-three degrees, but in direct sunlight, it felt much warmer. We were beyond grateful that we had packed wisely. Between the sunscreen, our wide-brimmed hats, and full water bottles, we were well-prepared for the heat. We also brought some simple trail snacks that were easy to grab when needed: sliced apples, granola bars, trail mix with nuts and dried fruit, and a couple of protein bites we had made the night before.

The beginning of the trail welcomed us with an incline almost right away. The trees offered only sparse shade, so the sun was beating down as we began our ascent. It was clear from the start that this hike would be a bit of a workout, but we were ready for it. The incline was steady but not too intense, which made it manageable even with the heat.

As we made our way up, we stopped occasionally to take in the scenery around us. The forest felt alive with summer. Wildflowers dotted the edges of the trail, and the most perfect little orange mushroom greeted us from the base of a tree. I believe it was a fly agaric mushroom, the kind you see in old storybooks, bright and bold, standing out vividly against the greens and browns of the forest floor

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The final stretch of the trail became noticeably steeper, as our quads and hammies screamed back at us. We slowed our pace a little, remembered to hydrate, and moved forward. It was challenging, but still very doable. Encouraging each other along the way made it easier, and it wasn’t long before we reached the top.

At the summit, we were delighted to find a small bench made from an old, weathered tree. As though it had been waiting for us the entire hike, it was the most picturesque landing spot for some drinks and snacks.

Before long, we began our descent. Going downhill was far easier, though we quickly agreed that hiking poles would have been a smart add to the tools list. The slope wasn’t difficult, but for anyone with knee issues or just wanting extra balance, poles would be helpful.

Partway down, something small caught my eye near the side of the trail. A small painted rock that read, “I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.” The quote was attributed to Winnie the Pooh, and it felt so fitting for the moment. An unexpected find that afforded the trail a bit of personality.

Because it had been such a rainy month in Calgary, some parts of the trail were a little flooded. Hiking lesson number two: waterproof hiking shoes. Soggy socks and squeaky shoes aside, the air was fresh, the trees were buzzing with life, and knowing we were just a short drive back to Alpine Park made everything feel lighter.

Back at the trailhead, we shared a laugh about how much we had huffed and puffed on the way up and agreed we could both benefit from some extra cardio. At the car, a quick shoe swap to the comfy sneakers in the trunk, and we settled into the comforts of an air-conditioned vehicle and post-hike Spotify list for the drive back.

Despite a couple of breaks to catch our breath and a bit of waterlogged trail, the hike was amazing. Hindsight told us to schedule an extra hour to explore Bragg Creek on our next trip. The town is full of charm, with local artisnal shops to browse and a few cozy cafés that make a perfect stop for coffee or ice cream. If you’re looking to extend the day, Elbow Falls is just a short drive away, a scenic spot with easy walking paths and stunning waterfall.

At the end of the day, what stood out most was how easy it was to get out and do something memorable without much planning or effort. That’s the beauty of life at Alpine Park. Whether it’s a last-minute hike after work, a scenic drive, or a full day of exploration, adventure is never far away. And sometimes, the best moments come from the simplest escapes.