Avion Ridge Loop

Avion Ridge Loop is a demanding 25 km (15.5 mi) circuit from the upper Red Rock Canyon lot, listed at about 10 hours. Follow Snowshoe west for roughly 4.6 km to the Goat Lake junction, climb past Goat Lake to the col between Avion Ridge and Newman Peak, then traverse Avion Ridge. The descent reaches a signed T-junction; turn southeast to Snowshoe campground, follow Snowshoe east about 3.9 km to the Goat Lake junction, and retrace the same 4.6 km access to Red Rock. The loop includes a shared tail walked in both directions, with a lake climb, high ridge and wooded descent along the way.

Set aside most of the day. The distance, sustained climb, exposed ridge and steep descent make this a hard outing even for fit hikers. Give yourself time for the ridge and for careful route-finding; this is not a quick summit detour. Snow can linger around the high trail, so check current conditions before choosing a date. The first 4.6 km on Snowshoe is also used by cyclists and horse riders. The Goat Lake sign can be partly hidden by vegetation, so slow down as you approach the junction, especially if you are riding the access stretch before continuing on foot.

After leaving Snowshoe, the route climbs steeply toward Goat Lake and continues beyond the lake to the col. Goat Lake sits in a hanging valley beneath the surrounding slopes, a quiet place to pause before the harder ridge section. The climb does not end at the water: keep going to the col between Avion Ridge and Newman Peak, where the route divides. The approach is the first sustained effort of the day, and its rocky, steep ground calls for steady footing and attention to the trail.

At the col, stay with the Avion route around the right side of the rocky outcrop. A visible line over the outcrop is an off-trail shortcut; the signed route stays on the established tread around it. The ridge alternates between open crest and sections that run just off the skyline, then climbs to the official summit at about 2,448 m (8,031 ft), marked by a short cairn. Expect exposure to wind and loose footing on the high ground. From the ridge, look back into Goat Lake’s hanging valley and across to Twin Lakes and Lost Lake. Mount Bauerman, Lost Mountain and Anderson Peak stand across the valleys, with more distant peaks in Montana and British Columbia on clear days.

From the summit, follow the trail as it drops off the ridge. The route becomes more wooded and descends steeply in places; it briefly leaves the ridge edge, so keep to the established tread rather than following the skyline into the trees. At the signed T-junction, turn southeast for Snowshoe campground. The other branch is an unmaintained route heading out of the park. From the campground, continue east on Snowshoe for about 3.9 km to the Goat Lake junction, then retrace the westbound access to the trailhead.

This loop follows the Avion Ridge route without climbing Newman Peak or detouring to Lone Lake. A 29.3 km outing described elsewhere includes both additions: Newman Peak is an unmarked off-trail climb from the col, and the Lone Lake spur is about 1.1 km each way, adding 2.2 km round trip. They are optional extensions, not part of the 25 km loop described here. Dogs are allowed on Waterton trails when leashed and under control.