The GDTA is excited to announce that Teck Resources Ltd is generously sponsoring the construction of the High Rock Trail, the first new section of the Great Divide Trail built in 30 years!

North of Crowsnest Pass, the existing route of the GDT travels up the Alexander Creek valley, crosses a pass known as the Crown, then descends the South Line Creek drainage to Teck’s Line Creek Mine in British Columbia. The expanding boundaries of the coal mine engulf the GDT where the trail turns east to climb towards North Fork Pass thus creating an issue for GDT hikers traveling on the private property of the mine. Several incidences of hikers being escorted out of the area by mine staff and the combination of active blasting at the mine led to safety concerns making the relocation of the trail a top priority for the GDTA.

In 2014, the GDTA met with Teck to discuss the possibility of re-locating the GDT away from the Line Creek Mine to reduce conflict in the area and improve hiker safety. Teck was supportive of the idea, so the GDTA began to scout a new route (what would become the High Rock Trail), and developed a proposal to seek approval from the Alberta government to build new trail.

Last summer the GDTA received approval from the Alberta government to begin building the High Rock Trail, and broke ground on this historical new section of GDT last July. Now with the help of Teck, the GDTA will be able to complete the High Rock Trail over the next five years. The GDTA looks forward to having the support of Teck to continue our work on the High Rock Trail this summer. Thank you!