Grasslands National Park: Timbergulch Trail (2 days / 17 km)

The Timbergulch Trail is a 17 km loop trail through prairie grasslands in the West Block of Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan. The trail follows well-posted trail markers through small coulees (drainages, for the non-prairie hiker), across open prairie, valleys and into a prairie dog town.

The terrain is not technical or particularly challenging, with minimal elevation gain. However, what the trail lacks in hiking challenge, it makes up in uniqueness. Hiking the Timbergulch Trail offers a view of the native prairie as it would have been seen hundreds of years ago. Untouched, quiet and subtly beautiful grasses sway in the wind. Hikers can see the park’s free-ranging bison herd roaming about the hummocky terrain, and will spot prairie dogs popping their heads out of mounds. Rattlesnakes may also be found here, though are less common in this part of the park (the Park Office offers snake-bite proof gaiters to hikers free of charge).

I hiked the trail in mid-September and found the park to be nearly empty. There was nobody else hiking while I was on the trail. If you like reading Louis L’Amour, listening to Corb Lund, or just need a quiet escape from civilized life, a night on the Timbergulch Trail will scratch that itch like a bison on a rubbing stone. 

Trip Completed: September 2019

Trip Summary

Starting Point: Eco-Tour Pull-Off #3

Ending Point: Eco-Tour Pull-Off #3

Total Distance: 17 km

Elevation Gain: 280 m

Duration: 1 night / 2 days

Difficulty: Easy hiking, but intermediate-advanced level navigation and wilderness skills are required. 

Location

This route takes place in the West Block of Grasslands National Park.

Traditional Territory: This route takes place on the traditional territory of the Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Michif Piyii (Métis) and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (source).

Maps & Resources

Guidebook: There are no official guidebooks to my knowledge, however, there are...