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A Winter Walk at the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
Have you ever heard of the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area?
It is a beautiful conservation area just 20 minutes from south Calgary, heading west along Highway 22X near Priddis.
There are plenty of trails to explore, and most of them are family-friendly and easy to follow. It’s an especially nice place to visit in winter, when the snow-covered landscape makes everything feel quieter and more open.
This 4,800-acre area protects a stretch of rolling foothills made up of native fescue grasslands and stands of aspen. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife including deer, elk, and the occasional bear or cougar. It is not a typical park, and that is part of what makes it different.
It might be just a short drive away, but once you are there it feels surprisingly removed from the city.
It is one of our favourite places to go when we want a good walk but do not have the time or motivation to drive all the way out to Kananaskis Country or the Rockies.
Interested in some other winter walks in Calgary?
What to Expect on the Trails
There are around 20 km of trails in the conservation area, and you can build a route depending on how far you want to go. Most of the trails are well marked, family-friendly, and easy to follow, which makes this a great place for a relaxed winter walk.
Popular routes include the Fescue Trail, Paradise Trail, and Mountain Lookout Trail. These can be linked in various ways, giving you plenty of flexibility whether you are looking for a short outing or a longer hike.
In winter, trails are typically well packed, though conditions can vary. Some sections, particularly on hills, can be icy, so ice cleats are recommended.
No matter which route you choose, you will pass through open fescue grasslands with wide views of the plains, the mountains, and downtown Calgary in the distance, depending on the direction you travel.
The Mountain Lookout
If it is your first time to the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area, one of our favourite routes to do is the Mountain Lookout trail.
The lookout is one of the higher vantage points within the park, and from the higher sections, you'll be treated to views over the foothills, and on a clear day you can see the Rocky Mountains in the distance. You can even spot downtown Calgary to the north, which always feels a little surprising given how quiet and remote the area feels when you are walking through it.
It is a short climb, but the payoff is worth it, and it is a great place to stop for a break before continuing on as there are benches.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
The park is known for its wildlife, and even in winter there is a good chance of spotting animals. Deer are common, and elk and moose also live in the area. You will likely also see cattle, as grazing still takes place here, although as we learned growing up in the UK, it's best to give cows plenty of space!
Although you are unlikely to spot them when you visit, more elusive wildlife such as cougars or black bears are sometimes spotted, so it is always worth being aware of your surroundings.
We spotted plenty of chipmunks around the Mountain Lookout, so keep an eye out for them if you take that route.
An Important Conservation Area
This is a reminder that the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is not a regular city park. As the name suggests, it is a protected conservation area.
It is located on land that has been cared for by Indigenous Peoples for many generations. Sandy Cross began buying this land in the 1940s, and later, he and his wife Ann saw the city growing closer and decided to protect it. Together, they donated about 4,800 acres so it would not be developed.
Today, the area is protected and used for learning about nature, walking on trails, and enjoying the outdoors. Because of this, there are important rules to follow.
Dogs are not allowed, biking is not permitted, and everyone is expected to stay on the marked trails.
When we last visited, we saw a family walking two dogs. Please do not be that person. There may not always be someone there to enforce the rules, but it is important to respect what this area has been created to protect.
There is also a $10 parking fee, which can be paid into a small box at the entrance. If you do not have cash, you can pay online by card as well. It operates on an honour system, but the money goes towards maintaining the trails and supporting conservation efforts.
If you plan on visiting regularly, there is also an annual pass available, which includes parking. It is typically $120, with early‑bird pricing sometimes offered, and discounted renewal rates available as well. It is a good option if you visit often and a great way to further support the area.
Enjoy Exploring the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area
If you are looking for a quiet, easy escape into nature without leaving the city too far behind, the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area is a great choice.
With simple trails, wide open views, and the chance to see wildlife, it is an ideal spot for a relaxed walk, especially in winter. Just remember that it is a protected area, not a typical park, so respecting the rules helps keep it special for everyone.
As always, if you have any questions about the hike feel free to ask away in the comments section!
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