Sandy Cross Wildflowers & Leighton Arts Centre

Description:

We’ll head southwest of Calgary to the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area (ASCCA);  a 4,800-acre day-use habitat conservation area and nocturnal preserve. We’ll hike for a few hours along the maze of trails and soak up the spectacular Rockies views and the spectacular fall colours. There is a $10 fee per car to park at Sandy Cross so we will meet at RED DEER LAKE CHURCH at 8:45 am to carpool.

After our Sandy Cross trek we’ll drive 15 minutes to Leighton Arts Centre and soak up the stunning scenery as we walk 3-4 km on grass paths, exploring some of their 80 acres of rolling Foothills grasslands while soaking up Rocky Mountain views amoungst native flora and fauna. We’ll check out the Museum, Art Gallery, and Gallery Shop in the Leightons’ historic home.

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Meet Place:

Meet at RED DEER LAKE CHURCH at 8:45 am. From Calgary, drive west on Hwy 22X to 53rd Street traffic light, turn left (south) then left (east) on Spruce Meadows Green SW (parallels eastbound 22X) for 500 metres to Church entrance.

Directions:

Sandy Cross: Hwy 22x south of Calgary at 160 Street. Drive to the end of 160 St and park in the official parking lot.

Distance/Length:

Sandy Cross: 10 km + 200 meters elevation gain: 3+ hours hiking time
Leighton Arts Centre: 4 km + 100 metres: 1 hour hiking time

*Please see the drop menu below for an explanation of ratings

Carpool Option:

When possible, carpooling will be arranged from the meeting place.