This spring takes the form of a small spring that flows down on the east side of the Plateau Mountain Road, before it quickly disappears back into the ground again. The surrounding area contains many springs, however this one in particular is the easiest to find and collect water from.
Take note of the fact that this spring is located basically along the boundary of the Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve, which is a very environmentally and ecologically sensitive and unique area. Act accordingly when collecting water from this spring.
DIRECTIONS
*The highway which leads to the Plateau Mountain Road, Highway 40/940 (aka the Forestry Trunk Road), is closed to motor traffic between December 1 and April 30 annually. Highway 40 north of Highwood junction is closed between December 1 and June 15 annually.
The Plateau Mountain Road is gated off and only authorized vehicles can travel along it. As such, people must park at the start of the road and either bike or walk to the spring, which is approximately 2.65km each way. To get to the road:
From North of Longview/High River, which includes Calgary: Make your way to the town of Longview. In longview, Turn onto Highway 541 west. and continue for 43.4 km. This will get you to Highwood Junction. At the junction, turn left onto Highway 940 south (signs for Coleman). Beyond this point, the route is isolated and unpaved. Continue south for 25.6km until you reach the Plateau Mountain Road, which is on the left (east) side. Hike the rest of the distance to the spring.
From South of Longview/High River, which includes Nanton: Make your way to the north side of the Chain Lakes Reservoir along Highway 22, and look for the junction with Highway 532 west. Turn onto highway 532 and travel its entire 32km length. It is very important to note that highway 532, particularly the westernmost 8 km of it, is an incredibly steep and rough road, with large rocks on the surface and sections with very steep and immediate drop-offs on the side of the road with no barriers. Drivers who are not accustomed to steep and windy gravel roads may want to consider following the directions from Longview instead. The rest of the route is unpaved. Once you reach the Junction with Highway 40/940, turn north and continue for 6.5km until you reach the Plateau Mountain Road, which is on the right (east) side. Hike the rest of the distance to the spring.
From Banff/Canmore/Exshaw/Northern Kananaskis: Follow Highway 40 south until you reach the Highwood junction. Turn south on Highway 940 and follow the directions from ‘North of Longview/High River, which includes Calgary’.
