Hiking in Glenbow Ranch: Navigating Trails Alongside Grazing Cattle

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, located between Calgary and Cochrane, Alberta, spans over 3,300 acres and serves as both a recreational area for hikers and a working cattle ranch. This unique dual-purpose designation presents specific challenges and considerations for visitors, especially during the grazing season when cattle coexist with outdoor enthusiasts. According to Georg Paffrath, a journalist for the Calgary Herald, managing the balance between public access and cattle grazing is critical for maintaining both safety and biodiversity within the park (Paffrath, 2025).

The park is co-managed by Alberta Parks and the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, which ensures that cattle grazing plays an integral role in the health of the grassland ecosystem. However, this cohabitation can lead to periods of restricted access for visitors, particularly during sensitive times such as calving season in early spring. During this period, areas such as Yodel Loop and Scott Hill are closed to protect newborn calves and their mothers, who can become aggressive when defending their young (Paffrath, 2025).

As the summer progresses, the dynamics shift. By June, calves are branded, and their herd is often moved to areas of better grazing. However, a prolonged drought in recent years has complicated this process. The lack of sufficient precipitation has led to scarce water resources and diminished grass nutrition, forcing cattle to be relocated to the west side of the park, which has resulted in additional closures for visitors. High visitation areas such as Tiger Lily Loop and the Pond were closed, disrupting the accessibility of popular trails during a crucial time for families and school groups (Paffrath, 2025).

The interaction between visitors and cattle raises safety concerns, particularly regarding cyclists and dogs. There is a risk of encountering protective mothers, which can lead to dangerous situations. As noted by the park management, cyclists should be cautious as aggressive mothers can become a threat to both humans and animals (Paffrath, 2025). To mitigate risks, park officials have installed self-closing pedestrian gates and provided cautionary warnings to hikers about the presence of cattle in certain areas.

As summer progresses into late July, conditions may improve, allowing for the reopening of previously restricted areas. The park aims to restore access while ensuring the safety of both visitors and livestock. This seasonal transition highlights the importance of understanding cattle behavior and personal space, or 'flight zone', which is critical for safe interactions. Visitors are encouraged to remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and maintain distance from cattle, particularly calves (Paffrath, 2025).

In conclusion, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park exemplifies the challenges of balancing ecological stewardship with public recreation. As the park navigates these complex dynamics, it emphasizes the importance of safety protocols and public awareness. The future of the park will depend on the continued cooperation between local government, park management, and the community to ensure a sustainable coexistence of cattle and hikers in this cherished natural landscape.