DVD capture

Contributed photo

Travel Directions:
From Hwy 1 (Trans-Canada Hwy), take Exit 161A “Bragg Creek Rd / Hwy 22.” Go south on Hwy 22 approximately 17.4 km to the 4-way stop in Bragg Creek. (Do not follow the “Bragg Creek West” sign.) Turn left at the 4-way stop (continue on Hwy 22) and go 3.4 km to the “T” intersection of Hwy 22 and Hwy 66. Turn right (west) onto Hwy 66 and go approximately 13.9 km to Moose Mountain Road. Turn right (north) onto Moose Mountain Road and follow it 7.0 km to the well-marked trailhead. The trail begins in the trees at the green vehicle barrier, located on the south side of the parking area. The site is about 0.5 km beyond the tree line to the southwest (left). (Note: Moose Mountain Road is unmarked; it is just west of the “Paddy’s Flat” sign on Hwy 66.)

The Moose Mountain summit is 7.1 km from the parking area and trailhead, gaining 477 m (1,565') in elevation. Allowing time to explore filming locations, budget a total of 4 to 5 hours for a rewarding hike to and from the vast Moose Mountain meadows, where several sheep herding scenes were filmed. Mornings generally provide the most reliable weather conditions. See:

http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/trails/moosemtn.htm

http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/trails/moose_prairie.htm

http://www.braggcreek.ca/kananaskis/outdoor.htm

The hike to the meadows is a moderately strenuous ascent. Though no filming took place above the meadows, the adventurous may wish to keep climbing to the summit using a series of switchbacks leading to a fire lookout station. Budget approximately 50 minutes for the final ascent, along slippery shale surfaces.

Remarks:
Forester Joe Burritt and his wife Dale, who for five years have spent their summers living in perfect solitude at the fire tower atop Moose Mountain, were amazed by the intense activity that took place in their front yard one morning in July 2004. Dozens of trucks, hundreds of sheep, indeed a small city, invaded their island in the sky, and, two days later, disappeared without a trace.

The Burritts, who make a 7 km mountain hike every time they leave home, welcome visitors to their magnificent perch but not into their home, which is neither a public washroom nor a watering station. Please bring your drinking water with you. Should the need arise, kindly use the same washroom facilities that were available to Ennis and Jack during their time here!

For pictures taken during filming, see the “Dale & Joe Burritt Moose Mountain Production Photos” in Albums.

Important:
Vehicle access to the trailhead and parking area is subject to seasonal closure, usually opening in mid-May and closing after Canadian Thanksgiving (the second Monday in October). Note: For intermediate and experienced hikers. Wear hiking boots. Take ample water and protective gear. Never leave valuables in a car at trailheads. Use caution; bear activity is common in this area, and in all mountain locations. See:

http://srd.alberta.ca/RecreationPublicUse/AlbertaBearSmart/BearsOutdoorRecreation.aspx

Always consult park wardens and take appropriate precautions.