Three Point Creek – 2024-09-21

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The Threepoint Creek Natural Area, south of Calgary, has limited disturbances. Accessible paths lead to a beaver dam and the Sheep River, though flooding restricts some routes. The area features braided trails suitable for various outdoor activities but lacks amenities.

Looking West towards what seems to be a recent beaver dam on the creek and the source of flooding in the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
Looking West towards what seems to be a recent beaver dam on the creek and the source of flooding in the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.

Another Beyond YEGVille but a great fall day to explore this area South of Calgary. The NA seems to be known mostly to locals and there are limited disturbances despite a well defined ATV track. Nearby is a glider club which is worth stopping by and watch the take offs and landings.

Good Footwear! From the Range Road 22, there are two paths, one heading West and the other North. The West path is blocked by flooding from the beaver dam and the North path possible to follow to the dam (and to the river, with proper footwear).

The Largest of Four Parcels of land was explored. The Western parcel is likely inaccessible except from the adjoining land due to flooding from Beavers. Two small parcels are islands that likely grow and shrink with the Sheep River’s water levels. The river’s name is descriptive and a translation from the original native name. Upstream at Highwood, there is a point where the Rocky Mountain big horn sheep like to gather [2].

Government fencing runs along the eastern border but is in disrepair.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

  • Winter Challenge Category: ADVENTURE. The trails beyond the Beaver dam may be difficult to follow in the winter.
  • Worth Visiting if in the Area.
  • No Washrooms.
  • Not Kid Focused although the Glider Club and beaver dam may be attractions.

Area Details

  • Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council, Protected Notation Natural Area.
  • Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 3/5: Via the Eastern border, able to get to the Sheep River. Many braided trails so some route finding is required.
  • Wayne Gretzky Units: 301 KM
  • Trail Classification: Rating: 16; Access: Granted; Develop: Traditional Trail. ; Maint: In Disrepair or Abused; Season: All Season: Likely accessible year round. Could make for an interesting snowshoeing route in the Winter.
    • The Drive Out:
    • Just south of the NA is the Cu Nim Gliding Club. While in the NA, you could hear the drone of the tug-planes taking off and then see these magnificent machines silently soar above you.
  • The Other Shoe: Fat biking, walking, fishing.
  • Frank’s Trip Notes
  • First done: 2024-09-21. Weather: Sunny and very Warm.

(On smart phones, swipe to advance the pictures)

  • Route in the NA. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Route in the NA. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • A weather worn gate at the SE corner of the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    A weather worn gate at the SE corner of the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • A second gate coming in from the adjoining property from the South, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    A second gate coming in from the adjoining property from the South, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • A long since forgotten CAA road side marker on the south border of the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    A long since forgotten CAA road side marker on the south border of the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • A walker along the ATV track heading West towards the creek, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    A walker along the ATV track heading West towards the creek, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • Pond created by the beavers on the creek, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Pond created by the beavers on the creek, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • ATV track running north from RR 22, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    ATV track running north from RR 22, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • A home made hunting blind built on a 'widow maker' deadfall. , 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    A home made hunting blind built on a ‘widow maker’ deadfall. , 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • Likely local kids have created a rock dam - and then had help from the beavers, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Likely local kids have created a rock dam – and then had help from the beavers, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • Looking West towards what seems to be a recent beaver dam on the creek and the source of flooding in the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Looking West towards what seems to be a recent beaver dam on the creek and the source of flooding in the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • A weather worn gate at the SE corner of the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    A weather worn gate at the SE corner of the NA, 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • An East-West trail is in the foreground and intersects the North-South trail that leads to the Sheep River. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    An East-West trail is in the foreground and intersects the North-South trail that leads to the Sheep River. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • Government fencing (right border of the image) along the east border. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Government fencing (right border of the image) along the east border. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • Hunting blind (complete with a trail camera) in the North section (and looking into the East border). 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Hunting blind (complete with a trail camera) in the North section (and looking into the East border). 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • The Sheep River at the North end of the NA. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    The Sheep River at the North end of the NA. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • Single dirt bike track on the gravel bed of the Sheep River. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Single dirt bike track on the gravel bed of the Sheep River. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • Plants and fungus colonizing a fallen tree. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Plants and fungus colonizing a fallen tree. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
  • Near the dam, a beaver run to a small pond, looking East. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.
    Near the dam, a beaver run to a small pond, looking East. 2024-09-21, Threepoint Creek Na, P. Potter.

Notes and Reference

  1. Threepoint Creek NA | SAPAA
  2. P. 293. DONOVAN, LARRY. ALBERTA PLACE NAMES: The Fascinating People & Stories behind the Naming of Alberta. Canada: DRAGON HILL PUB, 2007.

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