Nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairie, in the high ranching country of Alberta, is the historic Cowboy Trail. The scenic 735 km (457 mi) route starts in the north at Mayerthorpe, west of Edmonton, and winds south on Hwy 22 all the way to Cardston. The scenic trail features horseback trail rides, farm and ranch vacations, guest ranches, western themed attractions, accommodations, adventures, historic sites and western themed shopping.
This series of caches are called the CT (Cowboy Trail) caches, not because they are along the legendary Cowboy Trail, but because they are placed in cattle country. The beautiful prairies and mountain views can be seen along the trail.
Most of the caches in this series are on the south side of the road. So for safety reasons, this series should be done going east bound from south of Longview to Nanton. Also start with CT-001 and work your way up from there. Most caches are preform containers under covers and usually involve crossing a road allowance ditch.
The drive from Calgary to Longview, across to Nanton and back to Calgary is about 3 hours, add in time to find the caches in this series and the others along the trail and it will be an all day affair. Please plan accordingly.
Please share your CT-Cowboy Trail adventures on the CT-001 Cowboy Trail cache page. Then feel free to copy and paste the rest of the series' logs, or use GSAK to publish multiple logs (link). Please log a DNF if you do not find a cache and it will be maintained as soon as possible.
Some important things to recognize when venturing out to do this series:
*Start with low numbered caches & work towards higher numbered caches.
*Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks.
*Cell reception out here is not great so don't count on having phone service.
*Make sure someone knows where you are heading.
*Make sure you keep a full tank of gas (closest gas stations are at Longview and Nanton).
*Make sure you have a good spare tire.
*Be careful! This road isn't very busy but still well traveled. Watch for and yield to oncoming traffic.
*Pull off the roadway as far as safely possible.
*Driving with your Hazard Lights on will help others see you.
*Probably not a good series to have small kids or pets roaming around.
*You are in cattle country, watch for cows!
*Wear good shoes and long pants, bring gloves and the wet season bring gumboots.
*If traveling at night, watch your speed, don't over do it and wear something reflective.
*Have fun!