Popular Kananaskis Larch Hikes Closed After Grizzly Bear Bluff Charge.

Just as Kananaskis enters peak larch season, several of its most popular fall hiking destinations are off-limits.

Alberta Parks closed Commonwealth Valley, Tryst Lake and the surrounding area, including Smutwood Peak and Commonwealth Peak, following a grizzly bear bluff charge.

The closure took effect Sept. 19 and will remain in place until further notice. A map released by Alberta Parks shows a large area extending from the Smith-Dorrien Trail into Commonwealth Valley closed to all public access.

The timing will disrupt plans for hikers hoping to see the alpine larches change colour. Smutwood Peak, Tryst Lake and Commonwealth Valley are among the region’s most popular fall hiking areas, drawing visitors to the Spray Valley each September.

The closure came one day after WildSmart warned that grizzly bears in Kananaskis were spending much of their time at higher elevations, putting them in many of the same places as larch hikers.

“Humans and bears use the same trails,” WildSmart said in its Sept. 18 bear report.

The organization urged hikers to give bears at least 100 metres of space and never attempt to sneak past one on a trail. While making noise can reduce the chance of a surprise encounter, WildSmart cautioned that bears may be unwilling to leave important food sources.

Alberta Parks advises people visiting other areas of Kananaskis to travel in groups, make plenty of noise, keep pets leashed and carry bear spray somewhere it can be reached quickly.

Hikers should check current closures before leaving home and choose another destination until the area reopens.