In mid-October, I went to Hubbles Lake to find the public access through crown land (thanks to Bevin for the tip). The easiest access is on the east end through the Allen Beach Resort, but they charge a day-use fee, are only open in the high season, and sometimes restrict access.
While there is a public access point on the NE shore, there is no parking on the roadway within walking distance. You can, get in about half way down the lake (green arrow above, enter 17 Lakeview Avenue, Carvel, AB into your nav). You might snag one of the two parking spots. You may also be able to park on the side of the road, although whether this is permissible under the Parkland County traffic bylaws is hard to fathom.
The lake requires a 250m carry (blue arrow) along some ATV paths. It isn't a long carry but there are some challenges. There is a small valley and ridge right away.
Then at the top, there is a long, steep slope down to the lake. The picture below shows the first half of the descent, looking south towards the lake. Then the path turns east.
The picture below shows the second half of the descent looking north (from the bottom). It is steep and rutted, there are rocks and roots, and also slippery leaves. You'll want to wear good shoes.
The lake was nice. Small, mostly pretty clean, and empty on a Wednesday evening in October.
I did two laps in an hour and a bit and there was some lovely colour.
2 comments:
Good info, there is a similar road right of way access in the SW. I swim in the lake and the lack of access to public water is frustrating. One thing to think of, not a criticism, is blowing these spots up by publishing the info. It’s great to share but the issue is complaints by residents because of crowded parking along the road way etc. the access might get closed (see the no parking signs along Diamond Dr. In the south effectively closing public land access).
Thanks kindly for your note. I do appreciate the interaction and information (which is why the comments function is active).
The access point I’ve identified in this post is already covered by the broad ban on ditch parking. It just doesn’t happen to be explicitly signed at this location.
The available parking in this location is on the crown land itself. This, I think, attenuates the complaint from residents.
While I’m not particularly convinced by or sympathetic to complaints from residents that I have seen elsewhere of the lake being “overrun” by visitors, the small number of parking spaces significantly limits the number of potential users at one time (as does the moderately challenging approach).
So, on balance, I think the risk of showing people how to access the water (which is, after all, a public space) is worth what little (if any) additional risk to future access that providing that information might entail.
Thanks kindly,
Bob
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