Ole Buck Loop

Trip Date: May 2016

Early on a Saturday morning Rome and I headed west to check my trail cameras. Surprisingly it didn't take as long as I thought it would, so on the way back to Calgary we stopped at Sibbald Lake Provincial Recreation Area for a short hike around the Ole Buck Loop. Ole Buck is a 2.4km loop, but requires a 1km hike to access it, so at the end of it all it's almost 4.5km round-trip with 170m gained in elevation. We parked at the Sibbald Lake Day Use Area and worked our way east to the trailhead. 

This is what the trailhead looks like as you begin the 1km hike to access the Ole Buck Loop

The Sibbald Lake water level looks a little low from the last time I was here

A grove of Poplar Trees

The main trail connects with various other trails leading to the campground and lake, so it's important to stay the course. Eventually you'll reach a fork in the trail, marked with a trail map. At that junction you'll take the left fork, which heads downhill to a bridge that cross Bateman Creek (or as the map suggests Batman Creek, since the 'e' has been scratched off!).

The Bateman Creek Bridge has seen better days!

Bateman Creek

Immediately after crossing the bridge you'll be greeted by a T intersection. It doesn't matter if you go right or left as this is the Ole Buck Loop and either way will take you to the top. We opted to go right and complete the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. The loop starts out in a meadow with many game paths criss-crossing the main trail. Watch for the painted red dots on the Poplar Trees or the small signs with the hiking logo printed on them to keep you on the right track. We didn't have any issues staying on the main trail as whoever painted the dots did a mighty fine job!

Starting to hike on the Ole Buck Loop

Trail markers; red dots (left) and signage (right)

Despite the recent snowfall there were some wildflowers in bloom, like this Blue Clematis

After leaving the meadow the trail begins to climb steadily and continues that way to the summit. Shortly after beginning our climb I spotted some tufts of fur on trail, which I guessed had once belong to a deer. A little off-trail exploration with the help of Rome's incredibly powerful sense of smell and we quickly discovered the remains of a deer carcass. From the look of things the deer had been killed over the course of the winter and dragged under a nearby tree to be consumed over a period of time. I am just guessing, but I think it was a Cougar that had killed and eaten this particular deer.

All that's left after the skeleton was picked clean

The deer's skull was still firmly attached to it's spine

Continuing our ascent to the summit

After reaching the summit, Rome and I took a little time to explore and enjoy the view, although I'm sure it was much better when the trees weren't as tall!

Moose Mountain peeking through the trees on the Ole Buck summit

This was something I didn't expect to find. Kids or just kids at heart?

Rome using the summit bench as her own personal stool!

After a quick break at the top we began our descent. Near the bottom I noticed some brightly coloured banners tied around several trees just off the trail. They immediately reminded me of the ceremonial banners at the ti-jurabi-chubi site, which wasn't that far away. They were also eerily similar to the ones we found while hiking the Zephyr Creek Trail. I am unsure of the significance of these particular banners, but I am sure they must have some sort of cultural meaning.

Colourful banners tied to several different trees

Approaching the end of the loop with Moose Mountain looming large in the background

The Ole Buck Loop is an easy day-hike that isn't too far from Calgary. If you're looking for a relaxing stroll or are strapped for time keep this adventure in mind. I'm looking forward to discovering more hikes in the Sibbald Lake area.