Life in the Knife

Hiking the Ranney Hill Trail, NWT

Posted on 15. Sep, 2009 by Shane in Hiking Trips, Sports & Recreation

Looking for the highest view overlooking the area outside of Yellowknife? Hike no further than Ranney Hill just a few kilometres outside of the city. You can see Ranney Hill far in the distance from most high points in Yellowknife. It is a giant mound comprised of volcanic rock and pink granite. Once at the top we could see for miles in all directions – a true panoramic view and a very nice hike through all kinds of terrain and vegetation including sheild rock, jack pines, Alaska birch, white birch, green alder, muskeg, horsetails, cat-tails, shrubbery, cloudberry and much more. We also ran across many different kinds of birds in abundance.

DIRECTIONS: The Ranney Hill (and Marten Lake) trail entrance is located along the Vee Lake Road on the corner of the last sharp right curve before reaching the boat launch. You can park your car at the boat launch and them walk back up to the trail entrance. The trail entrance is not always marked so you may have to look for it. However, when you reach it the entrance is obvious and leads you onto a narrow dirt path lined by rows of White Birch trees. Note the Vee Lake road can be found along the Ingraham Trail.

IMPORTANT HIKING TIP: The total hike time (one-way) from the parking lot to the top of Ranney Hill can range from 35 minutes for power hikers, 45 minutes for average adult hikers and up to 55 minutes for adults with children (not including breaks). Seniors and small children will have moderate difficulty. Generally, the trail is fairly accessible for most hikers. However, for those with more significant mobility challenges please note that you will encounter difficulty climbing up the hill. For an easier climb take the trail that makes a sharp right at the foot of the hill and go to the very end. From there you can hike up a moderate incline. Wear good running or hiking shoes (sturdier the better), pack some light snacks for energy, bring one large water bottle per person and do not forget to bring the bug spray (especially between late June and mid August). Leave some time for taking photos along the way. 

Tags: Alaska birch, birds, cat-tails, cloudberry, green alder, hiking, hiking trails, horsetails, jack pines, muskeg, northwest territories, Petra White, Ranney Hill, Shane Keller, Sheild Rock, shrubbery, taiga shield rock, white birch