Sheep River Road

Diamond Valley is the newest town in Alberta, established on January 1, 2023 through the amalgamation of the former towns of Black Diamond and Turner Valley. Black Diamond gained its name from the nearby coal deposits, while Turner Valley was named after Robert and John Turner who settled in the area. Alberta's first major oil and natural gas field was discovered in 1914 at Turner Valley, subsequent discoveries kept the oil and gas scene active in the Turner Valley area for the next 30 years. The town sits at about 5,300 people and serves as a gateway to the foothills and Kananaskis. 

The Sheep River Road (Highway 546) is a popular spring/early-season road cycling destination. Cycling the Sheep River Valley in Kananaskis Country is an easy day trip from Calgary and a great biking adventure. It's only a 45-minute drive to the town of Diamond Valley (formerly Turner Valley) south of Calgary, the starting point for an exceptionally scenic bike ride through to Sheep River Falls. The Sheep River Valley bike ride is typically open from late April, depending on the year, until the first snowfall. 

To begin the bike ride, cycle back to Main Street in Diamond Valley and turn right onto Sunset Boulevard. Head up through a residential area. At the top of the road just as it curves, it becomes Highway 546. There's a good shoulder on it and most drivers are courteous. For the next 13 km enjoy the pastoral scenes – hay fields, horses, cows, and cowboys. Keep your head on a swivel for those cars though - the shoulder isn't THAT wide here.

The timing matters: In the spring the time to do it is before May 15th – when cars aren't permitted to drive on the last 18 kilometers of the road. Road cyclists can start at Turner Valley to get in the full 80 km. Mountain bikers might start at the Kananaskis sign to catch that extra hill. Turner Valley Distance – 77.44 km. Elevation Gain – 830 m. Time – 3 hours, 45 min. Includes breaks. It's a much more relaxing ride from the closed gate on Hwy 546 but obviously much shorter at only 37.5 km with 510 meters of elevation gain.

At the 20 km mark you arrive at the winter barricade. At the 35-km mark there is a sign pointing to the Sheep River Falls. Pull in here, get off your bike and explore along the river edge. Carry bear spray and a pump; there's no cell service and plenty of wildlife in the valley.