Plateau Mountain Road Spring

## Overview Plateau Mountain Road Spring is a natural public drinking spring located along Plateau Mountain Road in the Kananaskis Country region of southwestern Alberta, Canada. Situated at an elevation consistent with the foothills of the Canadian Rockies (approximately 50.216°N, 114.553°W), this roadside spring sits in a landscape shaped by ancient geological forces — the same tectonic uplift and glacial activity that carved the dramatic peaks and valleys of the nearby Rocky Mountain front ranges. Plateau Mountain itself is a notable ecological area, recognized as one of the few places in the southern Canadian Rockies where alpine tundra conditions persist at relatively accessible elevations. The surrounding terrain is characterized by subalpine meadows, exposed ridgelines, and limestone formations that naturally filter groundwater before it emerges at surface springs like this one. Visitors have historically used springs in this region as sources of fresh drinking water, and this particular spring has been frequented by locals and travelers passing through the area. ## Directions 1. From the town of Turner Valley or Black Diamond, Alberta, head west on Highway 546 (also known as the Sheep River Road). 2. Continue west on Highway 546 as it winds through the foothills and into Kananaskis Country. 3. Watch for the junction with Plateau Mountain Road, a gravel forestry road that branches off to the south. 4. Turn onto Plateau Mountain Road and follow it carefully — the spring is located along this road at GPS coordinates **50.216132, -114.553362**. 5. Keep an eye out for a natural water seep or pipe emerging from the hillside near the roadside. The spring may be marked informally by visitors or by a small pulloff area. *Note: Plateau Mountain Road is a gravel road that may be rough or seasonally inaccessible, particularly during spring snowmelt or after heavy rains. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Always check current road conditions before heading out, especially in late fall and winter.* ## What to Expect This is a roadside spring in a remote, mountainous setting — expect a simple, natural water source rather than a developed facility. The spring emerges from the ground in an area underlain by limestone and other sedimentary rock formations common to the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, which naturally filter the water as it percolates through the subsurface. Water from springs in this geological setting has been reported to taste clean and refreshing, though no official water quality testing data is currently available for this specific source. The surrounding landscape is striking, with sweeping views of the foothills transitioning into the Rocky Mountain front ranges. Plateau Mountain and the nearby Kananaskis Country offer excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The area is home to elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly and black bears, and a wide variety of alpine and subalpine plant species. There are no facilities at the spring — no restrooms, trash cans, or signage. Visitors should be prepared for backcountry conditions and pack out all waste. Cell service in this area is limited to nonexistent. The best time to visit is typically from late spring through early fall (June–September), when the road is most likely to be passable and the weather is favorable.