After checking out the falls, walk across the narrow Spray River Bridge. As soon as the bridge is crossed, there is a trail on the right skirting the upper edge of the 15th fairway. This trail is here for the purpose of crossing the golf course without running across the middle of the fairway, so be sure to cross here and not farther down. This is the same route taken to pick up the Mount Rundle trailhead. Staying on this trail along the edge of the 15th fairway, now on the other side, will direct you to the Spray River/Mount Rundle signage within a few moments.

Throughout the journey there are two sets of signs, old and new, with identical markers but differing distances. So, from this intersection, turn right and begin trekking either 4.6 or 4.9 km to Campground Sp6. The fire road trail begins to climb now but maintains this mild ascent for only five minutes or so. It then levels off and really does not change much until the approach to the campground. Numerous signs dot the early part of the trail, but regardless, they all steer you to Sp6 along the main fire road. Horses and cyclists share the main route, so it can become mucky in spots, but the surrounding forest of Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine and standing birch is sparse, permitting off-trail travel around some of the worst spots.

At any time along the way, the view of the Spray River down below is accessible just off the road to the right. Sulphur Mountain and its tram are also visible from the high banks over the Spray River. This short, easy hike will begin a very quick and limited descent about ten minutes before reaching the campground. The trail drops just enough to reach the same level as the river. Spray River Campground is unique in that it is stretched out along a narrow strip of forest abutting a hillside on the left side of the trail. The bear pole and cooking area are reached first, and the tent pads are two minutes up the trail, with an outhouse in between.

There is not much for day trips from here other than simply spending the day exploring the Spray River or relaxing on its beaches. A beautiful location such as this requires suppression of all peripheral influences in order to allow an endless day of nothingness. The loop can be completed on the way out instead of returning the same way, though it consists of much of the same strolling among conifer trees.

History

The name has been used for the river and valley since 1885, although it is uncertain who gave it the name. It is a descriptive term coming from the spray emitted from Bow Falls where the Spray meets the Bow River.