A vigorous climb to alpine meadows not far from Valemount. From the Forest Service trail sign at the far end of the old Swift Lookout clearing, the trail descends for a short distance and crosses a ravine behind the lookout tower, then climbs steeply for 3.2 kilometers to timberline. Once in the alpine one may wander anywhere. At a low point in the trail not long after reaching the first large alpine meadows, a signed and marked route leads left off the main trail. This will take you to the YORA Swift Creek (McKirdy) cabin. Registration is required if you want to stay in the cabin, and there is a small fee to cover maintenance, etc. Check locally to find out where to register before using the cabin overnight.

Circle routes are possible using other trails described below which also lead to the McKirdy Meadows alpine area.

Follow 5th Avenue eastward through Valemount, across the railway tracks to the end of the street. Turn right and proceed south for a short distance to Hillside Drive. Turn left on Hillside and watch for signs indicating the Swift Mountain Forest Road. Take this road upwards to the right from Hillside Drive and past the village telephone and television relay site with its clusters of towers and dishes, which should be on your left. Cross a cattleguard and continue up the mountain. The road from this point is steep. In wet weather four wheel drive may be required. Park at an abandoned forest fire lookout site on top of a minor summit at the end of the road.

Allow 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours to reach the alpine meadows, and the better part of a day for the round trip including lunch stops and relaxing here and there in the meadows.