Penner: Backcountry bliss can be found on these relatively easy treks

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We independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work. In the morning, before anyone was up and just as the sun crested the ridgeline and warm light flooded The Forks backcountry campground, I grabbed my camping chair, headed over to the banks of the creek that charged through the valley, and found an idyllic little spot to hunker down.

I watched the golden light sweep over the lingering snowpack that lay glued to the wind-scoured slopes of the surrounding peaks. I saw dippers diving in the creek. And I listened to the glacier-fed stream tumbling over the rocks.

It was one of the best hours I’ve had so far this year. But, truth be told, for someone who values time in the wilderness, I’ve had a lot of memorable hours in the backcountry. In fact, twice a year — typically once in spring and once in fall — I’ll venture to a backcountry campground in the mountains to, well, rejuvenate.

Recreate. Enjoy the perfect, untainted rhythms of the natural world. And often, not always, a couple of my boys — Nick and Nelson, usually — come along for the ride.

We’ve had some fantastic adventures. Paradise Valley in Banff National Park. Laughing Falls in Yoho National Park.

The Forks in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis. And the list goes on. Unquestionably, one of the best things that I can pass along to my boys (they’re now young men, actually) is an appreciation for wild and unspoiled places.

And I’m happy to say I believe I’m succeeding on this front. Case in point: I don’t have to twist their arms too hard to get them to come along! And, of course, they’re starting to venture out to do these things on their own as well.

The proper order of things, indeed! Most of the time our adventures are relatively “easy.” I’m not interested, especially with an 18-kilogram pack, in extreme excursions that require multiple days of trekking in steep, technical terrain.

For the most part, I leave those adventures for serious mountaineers who have a zeal for taking things to the outer limits. Everest? Not for me.

I’ll never summit. And I’m OK with that. One-night getaways that require a moderate 10-kilometre trek, or less, to a cozy campground beside a spirited creek or a turquoise lake?

Now we’re talking. Maybe throw in a fishing hole. A waterfall, or two.

A sublime little “seat” to watch nature unfold. Yes. That’s my speed.

Thankfully, many options in the nearby mountains fit the bill. And most of them only require a short drive from Calgary. This means these short-and-sweet adventures to get my “fix” can be completed in 24 hours, or less.

After all, there’s only so long one can stay out of cell coverage! Here are five of my favourite backcountry campgrounds that qualify for a quick getaway. Point Backcountry Campground: Located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and accessed via the trailhead at the North Interlakes Day Use Area, the Point is about as easy as it gets.

The out-and-back is approximately four km each way and is rated easy. No big climbs! Once there, the Point features over a dozen lakeside tent pads, two cooking areas, storage lockers, and wood provided for campfires.

This is a pristine lakeside campground that is open year-round. Or, for a slightly longer journey from the same trailhead, The Forks backcountry campground (eight km each way) is another gem. Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground: Correction, this is actually as easy as it gets!

The trailhead, located near the top of Highwood Pass at the Elbow Lake Trailhead on Highway 40, has plenty of parking and the campground is just over a kilometre away. However, the trail up to the lake is a steady and sometimes steep climb. Once there, you’ll find an idyllic lakeside oasis with plenty of sites, firewood, food lockers, and options for dayhiking from the campground.

If things go awry, it’s a quick jaunt down the hill to your vehicle. It’s a perfect “newbie” backcountry experience. Tombstone Backcountry Campground: Accessed via the same Elbow Lake Trailhead, the journey to Tombstone is a beautiful eight-km trek through the pristine, peak-framed Elbow Valley.

A stop at Edworthy Falls (it’s a steep trail down to the falls!) is a must if you’re sure-footed. Once you’ve reached Elbow Lake, the remainder of the trail to Tombstone is a relatively flat walk through the valley. Lake Minnewanka LM8 Backcountry Campground: Lining the peaceful shores of Lake Minnewanka are a number of backcountry campgrounds that make for an easy adventure.

I prefer the campground at the eight-km (LM8) mark. Access the trailhead at the Lake Minnewanka Day Use Area in Banff National Park. If you want a beautiful, albeit strenuous, add-on, you can hoof it to the top of the Aylmer Lookout.

It’s a stunner! (Allow three to four hours extra for this.) Laughing Falls Backcountry Campground: Yoho National Park is heaven for hikers.

Starting at Takakkaw Falls (at 373 metres, it’s probably the highest and most spectacular waterfall you’ll see in your lifetime), the nine-km trek to Laughing Falls is relatively easy, meandering through the forest for much of the way. On my last journey to the Laughing Falls backcountry campground, my boys and I added a three-hour (give or take) saunter to Twin Falls, which we found every bit as spectacular as Takakkaw Falls. Regardless of the journey you choose, being prepared — even on a short(ish) one-night stay in the backcountry — is paramount.

Do your homework. Get your permits. Have the right gear.

And if everything falls into place, just let nature soothe your soul, and you’ll reap a great reward for your effort.