Your email address will not be published. Hiking poles can help at some ascending hills. Length: 7.1 kmElevation gain: 1,186 mDuration: 4-6 hoursTrail type: out-and-back. we saw lots of pikas and grouse! December 1 @ 8:00 am - 4:00 pm . The lake was calm and frost at the top. Best of all? One of the best things about Kananaskis is that the scenery is just as incredible as what youll find in the popular, neighbouring towns of Canmore and Banff, but with far less crowds. Pocaterra Cirque and Ridge Cirque Distance 6.9km roundtrip Trail type Out and back Elevation 415m Level Easy/moderate Ridge Distance 9.9km roundtrip Trail type Out and back Elevation At this point youre definitely committed to completing the entire loop, which just so happens to be 15 kilometres and includes sights like Upper Kananaskis Falls, Mount Indefatigable and a spot called the Palliser Slide where youll walk through a field of massive boulders created by natural landslides. Theres a very nice backcountry campground after 1.2 km by the lakeshore so consider spending a night here if you can. The falls are just as spectacular in the winter, making it an ideal all-season hike for families. Tent Ridge is just an hours drive fromCanmoreso you really dont have to venture out too far. Sunny. A couple of other points worth noting: Sometimes we just want a leisurely hike, and these Kananaskis hiking trails are perfect for that! As well, the area serves multiple hikes (highwood, Tyrwhitt, the cirque, the ridge), so there are people wandering every which way creating multiple trails, confusing those without a GPS track to follow. The raging waterfall at the end of the Karst Spring Trail is well worth the effort. Many people stop at the alpine meadow around 2.5 km up. Theres also a lake here, though its often dried up. Note: As part of an ongoing Kananaskis trail closures program, the Chester Lake hike is closed every year from May 1 to June 29 to allow the area to dry and prevent damage. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. And if youre based in Canmore for your hikes in Kananaskis, be sure to check out our guides to the best things to do in Canmore, hotels in Canmore, and 26 of the best Canmore restaurants. If that doesnt put you off, then youre all set to take in one of the most stunning hikes in Kananaskis! Know before you go: although the Little Lawson Trail is known for its long season, do not attempt the last scramble section if its covered in snow or ice. Once you clear the treeline and pass a steep scree, you will see two trails leading up to the summit. Crampons are absolutely necessary for winter, and trekking poles are recommended year-round on the uneven trail. Its almost as if it were sprung straight from a fairy tale! It offers amazing views of Spray Lake and will only take you a couple of hours to finish. Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Mike Seehagel, If youre a local, this is one of those Kananaskis trails thats so mind-blowingly gorgeous that chances are youll wonder how have I never thought to come here before?!. There are bear warnings on each hike, and during the summer, some hikes close often if there is bear activity in the area. Check here for the current status of Galatea Lakes Trail. You can find the trailhead at the Fortress Junction gas station, near the picnic tables (look for the power lines and a little stream). The last 20 kilometres to the trail head is a gravel pitted road that is very rough. Continue on for around 3.8 km until you see a little trail on your left. It sports backcountry campsites, which makes it a good beginner trail if you're backpacking, however this hike can be completed in one day. Trail is pretty dry. Keep an eye out for the side trails leading to Burstall Lakes as they are among the highlights of this hike. ), but the views at the top of Sarrail Ridge will have you forgetting all about your burning legs. The trail is wide and being only 4 km, it can be done by most everyone. Burstall Pass Trail Distance 16.4km Trail type Out & back Elevation 675m Level Moderate Time 5 Hours Kananaskis Trail, west of Calgary, and south from the TransCanada Highway, provides quick and easy access to Kananaskis Country.. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 6 min to complete. We highly recommend using the AllTrails app for this hike. Great trail conditions, a few colourful larches, spectacular views, and astounding rock formations. Yes, Warspite Lake is found earlier on the Black Prince Cirque trail before you do the hard, steep climb up to Black Prince Lakes which Id hoped Id made clear in my description of the hike. But heres what happens: the alpine scenery is gorgeous, the trail is mostly flat, and before you know it youve been walking for an hour and find yourself a good chunk of the way around, so you figure youll just continue forging ahead to finish the loop. Starting from the trailhead shared with the Burstall Pass hike across from the Smith-Dorrien Trail, the well-marked path has a good mix of both tree cover and wide-open valleys. A bit further than what AT said, but we did play around at the Elephant Rocks, so that COULD BE it. Barrier Lake is located on Highway 40 near the entrance to Kananaskis. The Troll Falls hike is one of the most popular hikes in Kananaskis Country, likely because it appeals to so many types of hikers. You cant get much better than the sweeping vistas of the Rocky Mountains all around you and the Upper Kananaskis Lake below. So before you go off and explore this beautiful park, be sure to educate yourself on bear behaviors, how to use bear spray, how to avoid bear encounters, and what to do if you come across one. Saw a black bear just near the clearings before the lake be cautions, Trail was nice and dry today, no issues. Its pretty steep and tough, so at first sight, it might not seem so appealing. Even the first hour through mossy woods is extremely pleasant. Down has incredible insulating properties due to the numerous air pockets inside. Learn more. This section can be difficult, or even dangerous when icy so its best saved for June September. It has beautiful scenery, excellent alpine views, and a cute little hot spring on top of all that! Took us 3 hours up and back down. You can get them online and they are associated with a specific license plate number. It is one of the most popular hikes for families so be prepared for the trail to be busy. This section is pretty easy until you clear the tree line, which is where it starts to get tough. And while many will rush to trek in Banff and Jasper, the following hikes in Kananaskis should not be overlooked. Its just a long and steady climb, although there isnt any section thats very difficult. We've created THREE Alberta specific bingo games to make your road trip even MORE fun. And that wraps up my list of the best hikes in Kananaskis Country. The Ptarmigan Cirque is pretty close to the Arethusa Cirque. In summer, youll find lots of wildflowers scattered along the trail which I find to be beautiful. It is also recommended to have an offline map available as trail markings can be difficult to find at times. It quickly transitions into asteep path that goes up some scree. Its probably preferable to just do this as an out-and-back for now, going as far down the ridge as you please. One of our all time favorite Kananaskis hiking trails is hiking Wind Ridge. The EEOR trailhead is an unmarked trail from the side of the Smith-Dorrien Trail Highway. Trailhead: The Chester Lake trailhead leaves from the Chester Lake parking lot, found along the Smith-Dorrien Trail Highway (AB742). Microspikes maybe would be useful for a few minutes, but would be such a hassle. It is one of the best hiking trails in Kananaskis, yet, it is relatively unknown to many visitors. Along with Ha Ling Peak, it is considered to be one of the best day hikes in Kananaskis. October 8: Highly recommended with beautiful scenery of golden larches just consider few things before start your advanture.1) Although the trail is almost busy and path is clear but it is not well marked so Downloead the Alltrail map 2) Parking lot was full and had to park at road side 3) the last kms uphill is alittle bit hard and steep so hiking poles could be an assist 4) middle of the way is muddy, icy, and slippery so must be more cautious. Had to break trail up to and through Elephant Rocks (youre welcome). Oops. 2020. The hike to Rawson Lake is one of the most popular in the Kananaskis Lakes area. . Distance: 2-3 kilometers Type of trail: Loop Estimated time: 30 minutes to 1 hour You will soon come across a marshy section with little streams. The real fun starts when you get to Chester Lake, which has gorgeous reflections in every direction that are so pretty it feels like youre in a painting. In the summer, it can be rolled up in your backpack if the temperature ever drops. However, it isnt too technical and theres little scrambling involved, so its a perfect hike for days when you need a good workout. Some of the most iconic hikes in Kananaskis such as the Ha Ling Peak and the East End of Rundle fall under this category. The views back down the valley towards the Kananaskis rangeare pretty spectacular also. What can start out as a hot summer day at the trailhead can quickly turn to high winds and even snow at higher elevations. When I was writing this post, I realized that I couldnt decide if some of these hikes in Kananaskis are easy or moderate. the foliage is starting to turn red/ yellow and it was so beautiful to see. Note: The Wind Ridge trail is closed every year from December 1 to June 15 to protect critical winter range habitat for elk and bighorn sheep. Although not very long, it is notoriously steep. A picnic along Chester Lake is the perfect way to enjoy a warm afternoon in the summer in Kananaskis. When they all turn yellow and orange in the fall, this is the place to be. When you finally get to the rocky, barren summit and catch your breath, youll enjoy views of Moose Mountain and can pose beside the Canadian flag planted at the top for a well-deserved photo-opand proof that you completed one of the toughest hikes in Kananaskis. Here are 10 of the best hikes in Kananaskis that guarantee incredible views, a good diversity of landscapes, and are good for most skill levels. Know before you go: avoid hiking the Sarrail Ridge if it has rained or snowed recently. What makes these so great? As with any ridge hike in the area, the trail to Opal Ridge is steep and strenuous, but will reward you with some spectacular summit views! They are specular in the fall when they turn golden. Steady incline, don't really feel the uphill. The trail begins at the same parking lot as the Wassotch Ridge. Mountain peaks frame them on both sides, which make for a photogenic location. You should spend some time exploring, snapping photos, taking in the views, and just enjoying your effort. Purification tabletspurification tabletscome in handy if you ever need to refill water on the trail. Hike the Black Prince Cirque to view the picturesque Warspite Lake, an ideal spot to take photos of the encircling mountains. Considered one of the most scenic hikes in the region, youre guaranteed to want to keep stopping for photos along the way. Love this hike! The climb toSmutwood Peak begins here so continue on past Birdwood. We strongly recommend trekking poles on these difficult hikes in Kananaskis; not only will they help with loose soil and eroded paths, theyll help alleviate strain on your knees on the descent. Most of the hikes in this section take around half a day to complete. There are several different trails from the parking lot, so make sure that youre heading up the woods in the southeast direction. Required fields are marked *. Just continue on along the ridge as it slowly ascends up the Rimwall. Follow along for destination guides, travel tips, resources, cool stories, and more! This stunning and rarely visited waterfall can be reached by a short day hike from Elbow Lake. 13 INCREDIBLE Hikes in Kananaskis For All Levels, Do you hear that ringing? We hiked partway to Burstall Pass today (27 Oct). Always bring extra layers. It returns to the parking area on Foran Grade Trail. They are out of this world. The latch trees and lake are so worth the trip. We recommend using the stunning Rawson Lake as your rest spot along the way, as youll be surrounded by forest and wildflower meadows. They are steep and/or long, so they can be challenging for younger children or inexperienced hikers. Overall, the Burstall Pass is one of my favorite hikes in Kananaskis. Get ready to sweat on the Rawson Lake Trail to Sarrail Ridge! SHARE THE PINSPIRATION! The cobalt-blue lake is a popular day use area, particularly in the summer months, so many people only intend to walk around a bit of the lake to work off their lunch. While hiking up the side of a river valley, you'll get sweeping views over the Spray Lakes Reservoir. Fall in Canmore and Kananaskis is a special time of year. One of the most popular Canmore hikes, the Grassi Lakes Trail is great for beginner hikers. This section is pretty popular since its easy and Elbow Lake is quite scenic. So below are some of the best moderate hikes in Kananaskis! They've been our companions hiking and snowshoeing in these mountains since they were babies. Borders on Peter Laugheed PP and Banff National Park. Sorry if that wasnt the case and caused any confusion. Very few people carried onto elephant rocks. It is very popular with both the locals and visitors alike because it is so close to Canmore (one of the best small towns in Alberta). All of these are great options so whichever one you choose, know that youre in for a treat. Although the trail is long kilometer wise, this is still a beautiful trail to take those of all skill levels! Expansive views of Mount Assiniboine, Robertson Glacier and French Glacier mountains Burstall Pass Hike - Fall Getting there From jagged mountain peaks and waterfalls to brilliant blue lakes and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, Kananaskis Country is a local favorite. Besides, the views make it all worthwhile! It is stunning from start to finish with waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and alpine blue lakes. The trail is also known for being quite windy, so dress appropriately! Arethusa Cirque is a great hike, but some of its sections are not well marked at all. This hike is steep from the start, but it does provide occasional viewpoints that are perfect for snack breaks. Steady incline to the top but manageable with poles! The West Wind Pass is a short but steep hike between Canmore and Kananaskis, with an elevation gain of less than 400 metres despite how high up youll feel when you get to the summit. You may not enjoy the steep climb (and by steep, we mean straight up! Length: 20.0 kmElevation gain: 961 mDuration: 6-10 hoursTrail type: out-and-back. Map a physical map is reliable, easy to use, and doesnt run out of battery. At the top, there are mesmerizing views in every direction of Spray Lakes, rock slides and scree, and a seemingly-endless lush green valley. Length: 7.2kmElevation gain: 748 mDuration: 3-4 hoursTrail type: out-and-back. Overall, Opal Ridge Summit is a very enjoyable day hike in Kananaskis that is great for those who dont have much experience with scrambling. Get the AllTrails app and download your maps before venturing out for the day. Explore kananaskis fall hikes - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Length: 11.3 kmElevation gain: 1066 mDuration: 3-5 hoursTrail type: out-and-back. Light jacket/sweatera fleece sweateris so versatile (mens style). The views are absolutely incredible: sweeping valleys, a glacier, Elbow Lake and claw tooth peaks are just a few highlights. The real fun begins once you reach the headwall. While it can take some perseverance, one step at a time will get you there. The path is clear but not well marked for pocaterra. Its not uncommon to pull off the side of Highway 40 and find yourself gazing at a tranquil pond which casts a perfect reflection of a surrounding mountain range, and marvel at the fact theres not another soul in sight. Just pop one into your water bottle and youre good to go. Get ready to climb for your view on the gorgeous East End of Rundle, or EEOR (pronounced locally as Eeyore). We didnt climb much because it was late and it will get dark coming down. Youll want to leave one car or bikes at Little Highwood Pass, then drive back to the Highwood Pass parking lot and get to the trailhead from there. The second portion of Kananaskis Country consisted of two helicopter days and a lasting-memory hike up . Believe me, youre not missing out much. You will break the tree line and arrive at the top soon enough. Alaska moments This is definitely one of the best hikes in Canmore. You'll be rewarded with lovely views starting about 75 minutes into the hike, great swaths of wildflowers in summer and some good fall colours, including larches come September. The best time to visit, in our opinion? Starting along the Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail, its hard to tear yourself away from the mountain reflections on the lake in the morning. Mount Lipsett is a mountain named for Major General Louis James Lipsett, who commanded the 3rd Canadian Division during WWI. Really enjoyed the trees, the moss and the lovely lake. This popular Kananaskis hike keeps things interesting with a mostly vertical climb up that requires bouldering in some spots, rewarding you with sweeping views of the alpine valley once you get out of the tree line. The trail begins in the forest as it steadily ascends up the slope. Grassi Lakes is an easy hike in Kananaskis with a great pay off. #1 Mt. Courtesy of Travel Alberta / Colin Way. The climb up the ridge is the hardest section by far. Another selection of great hikes in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada.. Ski loop is well blazed. You will walk along the pristine water of Barrier Lake, through dense forest, and up a series of switchbacks to an incredible viewpoint. The longer Grassi Lakes Interpretive Trail goes around and takes you through waterfalls, forests, and the town of Canmore. This region of Alberta is known for its alpine landscapes and unspoiled beauty, so here are the best difficult hikes in Kananaskis that I know you will love. Difficulty: Moderate. Got to elephant rock in about an 1:10 with stopping for photos. Up at the top, youll be rewarded with views of the most stunning turquoise lakes. Not very busy, arrived just after 10am and the parking was less than a quarter full, leaving at 12:30 the lot looks maybe full (on thanksgiving Friday). It is a well-known hiking trail that is often recommended for families, so I didnt have much expectation for it. . Saw the tail end of the larches and lots of people fishing at the lake. Parking Just Past Mt Engadine Lodge along Mt. This short Kananaskis hike is very popular on weekends as it's the perfect family friendly hike. Trailhead: The Yates Mountain trailhead leaves from the Barrier Lake Day Use parking lot. Trailhead: The Wind Ridge trailhead is located just south of Dead Mans Flats on George Biggy Sr. Road. The Mount Allan Summit, being the highest maintained trail in the Canadian Rockies, is truly a hike for the bucket list. From waterfalls to stunning mountain lakes to alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, the incredible beauty and variety of these hikes is what makes Kananaskis one of the best places for hiking. I would call it in the easy end of moderate for difficulty. It may look long and steep but you only have around 1 more hour to go. the views are definitely worth the grind (it was steeper than we thought). With the Canadian Rockies lining much of the western edge of Alberta, it is with no wonder that hiking is such a popular activity. So in this post, I want to share some of my favorite hikes in Kananaskis. Pocaterra Ridge. The hike and the views were gorgeous. Most people come here to experience its hot springs, which are pretty easy to get to. A beautiful hike. Situated right across the valley from Wassotch Ridge is another amazing hike in Kananaskis, the Porcupine Ridge Trail. Up to the right are nice views of burstall lakes and lemon lake. I recommend dressing in layers so that you can adjust accordingly. Enjoyed going up done down. Trust us, the challenge is well worth it! Follow that for about 10 min and youll get to the elephant rocks. Huge snowfall but Parks had groomed it! Having said that, they will reward you with some of the best views Kananaskis has to offer. TikTok video from Michelle Harrison (@michesniches): "Road trip with my bestie #roadtrip #fall #trip #travel #adventure #hike #bike #canada #kelowna #wanderlust #travelbug #explore #kananaskis #golden". An easy walk through an evergreen & aspen forest to a beautiful Marmot Creek waterfall, the Troll Falls trail is a real crowd pleaser all year round. But this hike is home to the only natural and undeveloped hot springs in Kananaskis and Banff National Park. Located in yyc, text 403-831-2097. The Wosootch Ridge Trail is 15.4 km so you can expect it to take the whole day if you finish at the peak. Opal Ridge is technically an easy-moderate hike in Kananaskis, but it also offers a tougher scrambling route for those who are looking for a challenge. I've also added Elbow Falls to the map - it's a pretty place to enjoy a picnic lunch beside the waterfall and it's less than 10 km (6 miles) from Fullerton Loop hike. This continuation of the hike is best for seasoned hikers in good shape. Larch trees are pretty much bare now. It wasnt easy to get here but you did it! Looking for other incredible hikes in Alberta? I didnt come prepared and did it in a pair of vans. From the parking lot, you have to walk back along the road for a bit to get to the trailhead. Larches are deciduous conifers, dropping their needles in a brief blast of green turning to yellow turning to gold in the fall, but otherwise having all the attributes of other conifers like spruce, pine & fir, since it is actually in the pine family. User Ratings. Be sure to time this hike when the mountain wildflowers are in bloom. There are lots of awesome easy hikes in Kananaskis so you can still enjoy the beautiful scenery here even if youre not that much into hiking. Length: 4.5 kmElevation gain: 378 mDuration: 2 hoursTrail type: loop.
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