Uncover a Wonder: Four Beautiful Hikes in Kananaskis

The majestic landscapes of Kananaskis Country do not cease to inspire wonder and awe. From soaring mountains to tranquil lakes, Kananaskis embraces you with its beauty and sheer vastness. Now, one of the best ways to uncover the wonders of Kananaskis is, of course, by foot. This is why I recommend you take a hike. However, you may wonder which mountain to summit, which lake to visit, and which way to go. I too often wonder which way to go, but fortunately, I was led back here to tell the tale of four beautiful hikes in Kananaskis. Each can be completed in a day…as long you do not lose your way, which I sincerely hope does not happen. 

From the least challenging to most, read on to uncover these four wonders of Kananaskis no matter the season, though be sure to take heed of the weather.

A Kananaskis Conversation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley Corridor. All distances, elevations, and durations are approximate. 

1. Grotto Creek Canyon

Of these four beautiful hikes in Kananaskis, Grotto Creek Canyon is by far the least challenging and is therefore, a great way to step into the world of hiking. Now, this hike can be done year-round and is a wonderful choice for the wintertime. During this frostiest of seasons, trace the path of the icy creek as it winds through the rocky canyon. Walk on water (the frozen kind that is) and discover icicles larger than life and waterfalls still as statues.

As you emerge from the canyon, look up to your left. Why, there is a cave atop a hill, its great gaping mouth beckoning you on. If you are itching for more adventure, why not climb up and meet the cave up close? Watch your step, for it may be rather slippery, but this means coming down will be all the easier. Simply lie down and slide. The snow will help cushion you from any hostile rocks.

2. Sarrail Ridge

The Sarrail Ridge hike is a favorite of many and is therefore quite popular. This means the paths can become a tad congested at times. One of the reasons for Sarrail Ridge’s popularity is that only a moderate amount of effort is needed to be rewarded by spell-binding views of Kananaskis Country.

Let us begin the hike along the shores of Upper Kananaskis Lake. From here, follow the path as it winds through the forest and over the bridge, eventually leading you to the placid waters of Rawson Lake where you may spot many a duck. As you skip along the rocky shores, you will see Sarrail Ridge rising in the distance. Take heart, for the way becomes steep, but the spectacular vistas are well worth the pain. Atop the ridge, magnificent peaks and gemstone lakes encompass you. On one side sparkles the Kananaskis Lakes framed by craggy peaks, while Rawson Lake gleams on the other. Sarrail Ridge is an ideal hike for the summer and fall.

3. Ha Ling Peak

Ha Ling Peak is another hike to enjoy in the peace of the wintertime. As your breath puffs in clouds, follow the snowy switchbacks as they rise steadily through the forest. Though your legs may begin to feel leaden, each step will lead you one step closer to the first viewpoint, where the magnificent Rundle Mountain greets you in the distance.

Past the viewpoint, the path winds once more through the forest. Follow the trail until a staircase rises before you. Now, who doesn’t appreciate a set of stairs on a steep hike? Fear not, the fun does not end after the stairs. After this comes a choose your own adventure as you ascend the mountain to the summit, for the trail may not always be well-defined. However, you are fast approaching the peak and, like with any of these beautiful hikes in Kananaskis, the view atop is nothing short of breathtaking, especially when you are already out of breath. The Rockies seem to ripple to the ends of the earth, adorned by evergreen forests and shimmering snow.

4. Mount Baldy Peak

Are you ready for a challenge? Of these four beautiful hikes in Kananaskis, Mount Baldy Peak is by far the most challenging. The first three hikes were merely a warm-up. It is preferable to hike this in the summer, though if you are keen for a bit of adventure, this hike is open in the winter as well. The trail begins among the evergreen pines, leading you past the chittering squirrels and occasional Clark’s Nutcracker. Watch your step, for the occasional root and fallen branch graces the path.

Eventually, you shall reach the crux – a rocky monolith towering before you. You can either skirt around the crux or scramble over. However, if you do skirt around, you can still enjoy a bit of scrambling before you at last attain the summit. Here, take a deep breath and bask in the satisfaction of reaching the top and standing tall amid the mountainous giants, despite the jelly legs. Look out below, for there gleams the beautiful Barrier Lake amid the majestic peaks and whispering pines.

Final Remarks

Now, this was only a taste of the wonders of these four beautiful hikes in Kananaskis. As you venture out yourself, be mindful of the principles of Leave No Trace. Plan ahead, be considerate of others, and watch where you step lest you stumble rather than skip. Lastly, while photos do serve as meaningful keepsakes, you will only fully experience the moment when you set aside the camera for a moment or two and enjoy the view through your eyes. Snap a couple of photos, but be sure to savor each one of these beautiful hikes in Kananaskis without distraction. 

I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to sharing more unofficial wonders with you. 

Thank you for journeying with me.