This is such a great beginner hike.
It has a little bit of everything - forest paths, rockslide views, meadows, streams, waterfalls and the signature mountain views I love the most.
Who I'd recommend this hike for? Brand new beginners and out-of-town visitors.
Beginners can manage this one for sure, as long as you don't panic when you lose sight of the trail. With some research (take screenshots of the information and reviews on AllTrails ahead of time, since you'll be out of range when you get there) this is completely manageable.
I'd also recommend this one for out-of-town visitors to show off the best of Kananaskis. The drive to and from, the variety along the trail, the 3 hour-length of it and the moderate challenge of the hike would make this ideal to take a family, older folks with good fitness and older kids too.
The only thing that may present a challenge to someone unfamiliar with hiking in this area is that the trail isn't obvious. I've never been on it before, I went out with someone who hadn't gone on it before either, and we still managed not to get lost.
But the trail isn't well marked!
No, it's not. But you CAN find it!
The trail isn't well marked but we never got lost, as long as you pause to look around a bit it "pops out." And since the hike is in an open bowl shape, you can spot hikers at various places on the hike, which helps too.
The split to choose between clockwise and counterclockwise is at the stream, when it levels off. Keep going right anytime it looks like you have a choice and you'll find the path!
Duration: 3 hours at a medium pace.
It took a total of 3 hours start to finish at a steady, medium pace including a quick break for lunch and wandering off the trail a bit to find some extra waterfall views.
How hard is the hike, really?
I'd agree this is a truly easy - moderate hike. The elevation is steady until you reach the meadow, and then it's a little bit more elevation until the 'top.' Going counterclockwise means you get the steep part on the descent, plus it's easier to find the trail. At my fitness level (average), I wasn't sore after the hike, and didn't struggle or have to take too many breaks going up the path.
What should I bring?
If you're hiking this in the Summer or late Autumn, this is what I'd bring.
Poles
Hiking shoes
Water
Hat
Windbreaker/sweater layers and gloves (it's windy at the top)
Sunscreen
Bear spray
Spikes for shoes (if you saw snow in the forecast around the time of your hike)
Snack
I hiked this in late Autumn (the week after peak larch season), so the conditions were cool, sunny, bright, and a dry trail most of the way. I found a walking stick useful and didn't need crampons. It was a bit muddy in sections but manageable with regular hiking shoes. I saw lots of groups of differing ages on this one but everyone (except the odd one every now and then) had poles.
Note: This hike is located on the seasonally open highway portion of Highway 40, so it'll be inaccessible part of the year. Make sure you check online to be certain that it's open before you go!
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