6 Epic Fall Hikes in Kananaskis Country with Amazing Views
When you think of the Canadian Rockies, your mind automatically goes to the beautiful views in Banff National Park. But just outside Banff, an hour to the southeast, there may be even more dramatic views and definitely fewer people. The fall hikes in Kananaskis Country are filled with jagged peaks, crazy ridgelines, and tons of wildlife, it honestly feels like you’re transported to another planet.
These fall hikes in Kananaskis Country, which is comprised of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Spray Valley Provincial Park, and Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park (though we didn’t hike here), offer adventurers rugged hikes with rewarding views.
As with all hikes in the Canadian Rockies, please carry bear spray, be ready for weather changes, and hike with others if possible!
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My Top Fall Hikes in Kananaskis Country
I should note that these trails are good during the summer as well. But in autumn, they really pop and show off the stunning fall colors and magic of this area.
Sarrail Ridge
Well, this hike knocked my socks off and blasted its way into my top tier of all-time hikes. It has ridgeline views that will impress anyone. But to reach it, you have to tackle a less-than-ideal gully that consists of a steep and slippery trail from the back of Rawson Lake up to Sarrail Ridge.
The trail overall is pretty good. It starts with a flat walk along Upper Kananaskis Lake before branching off to Rawson Lake. This part gains about 1,000 feet in 1.5 miles. Then, you traverse the lake clockwise and begin your 1,300-foot ascent in less than a mile.
But it’s worth the suffering to go up. Once up top, endless views await, which will bring you the most joy and wonder.
- Distance: 7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Some larches in sight
Pocaterra Ridge
I’m not breaking any news with this one. It’s one of the best-known fall hikes in Kananaskis Country, and for good reason. There are a ton of larches, and the views are incredible. Normally, you hike up from the southern trailhead, but there was work being done on it, so we had to go from the north.
Tired legs, a late start, and altitude made us incredibly slow, so we didn’t reach the top. But from the views we did see from the ridgeline, it’s a classic!
As of September 2024: Southern Trailhead is closed, so you have to start at Little Highwood Pass. This route is much harder. To reach the highest point, it’s 7 miles with 2,800 feet of gain and a very steep first mile.)
- Distance: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,600
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard, depending on your route
- Larches galore
Read’s Tower
This is a fun yet steep trail leading above Spray Lake in Spray Valley Provincial Park. My friend and I didn’t go all the way to the top, but we made it to 8,000 feet, which is about 500 feet from the summit. (Winds and darkness sent us back down, and the views are just the same.)
This is not for the faint of heart, though. The trail is quite steep for most of it and is not friendly to those with bad knees. But once you’re up above the trees, it’s amazing. You can see the entire lake, and there’s a gorgeous larch grove on the north side of the trail. I think this is one of the fall hikes in Kananaskis Country that is slept on.
- Distance: 4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
- Larch grove at the saddle
Tent Ridge
This is the only trail I haven’t done on the list, but it looks otherworldly with Spray Lake below. We opted for the less popular Read’s Tower as the parking lot for Tent Ridge was a zoo. That said, if you are okay with some crowds (or going during the week), you’ll have amazing views and, in the fall, larches!
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,650 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Larches Galore
Smutwood Peak
This one is a classic! I did this hike in 2021 after an early snowfall, and the scene was wild. You look down on two lakes and see the giant face of Mount Birdwood staring back at you. The first half is flat through a forest, with the second half gaining nearly all of the 3,000 feet to reach the top.
- Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation Gain: 3,000
- Difficulty: Hard
- Epic mountain views
Burstall Pass (and Snow Peak)
While we missed peak larch season by a handful of days, this was a really great hike that showed off the fantastic views of the area. Of these fall hikes in Kananaskis Country, I would say this one’s the easiest if only tackling the pass. There are two decent uphill sections, but they’re spread out enough that you won’t feel it too hard. (Though hiking at altitude, we were breathing heavily.)
For those looking to up their views, Snow Peak is very attainable. While it looks tough (and it is), there’s a good path to follow, and we moved at a good pace to reach the top. From there, the views are mesmerizing, with more peaks than you can imagine.
- Distance: 12.5 to the summit (10ish to the pass)
- Elevation Gain: 3400 feet (summit) 1,800 to Burstall Pass (slight gain on the way back)
- Difficulty: Hard to the summit, Moderate to the pass
- Great larch views
Fall Hiking Gear
If you are looking for gear for your fall hikes in Kananaskis Country and beyond, take a look below.
- Base Layers
- Sun Hoodie – Men’s & Women’s
- Fleece – Men’s & Women’s
- Hooded Puffy Jacket 800+ down – Men’s & Women’s
- Lighter Puffy Jacket, no hood – Men’s & Women’s
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Hiking Poles
- Waterproof Boots
- 30L+ Hiking Pack – Men’s & Women’s
- Snacks while on the trail
- Bear Spray
- Headlamp
Where to stay in Kananaskis Country
Camping
There are a lot of campgrounds in the area—more than I would have imagined in a tight-knit area. During my trip in September 2024, we camped at Elkwood Campground. One thing to note during late September and fall in Kananaskis is that some were already closed, and if they weren’t closed, water and facilities had been closed.
Elkwood had showers, but not in our section. All water spigots were off, but you could go to the dump station to get fresh water.
You won’t have cell service down here, but the Peter Lougheed Discovery Center (i.e., Visitor Center) hasWi-Fii and an excellent museum to check out.
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- Elkwood Campground
- Year-round, offering both serviced and unserviced sites. Close to trails like Upper Kananaskis Lake and Elk Pass.
- Lower Lake Campground
- Right by Lower Kananaskis Lake, this site offers lakefront camping with easy access to nearby hiking trails and fishing spots.
- Canyon Campground
- Smaller campground near the Kananaskis River, great for those looking for a more intimate setting.
- Boulton Creek Campground
- A large, popular site with amenities such as showers and a convenience store. Close to both the Boulton Creek Trail and the Boulton Trading Post.
- Interlakes Campground
- Situated between Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes, it is perfect for lakeside camping and quick access to Sarrail Ridge or Rawson Lake trails.
Spray Valley Provincial Park
- Mount Kidd RV Park
- Full-service RV sites with both powered and non-powered spots. One of the few campgrounds offeringWi-Fii access.
- Spray Lakes West Campground
- Situated along the Spray Lakes Reservoir, offering both backcountry-feeling spots and scenic water views.
Bow Valley Provincial Park
- Bow Valley Campground
- A large, family-friendly site near the Bow River with trails like Middle Lake and Many Springs Trail nearby. Offers a mix of serviced and unserviced sites.
- Lac des Arcs Campground
- A smaller, quieter campground near the Bow River and close to the Trans-Canada Highway for easy access.
Kananaskis Valley (Evan-Thomas Recreation Area)
- Ribbon Creek Campground
- It’s near Ribbon Falls and Ribbon Lake trails, a great location for hikers and those interested in exploring the valley’s alpine trails.
- Wedge Pond Campground
- A smaller campground near Wedge Pond is ideal for those looking for tranquility and some lakeside fishing.
Other Notable Sites
- Pocaterra Group Campground
- Best suited for larger groups or family gatherings, with several tenting areas and facilities for group activities.
- Peninsula Day Use and Backcountry Campground
- This backcountry site is accessed via hiking, offering a remote experience near Lower Kananaskis Lake, perfect for the more adventurous.
These are just some of the more well-known campgrounds in Kananaskis. There are several more, including backcountry options for those seeking solitude. Each campground typically has varied facilities ranging from basic tenting sites to fully serviced RV spots that are great for your fall hikes in Kananaskis Country.
Lodging
As you read, we camped, so I don’t know firsthand about other lodging in the area. But I will say there are not a lot of options further south. Up north, near Canmore, you’ll have great varieties to choose from.
Explore Hotels in Canmore
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge – Kananaskis Village
Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino
Mount Engadine Lodge
William Watson Lodge
Sundance by Basecamp
Final thoughts on these fall hikes in Kananaskis Country
On my most recent trip, I pushed myself to see as much of the area as possible in my four days. We did challenging hikes, saw immense mountains and stunning sights, and really pushed our bodies. If you’re up for the challenge, these fall hikes in Kananaskis Country take you to new heights and show you how beautiful the Canadian Rockies are.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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