Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours depending on fitness level.
Distance: 7km out and back
Elevation Gain: 780 metres
Access: Head south on Highway 40 through Kananaskis for approximately 50kms after the turn off from Highway 1. The trail head can be found on the left side of the road just before the turn off on the right that goes towards the Upper Kananaskis Lake campground. There is parking available in the Kings Creek Ridge day use area.
Kings Creek Ridge offers plentiful views and great early season hiking - often hikes on this part of highway 40 are free of snow a few weeks before trails further into the Rockies. However check to see if it’s snow free before heading out!
The hike is relatively straight forward with the only notable fork being early on, take the left hand side, this is the new trail and the fork to the right should be blocked with stones/logs.
This trail is steep and relentless however you will have about 10 minutes of easier walking to warm up as the trail briefly runs parallel to the road below. After this the trail will start baring right and up, all the way up! There are what look like multiple trails crisscrossing each other created by wildlife and humans alike on the ascent however most cross each other and join back up. The main direction you need to be heading is up!
Once up on the ridge you’ll be rewarded with views of Mt. Wintour and the unique mountain ranges that make Kananaskis a world class hiking destination. The path follows the ridge until you come across the false summit, marked with a large rock cairn. Along the ridge there are multiple small open meadow sections that make for a great stop for lunch or a quick break however it is always worthwhile plodding on to the true summit!
Mt. Wintour bathed in golden light.
Mt. Wintour just after sunset surrounded by alpine glow.
Heading north along the ridge you’ll come across a short scramble with a little exposure before making your way to the true summit.
On the way back it’s simply a case of retracing your steps, the descent is of course steep so be careful with your foot placement and as always I recommend taking poles.
Josh on the true summit
