King's Creek Ridge
The stats
Time: 3.5 - 4.5 hours depending on fitness level.
Distance: 7km out and back
Elevation Gain: 780 metres
How To Get To The King’s Creek Trailhead
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.
The Hike
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
Looking for More Hikes in Kananaskis?
Tent Ridge offers stunning views, ridge line hiking and incredible fall colour.
East End of Rundle has to be one of my favourite for sunset photography
Sarrail Ridge has to be one of the best views in Kananaskis Country!
Yates Mountain offers a great early season warm up to the hiking season!
Carnarvon Lake offers a more adventurous experience!
Things to Know Before You Go
Parks and Conservation Passes: Whether you’re hiking in a national park in Canada or certain provincial parks you’ll most likely need some kind of conservation pass. A Discovery Passwill cover you for the year for all national parks in Canada whilst the Kananaskis Conservation Passcovers the provincial and wildland parks in the Kananaskis region.
Leave No Trace: When hiking anywhere in the world it’s important that you practice a leave no trace philosophy. This means whatever you hike in to a trail or campground you have to be able to hike out too. There won’t be trash cans or waste disposal in the backcountry and you should never throw trash in any out houses or pit toilets. In recent years, as trails and parks become busier, litter is becoming more of a problem. Don’t add to that problem!
Bears and Wildlife! Wild life is everywhere in the Canadian Rockies, even on trails that are close to town. People and animals have been attacked by bears and other wild life on popular trails in the past so don’t take it for granted.
Most wildlife is looking to avoid human contact so no matter what type of wildlife you see be sure to keep your distance. 30 metres is the minimum recommendation for most species but under any circumstance don’t approach wildlife. Even the cuddliest of critters can be dangerous!
So as always be bear aware, make noise, hike in groups, carry bear spray and, if they’re allowed on trail, keep your dog on a leash!
Offline maps knowing where you’re going is super important as to not get lost. I recommend All Trails Plusfor finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way home.
Interested in other multi-day hikesin the Canadian Rockies or maybe day hikes?
