Mount Allan - A Unique Gem In Kananaskis
The hike up Mount Allan receives relatively low foot traffic considering it’s location just off the main highway in Kananaskis. The trail is the highest maintained trail in the Canadian Rockies so in turn has a lot of elevation gain which requires some good endurance putting a lot of hikers off.
If you’re willing to put in the work though you’ll be treated to one of the most unique views in the Rockies.
The Stats
Time: 7 - 9 hours
Distance: 16.5 km out and back
Elevation Gain: 1550 m
Difficulty: Hard - it’s not technical but it’s a long day!
How To Get To The Mount Allan Trailhead
The trailhead to Mount Allan is situated just off of Ribbon Creek Road at the day use area close to Kananaskis Village. When driving south on Highway 40 take a right off the main highway towards Kananaskis village (it’s well signposted). From here take the first left, then the first right before passing the Kananaskis Hostel.
There’s plenty of parking at Ribbon Creek Day use area - be sure to buy a Kananaskis Conservation Pass before you head out!
What’s the Best Time of Year To Hike Mount Allan?
The summit of Mount Allan is over 2800 m which means it can definitely hold it’s snow! Although the trail isn’t overly technical the route would be more challenging in the winter months due to that elevation.
The trail is best hiked from June to September where you’ll either be treated to bountiful wild flowers scattered across the meadows or golden larch tress towards the end of the season.
The Hike
The hike up Mount Allan is a big one! It has to be in the top 5 day hikes for sheer quantity of elevation gain in Kananaskis. On this trail you’ll cover over 1500 m over the 8 and a bit km that you cover to the summit. That’s a lot!
For reference this is like hiking two Ha Ling Peaks one after another!
Views from the way up Mount Allan.
The first hour of the trail is set amongst towering pine trees. At this point the elevation grade is a little more manageable and a perfect way to warm up the legs for what’s to come!
The uphill grind kicks in at around the 2.5 km mark with 3 km of steady up hill on the way to the Olympic summit. Up to this point you’ve already covered 1000 m of gain from the car park and around 700 m in the last 3 km alone. Already over one ascent of Ha Ling peak complete!
More views from the ascent to Olympic Summit
The views on the way are a welcome distraction from the upward slog. This section of trail is of course slow going but certainly manageable if you take your time and have some good endurance.
Just before the Olympic Summit the trail traverses close to Nakiska ski resort which was built for the 1988 Calgary winter Olympics resulting in the peaks name! Olympic summit is the highest peak in the ski area and you’ll most likely be able to see evidence of ski lifts in the distance.
As we approached this area we were pleasantly surprised to come across a forest of larch trees! The fleeting glowing yellow always adds a level of excitement to any hike!
From the Olympic Summit hikers can enjoy a short reprieve from the relentless uphill from the start of the day as you follow the ridge line along a plateau and past what is know as the ‘rock garden’.
Traversing past the rock garden.
The ‘rock garden’ was honestly like nothing I’ve ever seen before in the Canadian Rockies. These unique stone slabs tower up to 10 meters in to the air as if placed there by hand after the mountain itself was formed.
It’s a unique area and we felt even this section made the whole hike worth it. If you turned back around after the rock garden before making it to the summit you wouldn’t be dissapointed with your day.
Enjoying the views from the plateau.
The unique rock formations and panoramic views are a great excuse to slow down, rest those legs and grab a bite to eat. (I won’t pretend though, by this point we’d already taken many a break on the way up!)
Immediately after the rock garden comes the most technical part of the day. You’ll need to follow the ridge line as best you can but the trail can be a little harder to find as it weaves and braids through the rocky landscape. Keep an eye out for rock cairns and you shouldn’t struggle too much to find your way.
The last section of this trail is the scree slope ascent up to the true summit of Mount Allan. As with any scree slope this is a bit of a slog covering 300 - 400 m of elevation gain in the last couple of kms.
Panoramic views from atop Mount Allan
Your efforts are certainly rewarded though as the summit treats you to sweeping vistas for as far as the eye can see.
The Mount Allan hike is a long but rewarding day. This is a trail I’d neglected to tackle for many years living in the Rockies but am very glad we finally got round to ticking it off.
It’s a heavy day on the legs but a very fulfilling hike that I would recommend to anyone looking for a big adventure!
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 Pass will cover you for the year for all national parks in Canada whilst the Kananaskis Conservation Pass covers the provincial and wildland parks in the Kananaskis region.
Check Trail Conditions Before You Go: Trail conditions in the Rockies can change month to month and year to year. Trails close for wildlife, weather and avalanche hazards. Be sure to double check trail conditions before heading out to avoid any disappointment. You can do so here!
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?
Gear Recommendations
After 10 years living in the Canadian Rockies, years working in retail and years reviewing outdoor gear I’ve dialled in my backcountry kit! And on all day hikes there are definitely a few things I always take with me to make my trip safer, easier and more enjoyable.
Merino Socks
Merino socks are a must for any hike. They keep you dryer, warmer and smelling better!
Once you go merino you never go back!
My socks are now 100% Smartwool!
Get them at Smartwool.com
Hiking Poles
Poles are often overlooked by new hikers and seen as unnecessary. However once you use them you’ll never go back! They make you more efficient and take the weight of your knees!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Down Jacket
No matter what the weather I carry a lightweight down jacket. The Arcteryx Cerium is light and very warm! Perfect for keeping you toasty when you take a break or if you were injured and awaiting help.
Get it on REI.com
Comfortable Day Pack
The Osprey Mutant is my favourite day bag. Even though it’s designed more for scrambling or mountaineering this bag is one of the most comfortable bags I own and has enough space for everything I need.
Get it on Backcountry.com
Water Filter
A Katadyn BeFree has to be the easiest filtration system to use. When out on the backcountry you want to be able to filter and refill your water along the way.
This filter packs down small and filters fast. It’s in my bag on every hike!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Capture Clip
Another item that comes on every hike with me and a must own for every photographer.
Keeps your camera close at hand making capturing moments much faster!
Get it on Peakdesign.com
