Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge
The Stats
Time: 3 hours, add on 2 more if you want to make it up to the ridge and back.
Distance: 8 km return from the car park to the lake, add 3 km for the ridge.
Elevation Gain: 300 Metres to the Lake, add 350 to 400 for the ridge.
How To Get To The Rawson Lake Trailhead?
You can find this popular trail head at the south end of the Upper Kananaskis Lake day use area. Here there is plenty of parking, toilets and picnic benches.
The Hike To Rawson Lake
Rawson Lake is a stunning lake offering perfect reflections of the surrounding mountain peaks, the landscape is filled with wild flowers in July and larch trees in September so there isn't really a bad time of year to tackle this hike. Bare (or should I say 'Bear') in mind this is grizzly and cougar territory. Bears are often spotted grazing around the lake side and you can often see evidence of activity on the trail around the lake. Be smart, hike in a group, carry bear spray and check for closures before you head out.
The trail starts off along the lake side offering glimpses of the perfect blue water, after a short walk you'll pass Sarrail Falls and head into the woods. Here the trail starts a steady incline but nothing too strenuous, for very little effort you'll be rewarded with jaw dropping views of Rawson Lake. This trail is relatively well trafficked, especially during the day, as it's a family friendly walk. However if you want to step things up you can make the ascent to Sarrail Ridge. Be warned, this is a view you have to work for!
AJ enjoys the views and perfect reflection at Rawson Lake.
Tom tackles the early part of the final ascent. It only gets steeper from here!
The Hike To Sarrail Ridge
Sarrail Ridge offers some of the best views in Kananaskis Country with sweeping vistas taking in Mount Indefatigable and Upper Kananaskis Lake to name but a few. The incline is steep and relentless, so if you're an inexperienced hiker leave extra time for plenty of breaks. I fell several times on the way down whilst using poles so I wouldn't recommend attempting the incline without them unless you're happy to take a couple of slips! Even though the last part of this hike is tough and tiring we did all agree that the view certainly delivered and you only have to share the summit with a bunch of curious Prairie Dogs.
We hiked this trail very early morning to have it to ourselves heading out before the sun came up. The cool morning air also helped make the ascent a little easier, this was our 2nd hike in 24 hours which made the jump into Upper Kananaskis Lake at the end even more refreshing.
The final view from the top of Sarrail Ridge, below is Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lake with Mount Idefatigable just opposite.
Bears!
This place is bear heavy and is often closed for bear interactions. Bears call the slopes around the lake their home so it isn’t uncommon to see them. So as always be bear aware, hike in groups, make noise and always carry bear spray.
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.
Mount Allan is a quieter but more challenging option.
Yates Mountain offers a great early season warm up to the hiking season!
Pipers Passis a lesser known unofficial trail.
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 Plus for finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way home.
Interested in other multi-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies or maybe day hikes?
