King Creek Ridge (Kananaskis): Trail Report

King Creek Ridge (Kananaskis): Trail Report

There are likely more trails in Kananaskis Country, Alberta than I’ll ever be able to hike. It’s those breathtaking views and ever present wildlife that will keep me trying for years to come though. Each hike has been challenging due to required skill and weather, and it seems like the tradition lived on with King Creek Ridge.

Suggested Stops

Canmore.

Important Insights

Check out the Kananaskis Trail Report prior to attempting this hike. Possible road closure December to June annually.

Land Acknowledgement

These are the lands of the Niitsítpiis-stahkoii ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi ᖹᐟᒧᐧᒣᑯ), Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Stoney, Tsuu T'ina, and Michif Piyii (Métis) people.⁠ It is important as avid hikers and stewards of the land, to acknowledge and understand the full story our surroundings along with the people that care for her, both past and present. As sourced from native-land.ca, if there are corrections please send to victoria@girlgonegood.com.

Land Management

King Creek Ridge in Kananaskis is managed by Alberta Parks.

GPS Coordinates

50.71729915235501, -115.10898773023895

Street Address

King Creek Ridge Trailhead, Kananaskis Trail (Hwy 40), Kananaskis, AB T0L 2C0

Directions

An 80km (50min) drive from downtown Canmore. Off of Hwy 40 in Kananaskis Country.

Parking

Small parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

No

Washrooms

None. Follow Leave No Trace toileting guidelines

Accessibility

No

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

Open year round, best used May-November.

Trail Map

Available from Alberta Parks.

Trailhead

Located 50m from parking lot on same side as parking lot.

Number of Trails

1

Total Distance (km)

3.5

Elevation Gain (m)

730

Cell Reception

No

Features

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

Permitted on-leash.

Trail Description

Parking is clearly marked on the side of Hwy40. Actually, during the winter it’s the entrance to a roadway and the trailhead is actually down the road 50m. King Creek Trail: The trail starts off innocently enough, through the thick woods with decent switchbacks. It is a well used narrow dirt path leading you pleasantly among the greenery. Once the trail steepens greatly, and there are breaks in the tree line, you are exposed on that narrow path. Spikes and poles are highly recommended, with snow or mud it becomes extremely slippery. There are several points during the trail that offer a fantastic view of the valley and mountain range landscape. Don’t forget to look back during your break and admire the views. Follow a switchback like trail up to the ridge line, which is treed. Even with the trees, coming up to that ridge and seeing the monster mountain of alpine greatest behind it made our jaws drop. Pretty sure I was speechless reaching the ridge. It was simply an unexpected bonus and really surprising to see the next ridge so close. It looked monstrous. Admittedly it was hard to capture exactly how small this view made you feel. If you continue to the right (towards parking lot) then you’ll reach a rocky area that serves as a lookout. To the left, is the summit.

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