Nahahi Ridge (Kananaskis): Trail Report

Nahahi Ridge is a stunning and enjoyable 11km hike offering forest, meadows, and alpine views of the valley.

Suggested Stops

Cinnamon Spoon in Bragg Creek! It is located at the junction of AB-22 and White Ave. Cinnamon Spoon is the perfect post hike fueling spot with sandwiches, smoothies, and all the glorious coffee.

Important Insights

The summit trail is fairly technical and all scree. I would suggest that the summit is only for expert hikers that are properly prepared. For the rest of us, the views from the ridge line prior to the summit trail will not disappoint. It really is stunning. Day pass for Kananaskis is required: https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=all&utm_campaign=GoA&utm_term=ConservationPass For more information about terrain classification here: https://www.albertaparks.ca/media/2939773/atr_ates.pdf See the Forecast: Avalanche forecast for Kananaskis here: https://www.avalanche.ca/forecasts/kananaskis

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

Nahahi Ridge Trail is managed by Alberta Parks.

GPS Coordinates

50.78933, -114.87071

Street Address

AB-66, Bragg Creek, AB T0L 0K0

Directions

Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/AB-1 W and then take AB-22 (towards Bragg Creek) until you catch AB-66 W which runs parallel to Elbow River. Continue on AB-66 until you hit the end of the paved road. Turn left into Elbow Campground and keep driving until you hit two large paved parking lots. This is where the washrooms are located and the start of your hike in to the trail head. Important: There will be no cell service shortly after the visitors information centre on AB-66. Also, there are free range cattle in the park so drive with caution and have patience… Directions to trail head: Walk down the gravel road, passing the campers until you reach the gate and trail info wall. Continue down that gravel road until you see the trail head (little elbow) on your right. It is approximately a 2km walk from the parking to the trail head. Important: If you reach a fork in the road where the left leads down to the river and the right leads into the forest, you have gone too far. Turn around and find the trail head.

Parking

Large parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Washrooms

Outhouses located at the parking lot.

Accessibility

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons. Open dawn to dusk daily.

Trail Map

Available from Alberta Parks.

Trailhead

Located at the parking lot.

Number of Trails

Total Distance (km)

Elevation Gain (m)

706

Cell Reception

Features

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

Permitted on-leash.

Trail Description

The Nahahi Ridge trail get busy starting mid-morning and closer to noon. First, you have the approximately 2kms from the parking to the trail head. Admittedly a little boring but it’s flat and follows the river (great for pictures). Then it’s into the forest we go for the first section of the actual trail. It’s thankfully cool and the trail itself is ground/packed pine needles and lined with juniper brushes on either side. The trail breaks into a meadow with wildflowers and incredible views before reaching the alpine. It really is a lovely family trail! Still a challenge, but it’s wide and easy to follow. Once on the ridge, follow the trail to the left to higher ground and an epic lunch stop. (hint: for an easier on the knee decent, cut through the treed area instead. The ridge is all scree so kindly remind children of the dangers and do not attempt the summit unless you’re an expert hiker with the right gear and experience.

Other Hiking Trails

AOG Gallery Art Trail in Frankville: Trail Report

Nahahi Ridge (Kananaskis): Trail Report