Tent Ridge Horseshoe (Kananaskis): Trail Report

Tent Ridge Horseshoe (Kananaskis): Trail Report

This incredibly challenging trail offers 2480m of elevation at summit. The very narrow ridge (for distance) is not for the faint of heart and should only be attempted by skills hikers with proper gear on fair weather days.

Suggested Stops

The most recommended spot is the Mount Grenadine resort at the beginning of Mount Shark road.

Important Insights

Not recommended for children, dogs, or those afraid of heights. 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

Tent Ridge Horseshoe Trail in Spray Lakes Provincial Park is managed by Alberta Parks.

GPS Coordinates

50.84712, -115.35397

Street Address

Mount Shark Road, Spray Lakes PP, Kananaskis

Directions

An easy 9 km (17min) drive from downtown Canmore. From Three Sisters parkway, turn west onto Spray Lakes Rd (towards Spray lakes and the Nordic Centre). This turns into a bumpy gravel road! You will pass the Nordic Centre, Spray Lakes, Grassi Lakes, and Whitemans Pond. A solid 20 kms passed the Goat Lake Parking lot. Follow signs for Mount Engadine. When you turn on the dirt road headed towards Shark Mountain, drive just shy of 2kms. The trail head (unmarked) is on the left and you’ll see a pull off for parking on your right just 20m ahead. The trail head in directly across the street. You’ll see a bridge and gravel walkway up to the woods. At the woods you’ll see the trail head signage and it’s clear trail from there on in.

Parking

Small parking lot at trailhead.

Cell Reception

Yes

Washrooms

None. Follow Leave No Trace toileting guidelines

Accessibility

No

Trail Details

Entrance Fee

Hours of Operation

All seasons.

Trail Map

None.

Trailhead

Located acrosse the road from the parking lot.

Number of Trails

1

Total Distance (km)

6

Elevation Gain (m)

732

Cell Reception

Yes

Features

Woodlands

Activities

Hiking

Dogs

Permitted off leash (not recommended however due to the ridge terrain).

Trail Description

The trail head is as mentioned above. You’ll see it, although there will be no mention of Tent Ridge on signage. It’s simply a narrow dirt path heading up and into the woods. Most will suggest taking the trail loop clockwise and my hiking partners and I agree that was the best approach. At the beginning the trail leads right into the woods, there’s a few fallen trees to step over and some parts of the trail are narrow but it’s an obvious trail and easy to navigate. Breaking out of the woods and into the valley, we actually came across some snow….in August. A little unexpected for this Ottawa gal but should have expected it in the mountains! The valley is straight out of the sound of music with it’s wildflowers and mountainous landscape. Gorgeous. When you get to the valley you can see tent ridge, it’s a bit horse shoe shaped. Remember that you’re taking to trail clockwise. It’s a little surreal to think you’ll be walking that whoooooole ridge line. rom the valley the trail goes back into the woods for a steady incline before reaching the alpine. The alpine, and start of the ridge, is steep, narrow, and filling with scree. Once you’re over that section however, the trail along the ridge becomes easier.

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