King Creek Ridge (Hard)

Hard
12 km Round trip
770 m Elevation
Out & Back
Summer, Winter, Fall, Spring

We did this hike around late November so there was a decent amount of snow to trek through as you made your way up the trail. With a mix of treeline and viewpoints, this was a beautiful hike with minimal skill required. The trail is well defined and popular enough that it would be hard to get lost. I rated this trail as hard based on the consistent incline right to the summit, otherwise, I would consider it as moderate.

The best part about this hike is the unique mountain formations that surround it. Unlike the rest of Kananaskis, this little area of the range has a Dolomite’s feel to it. We were all pretty excited feeling like we were hiking in Italy! Photo Credit @joshmcca

As you can probably see, due to the time of year, micro-spikes were required. Although we didn’t pack snowshoes or gaiters, I know they would be required if doing this trail later in the season (Jan-March). In the summer no special equipment would be needed.

My favorite part of this hike is the ridge line (I am confident its also everyone else’s!). It is a pretty long distance to walk feeling like your on top of the world with a slight elevation incline until you reach the 360 view summit. In the distance, you will catch a small view of Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes.

We had a beautiful sunny day, until we reached the summit. And like every other day in Kananaskis a mini storm rolled through! Luckily we were prepared, bundled up, waitied it out and the sunny blue skies returned shortly! Photo Credit @88hannah88

Overall I would love to do this hike again in the summer, or winter even! It has so much to offer. Other than being 12km roundtrip and not 6km haha it completely exceeded my expectations. I would recommend it to any skill level that is in shape and ready for a cardio challenge!

As you can probably see, I was about 3 months pregnant at the time and still able to do this hike! Slowly of course! haha but don’t let the rating as “hard” discourage your ambitions! Photo Credits @88hannah88 & @joshmcca