Edworthy Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park that drops 20 metres to a turquoise plunge pool. This stunning waterfall can be reached by a short day hike from Elbow Lake.
You can hear Edworthy Falls before you see them. In 1924, George Edworthy and his wife, Myrle, found the falls in just this way. While it used to be a bushwhack to reach Edworthy Falls, nowadays, a narrow, defined trail has developed, making it easier to access this picturesque spot (at time of writing, 2016, the falls were a hidden gem, but there’s a well beaten path there now). For the best photos, head out on a cloudy day with a tripod! The Elbow Lake lakeshore and meadows en route to the falls are pretty too.
Table of Contents
Edworthy Falls Hike at a Glance
- Distance: 6.4 km return from Elbow Lake / 9 km return from Elbow Pass Parking Lot
- (Note that it is a steep 1.3 km hike with 125 m elevation gain from Elbow Pass parking lot to Elbow Lake.)
- Elevation Gain: 50 metres from Elbow Lake / 175 m from Elbow Pass Parking Lot
- Difficulty: Easy to the falls viewpoint.
- Chariot friendly? Technically yes except for the last 200 metres (trail is too narrow). The trail is on an old logging road, but it’s extremely bumpy and the first part to Elbow Lake is is super steep, so a baby backpack is recommended.
- Nearest washrooms? Outhouses at Elbow Lake Campground
Directions From Elbow Lake
While you could hike to Edworthy Falls in one day, we camped at Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground and hiked from the lake to make it easier on the kids. From Elbow Lake to Edworthy Falls, there is minimal elevation gain, so the going is easy.
- Take the trail around the left (west) side of Elbow Lake to avoid meandering through the backcountry campground (Note: backcountry permits must be purchased in advance if you wish to camp at Elbow Lake).
- In 600 metres, cross a small bridge over the outlet of Elbow Lake.
- Go straight (north) on Big Elbow Trail for 2.4 km.
- You will travel on a wide horse/bike trail (old logging road) through forest, bushes, and meadow, watched over all the while by Tombstone Mountain on your left.
- Disregard the small rock cairn that leads into the meadow.
- After leaving the meadow, look for a rock cairn on the left marking a trail into the trees (photo below). You cannot see the river from the cairn, but don’t worry, it’s only 200 m away!
- Turnoff location: 50.6645734,-114.9973918 or GR 415144 (Source: Xcaret’s Trip Report on Trailpeak)
- Note: If you reach the Sheep Trail junction, you missed the cairn and have gone 600 m too far.
- Take the little trail into the trees – be sure to shout “Yo Bear!” periodically – and descend to a viewpoint of the falls (about 150 m from turnoff). It’s a short scramble (~50 metres) down to the plunge pool if you have good hiking boots on.
Savor the solitude and scenery – we were the only people at the falls on our visit – then return the way you came.
Know Before You Go
- A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis.
- Edworthy Falls is an unofficial trail and as such is unmarked. Follow directions at your own risk (we recommend carrying a topographic map and compass/GPS).
- Elbow Lake and Big Elbow Trails are multi-use trails. Yield to horses and watch for mountain bikes.
- You are in bear country! See our Bear Safety Tips for ways to stay safe.
What to Bring
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Waterproof mid-height hiking boots, a down hoody or fleece, toque, gloves, and windproof/waterproof shell are recommended year round. Trekking poles are useful for long hikes, steep descents, or when you’re carrying a fully-loaded backpack (or are babywearing). You should also carry The Ten Essentials including: water, extra food, extra clothes, a first aid kit, headlamp, GPS / compass / Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator* and map of the area, mineral sunscreen, bug spray (this DEET-free insect repellent contains 20% icaridin and will repel ticks), and bear spray. Carry bear spray in a Bear Spray Holster or Scat Griz Bear Spray Running Belt.
*A Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator is highly recommended for contacting Search & Rescue and emergency contacts in the event of an emergency, or communicating with friends and family when you are out of cell phone range. You can send text messages and your GPS coordinates via satellite, but a monthly service plan is required.
Acknowledgements & References
- A huge thank you to Attila The Fun for telling me about these falls!
- Grid reference obtained from Xcaret’s trip report on Trailpeak.
- Edworthy Family History – Alberta Archives
- To see a photo of Edworthy Falls taken in 1929, click here.
Related Posts
- Camping at Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground
- Ptarmigan Cirque
- Black Prince Cirque
- South Lawson Peak
- King Creek Ridge
- Camping & Recreation Guide for Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
