For a short hike to a spectacular viewpoint, King Creek Ridge is hard to beat! Bring hiking poles for the descent as it is super steep.
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King Creek Ridge, Kananaskis (summit at centre) |
King Creek Ridge has been on my bucket list for years, but I was always put off by the description on my old Gemtrek map: โGood luck in finding the best route up to King Creek Ridge.โ There is now a well beaten path to the summitโฆ or pathsโฆ Although there is some trail braiding, all trails lead to the top (except for the ones blocked off with logs, donโt use those).
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Approaching the meadow on King Creek Ridge |
The trail begins near Highway 40, across the creek (see below for directions) in mixed forest. Aspens take over for a while, then the trees give way to grass, and then you go back to evergreens. It is relentlessly steep, but mercifully short, so even if you take several snack breaks like we did, it is only a couple hours to the top (1.5 hrs for a group of adults that passed us). There is a lot of loose rock, so we were glad to have hiking poles and good hiking boots.
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A nice rest spot on King Creek Ridge |
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Almost at King Creek Ridgeโs first/false summit |
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Looking east from King Creek Ridge |
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King Creek Ridge first/false summit |
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Short scramble to King Creek Ridgeโs summit |
While King Creek Ridgeโs summit isnโt as high as neighboring summits, it offers stunning 360 views of Kananaskis including the Opal Range (to the west), Kananaskis Lakes (southwest), Mount Wintour (south), and Tombstone Mountain (to the east). We would definitely do this one again! The summit is big enough for a few hiking parties to hang out on. If it is crowded, you can always backtrack to the false summit, which is also pretty spectacular.
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The bump at centre is King Creek Ridgeโs summit |
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Summit photo! King Creek Ridge, Kananaskis |
Return the way you came. While it is possible to return via the east side of the ridge and King Creek Trail, L Fโs Alltrails report from August 2019 mentionsย theย โlack of path now [since 2013 flood], walking down the creek (and/or bushwacking [sic] a bunchโฆ) and several creek crossings down the canyon.โ Do the loop at your own risk.
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Heading south on King Creek Ridge |
King Creek Ridge At a Glance
Distance:ย 7 km round trip
Elevation Gain:ย 750 m
Duration: Allow 3-5 hours (it took me and the kids 5 hours with lots of breaks)
Stroller Friendly? No.
Parking: Park at King Creek Day Use.Trailhead: Walk back to Highway 40 and turn right. The trail goes along the road for about 100 metres, then veers right (uphill). At the first junction, stay left to go up to the ridge. Note that the trailhead is unmarked. See photos below for clarification.
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Follow the trail at centre around to the right. |
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Take the left fork for King Creek Ridge |
Things to Do in the Area
Our Peter Lougheed Provincial Park hiking and camping guide has lots of trip inspiration if you want to stay for a few days. Please read Camping and Hiking in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
Check out the exhibits or attend an interpretive program at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Visitor Centre.
Get an ice cream at Fortress Junction on your drive home.
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