Hogarth Lakes Loop is a beautiful, short snowshoe trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park that is perfect for families!
If you’re looking for a short and scenic snowshoeing trail in Kananaskis with tons of snow, head to Hogarth Lakes Loop! This popular trail is located on Smith-Dorrien Trail, in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. For the best snowshoeing experience, we recommend going after a big dump of snow before the snow gets packed down!
The terrain on Hogarth Lakes Loop is flat, so it’s well-suited for beginner snowshoers and kids, or rest days when you don’t want to do anything too strenuous. Although most of the trail is in the trees, clearings and lakes offer fantastic views of the surrounding peaks. Highlights of Hogarth Lakes Loop include views of Mount Chester and Commonwealth Peak, three lakes, and an avalanche beacon practice area.
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Hogarth Lakes Loop Snowshoe Trail Description
Hogarth Lakes Loop Snowshoe Trail is best done in a clockwise direction for the best views. It’s also easiest to follow the trail this way.
At the first junction, 100 metres from the parking lot, go left. Just past the Avalanche Beacon Training area, stay right to stay on the snowshoe trail. Do NOT go up the hill – the summer hiking trail at left goes to Burstall Pass which is Class 2 Avalanche Terrain!
Follow the orange snowshoe markers around the loop past Hogarth Lakes. There are two lakes; the second lake is bigger than the first and offers good views of Commonwealth Peak. We saw a few avalanches off Commonwealth Peak and heard a few more as we snowshoed through the trees. It was a humbling reminder of the power of nature – and why you should stay on the snowshoe trail.
On the return leg, cross Burstall Creek again, then cross Mud Lake. From here, you can see Mount Chester and its neighbors. (Nearby Chester Lake is another fantastic snowshoeing trail.) When you reach the last junction, turn left to reach the parking lot.
Hogarth Lakes Loop is one of the best short snowshoe trails in Kananaskis because there’s always lots of snow and the views are impressive. Allow 1-2 hours to complete the loop; or 3-4 hours if snowshoeing with little kids who need lots of breaks.
Hogarth Lakes Loop at a Glance
- Distance: 4.5 km
- Elevation Gain: 30 m
- Washrooms: pit toilets at parking lot
- Parking: Burstall Pass
- Trailhead: Burstall Pass
Directions from Calgary: Take Highway 1 west to the Kananaskis Country Turnoff (Exit 118) junction. Turn left at the stop sign, pass Tim Horton’s, and continue on Highway 40 for 50 kilometres. Turn right onto Kananaskis Lakes Trail. After 2.2 kilometres, turn right onto Smith-Dorrien Road. Continue on Smith-Dorrien Road for 20.1 kilometres. The Burstall Pass Trailhead will be on your left.
Know Before You Go
Stay on the snowshoe trail to stay out of avalanche terrain! Follow the orange snowshoe markers around the loop.
Dress for the weather and pack an extra layer, mitts, and socks. Snacks and a hot drink, hand warmers, and toe warmers are a must as well. See our Snowshoeing Gear Guide for a complete list of recommended gear and clothing.
Smith-Dorrien Road is a gravel road and can be pretty sketchy at times (packed snow, icy, large potholes). Take your time, observe the speed limit, and watch for wildlife.
More Snowshoe Trails near Calgary
- Chester Lake, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- Elkwood Loop, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
- Ribbon Creek, Kananaskis Valley
- Fairview Lookout, Lake Louise
- Marble Canyon, Kootenay National Park
