Ridge Hikes Near Calgary to Try This Summer

There’s nothing quite like standing on a ridge and being able to see mountains for miles in all directions.

This is an updated repost of a 2021 Go Outside newsletter, which also recently appeared in the Alberta Hiking Association’s newsletter: The Hiker’s Voice. Happy hiking!

Hiking is great and ridge hikes are extra great. They’re a favourite of ours because of the incredible views they offer. There’s nothing quite like standing on a ridge and being able to see mountains for miles in all directions. It’s such a wonderful sight to see.

These views don’t typically come easy, though! Ridge hikes often require steep and challenging climbs, and the trails on the ridge may be narrow and feature considerable drops off the sides. Going down can also be challenging. (If you’re new to hiking, don’t start with ridge hikes. They’re best suited for more intermediate to advanced hikers.)

Read on for more details about a few of our favourite ridge hikes located a close drive from Calgary. The internet is full of detailed trip reports for each of these routes, which we highly recommend you put on your To Hike List for this summer!

King Creek Ridge

King Creek Ridge is a challenging and steep hike with stunning 360 views of Kananaskis. Be prepared for a steep incline and views that make it all worth it. There’s a false summit at the end of the ascent, with the actual summit about 10 minutes further along the ridge.

Distance: 7 kilometres round trip

Elevation Gain: 750 metres

Parking: Park at the King Creek Day Use Trailhead, located down Highway 40. Once parked, walk back to Highway 40 and turn right. The trail follows the road for a brief distance before veering uphill. Stay left at the first junction to go to the ridge.

Opal Ridge

Opal Ridge is another favourite Kananaskis hike featuring a steep climb and expansive views. While the very start of the hike involves some route finding and is rather bland, you’ll quickly be surrounded by scree. Keep on climbing and you’ll eventually hike up between two big rock pillars or gates that lead to stunning views.

Distance: 8 kilometres roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 1,000 metres

Parking: Park at the Fortress Gas Station and start at the north end of the lot. You’ll hike up a small creek that gets you to a road with a powerline overhead. After about 10 minutes start looking for a steep unmarked trail on your right. The trail goes through a forest for about 20 minutes before opening onto a slope.

Wasootch Ridge

Wasootch Ridge trail in May 2020

Also located in Kananaskis, Wasootch Ridge is yet another favourite of ours. It’s a straightforward and steep trail that quickly leads to stunning views (as in within 25 minutes of hiking, you’ll be treated to views). There are also options once you’re on the ridge meaning you can choose your own adventure…you can get good views without going all the way to the true summit, or you can do the difficult scramble to the true summit and go back down the same way you came, or make it into a loop and descend the backside of the peak like we did a couple years ago (though prepare for loose scree, bushwacking and a long walk out along a creek bed.) Options abound!

Distance: About 13 kilometres roundtrip (if you go to the true summit and come back the same way. Note that few people go to the tricky true summit, most turn back 1 kilometre before.)

Elevation Gain: Up to 1,00 metres

Parking: Park at the Wasootch Day Use Area. The trailhead is behind the picnic tables (which are in the trees, across from the toilets.) There are three different trails to choose from and we recommend the trail leading from the picnic table on the right.

Ridge Hike Reminders

·       Pack lots of water! Ridge hikes are unlike other hikes where there are plenty of opportunities to refill from streams and rivers. In addition, the steepness is taxing. Make sure you pack plenty of water as you’ll need it.

·       Don’t forget your bear spray and we’re entering that time of year where it’s important you check yourself for ticks after your hike.

·       While you should always pack for variable weather conditions, this is particularly important on ridge hikes when you’re very exposed to the elements. Ridges can be extra windy so layers are important.

·       Be prepared for lots of snow, especially in early season including June. Microspikes and poles are a must.

·       You don’t have to go to the true summit! A lot of ridge hikes offer stunning views very quickly.

---

⛰️🥾️ Go Outside is written by Annalise & Cailynn — writers, outdoor enthusiasts and sisters who’ve been hiking, biking and skiing near Calgary since childhood and continue to be happiest outside.