Moose Mountain

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-6h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
14.7 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
573 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
8.7
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Read Reviews
Directions to Trailhead
Panorama from the Moose Mountain hike near Kananaskis and Canmore

This long but rewarding hike starts in the trees and bring us to the fire lookout at the top of Moose Mountain. This is really popular shoulder season hike just 45 minutes from Calgary.

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Route Description for Moose Mountain

As testament to its popularity and the types of people this trail may attract in peak season, there are directions given on how to appropriately park in the two available parking areas. The trail is a gated road heading north from the parallel parking area (don't confuse this with the main road, which is also gated).

The trail initially heads north, descending 100 m shortly after leaving the parking area. Be mentally prepared for this ascent on the return. The trees open up on this descent and grant a view of nearly the entire approach. This is also a good vantage point to confirm that the initial peak you will ascend is indeed a false summit! Once reaching the bottom, gently ascend through forest for several kilometers until you emerge onto the ridge you glimpsed to the north on the descent.

The ascent of the initial summit is straightforward. Although there is a very well switchbacked road, many people appear to simply climb straight up; it is certainly gentle enough that this is not a problem. The final walk to the main summit from this point looks daunting, but it is much more gently graded that it appears from this vantage point. In dry conditions it would be straightforward; if the trail is icy or snowy use common sense precautions. The views from either summit are fantastic and many other early season objectives are visible, including Prairie Mountain and Jumpingpound Ridge.

Insider Hints for Moose Mountain

  • Check the weather before you go, above the tree lines the hike is completely exposed and lightning storms are frequent.
  • There is a picnic table at the top next to the lookout to grab a snack.
  • This is a popular place for mountain biking and you will be sharing the trail, stay alert.

Getting to the Moose Mountain Trailhead

From Highway 66, turn north onto the Moose Mountain road, just west of Paddy's Flats. Be aware that this road is closed from Dec. 1 to May 15. The trailhead is located at approximately the 7.5 km mark, just before a gate.

Route Information

  • When to do

    May 15 - October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Toilets

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate to High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Moose Mountain Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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Moose Mountain Reviews

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