Nihahi Ridge

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.
4-5.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
11.4 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.
706 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.
9.9
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.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Read Reviews
Directions to Trailhead
Panorama from the Nihahi Ridge hike near Kananaskis and Canmore

This hike has it all, starting in the forest before traversing a beautiful grassy meadow then gaining elevation in the alpine as climb the ridge. The views are spectacular throughout the hike.

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Route Description for Nihahi Ridge

From the car, take the gravel road that follows the Elbow River until you exit the campground. You should now see signage marking the trail to the right. The start of the hike will take you through beautiful forest full of spruce and fir before exposing a grassy meadow with its gorgeous wild flowers after about 45 minutes.

Looking west across the meadow we can see the ridge, follow the established trail as it loops through the trees as you begin to gain elevation. Don’t forget to look down as trail turns to the rock of the ridge, as the views down of the Little Elbow River Valley are spectacular.

As you work your way up the ridge, the trail will become more steep and more dangerous. There is a brief section of guard fencing to ensure you stay on the trail. Before long as you quickly gain altitude, you will reach a large buttress which marks the end of the official trail. At this point we recommend you take it all in, savor the views and head back using the same trail.

Insider Hints for Nihahi Ridge

  • For those expert hikers, there is the opportunity to summit the ridge, in which you will face two short but technical scrambles, this part of the hike is technically beyond most hikers.
  • This is a very popular hike, we recommend starting early to beat the crowds.

Getting to the Nihahi Ridge Trailhead

Take Highway 66 until it terminates (about 40 minutes from Calgary). Be aware that this road is closed from Dec. 1 to May 15. Park at the Little Elbow Campground.

Route Information

  • When to do

    May 15 - October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Yes

  • Toilets

    Yes

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate to High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Nihahi Ridge Elevation Graph

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Nihahi Ridge Reviews

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