Hikes/Canada/Alberta/Kananaskis Country/Kananaskis – Smith Dorrien

Difficulty

Hard

Elevation

747 m

Distance

10.4 km

Duration

4-5.5h

User Ratings

9.9 (17 reviews)

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Technical DIFF

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Tent Ridge Horseshoe

Name: Tent Ridge Horseshoe
Rating: 9.9

Panorama from the Tent Ridge Horseshoe hike from Smith-Dorrien Trail in Kananaskis near Canmore

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Reviews

The Tent Ridge hike is spectacular. Tent Ridge is the location for many of the incredible photos you regularly see on social media, showing stunning peaks over the Spray Lakes. Tent Ridge is a wonderful hike, though there is a bit of a scramble on the way up Tent Ridge that some hikers don’t like, which is why we rate this as a 4/5 instead of a 3/5.

Route Description for Tent Ridge Horseshoe

From the parking lot, cross the road and walk to your left, looking for a trailhead that goes up through the trees. You’ll be hiking along this trail, through the trees, for about 45 minutes. This is a pleasant walk, though the highlights start once you pop out of the forest, as you get a beautiful panorama as you cross a stream.

Soon after crossing the stream you’ll come to a basin from where you’ll be able to see the entire Tent Ridge Horseshoe towering above you. The path goes to the left and then up through the forest.

Coming out of the forest you get to a steep trail up some scree. Follow this up.

You soon come to a rock band where you can navigate around to the left on a narrow path or scramble straight up. Both options have some exposure, so caution should be taken regardless of your choice. Some people really don’t like this part of the path, and if the path is wet or icy, it can be challenging and consider choosing a different hike.

Continue to follow the ridge up. It can feel exposed at times and there are places where you may need to use your hand to steady yourself. Remember to stop to look behind you, as the views of the Spray Lakes Reservoir are incredible, while the expanse of peaks visible in all directions is outstanding.

After more ascent you’ll reach a weather station. The station is a great stop for lunch and a welcome break from the wind. You can see your path along the ridge for the rest of the day.

From the weather station, take the path that goes down and then back up the other side on a scree trail. If you look back, you can see the phenomenal Buller Pass.

The path that heads up to the highest peak on Tent Ridge is steep, but once you're on top there are wonderful views. Come down the other side on a steep trail and take care to remain on the path, it's easy to get off path. As you look ahead you'll see the wide valley that leads to the Assiniboine region. Assiniboine Provincial Park offers some of the best hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

The ridge walk at the end of this hike is spectacular. Look in any direction and your jaw will drop! The views are sublime. You also start to see people who hike up from the parking lot in reverse just to get these views, and don’t do the entire Horseshoe along the ridge.

As you come down, you head into an avalanche path above a forest. Don't be tempted to go too far right. When you see a crossing path go down and meet up with a trail that is visible. This trail takes you through the forest following the path.

Eventually you hit a large 4x4 trail. Go right here back towards your car.

Check out other amazing hikes in Kananaskis – Smith Dorrien:

Insider Hints for Tent Ridge Horseshoe

If you don’t want to do the entire hike, or you want to avoid the scrambly bit on the route described here, you can do the hike in reverse, getting some great views on the hike up.
Hiking up Tent Ridge is a rocky trail and is very tough in icy or wet conditions. Take microspikes if it is icy and consider a different trail if it is wet.
Poles are really helpful for this trail.
Consider stopping in at the delightful Mount Engadine Lodge for a snack on the way back. They have a variety of options for hikers, and their weekend brunch is great.

Getting to the Tent Ridge Horseshoe Trailhead

From the Canmore Nordic Centre, continue west on the Smith-Dorrien (Hwy 742) as it winds up into the Spray Valley for 35.5 km. You’ll notice a turn-off to your right for Mount Engadine Lodge. Take this turnoff, and follow this road for 1.8 km, past the lodge, on a road that is headed for Mount Shark. You’ll see a parking lot on your right.

Route Information

When to do:
June - October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
None
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
None
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Circuit