West Wind Pass Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for West Wind Pass
For first-timers, just finding the right parking lots can be a challenge when you’re hiking to West Wind Pass. Luckily, on weekends there are usually a fair number of other cars of hikers going to West Wind Pass or up Rimwall or Windtower.
The hike starts in the trees across the road, and immediately comes to a sign stating that the West Wind Valley is closed from December 1st to June 15th. The path heads up through the trees, with Spurling Creek to your right, though often out of sight. Soon after you start your hike, you’ll come across the trail’s first deviation: take the right-hand route with signs west for Windy Pass.
After roughly 30 minutes you’ll come to some cliff bands with the route going over them. Go across this tricky area, taking care. The path splits 10 minutes later, and you can go either way, however we prefer to take the lower of the two paths.
Continue heading uphill following the path. As you come to West Wind Pass (also known as Windy Pass), you’ll notice a large mountain on the right, this is Windtower. To your left is the Rimwall, and the path you see heading up it is the Rimwall Ridge Route. Continue to follow the well-defined path to the right as it comes to West Wind Pass.
Once you get to West Wind Pass, you will appreciate the beauty. You can continue along the path over West Wind Pass for a short while to let the views expand in front of you in the Wind Valley! We love a break here.
From the West Wind Pass, hike back down the way you came.
Check out other amazing hikes in Kananaskis – Smith Dorrien:
Insider Hints for West Wind Pass
- Consider taking poles, as they help getting across the small cliff bands.
- It can get hot on this hike, as it’s west-facing and exposed. Consider bringing some swimming trunks and a lot of courage to swim in the chilly Spray Lake down by the car.
- Really hot days may need slurpees after this hike. You can get your slurpee fix at the Mac’s store in Canmore on Bow Valley Trail, in a strip mall just off of Railway Ave.
Getting to the West Wind Pass Trailhead
From the Canmore Nordic Centre, continue west on the Smith-Dorrien (Hwy 742) as it winds up into the Spray Valley for 18.5 km. You’ll notice cars parked on both sides of the highway, with a pull-out to your right, adjacent to Spray Lake. There is no signage for this parking.Route Information for West Wind Pass
When to do:
June 15 - October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
None
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
West Wind Pass Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for West Wind Pass
Overal easy hike up to the pass. It was pretty busy when I was there. From the pass you can continue up the switchbacks to the top of Windtower- I did this on a whim and it was exhausting but very beautiful!
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West Wind Pass is an exciting hike with stunning views.
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- 03:00
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It is bewildering! One of the beautiful scenery I've seen soo far.
- Trip Length
- 04:00
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Perfect hiking destination! Spray Lakes Reservoir and West Wind Pass are astounding!
- Trip Length
- 03:00
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If you're not sure whether to go, GO, this place is breath-taking.
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West Wind Pass offers amazing views. Bring poles, as they help to get across the small cliff bands. Get your Slurpee at Mac’s store in Canmore on Bow Valley Trail.
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The views are very dramatic in the morning. I highly recommend going early to avoid the heat and the crowd.
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Loved the views and the fresh air. I had a nice time and the weather was chilly-perfect!
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The weather is perfect so we had a perfect view too. It was an easy trail to follow. Love the experience.
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It was easy for the kids! Not so long too!
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