Rawson Lake
Table of contents
The hike to Rawson Lake is one of the most popular in the Kananaskis Lakes area. It’s a pleasant path through the forest up to Rawson Lake, but the hike around the side of the water’s edgeis what truly makes this a spectacular hike.
Route Description for Rawson Lake
To start the Rawson Lake hike, from the Upper Kananaskis Parking lot, walk down to Upper Kananaskis Lake where you find a wide path. Go left on this path and follow it, while it follows the lakeshore. The views along this part of the walk are spectacular, and many tourists come just to look at the stunning Upper Kananaskis Lake.
After approximately 20 minutes, you’ll cross over Sarrail Creek on a wooden bridge, just afterwards is a signed turn-off to the left for Rawson Lake. The sign lists the distance to Rawson Lake as 2.7 km. The path to Rawson Lake goes steadily uphill through a subalpine forest. This part of the hike to Rawson Lake is described anywhere from an easy hike to ‘actually quite difficult’.
It all depends on if you are a seasoned hiker or just starting out. Everybody agrees that hiking up the switchbacks to Rawson Lake is worth it though, so don’t give up!
Once at Rawson Lake (it 3.4 km and 275 m of elevation gain from the car), the path goes to the left, contouring around Rawson Lake. There is an outhouse nearby as you go to your left.
The path around Rawson Lake is fantastic, and there are many places to stop and enjoy a break. The view across Rawson Lake to Sarrail Ridge is spectacular, as is the view from the far end of Rawson Lake.
As you get near the far end of the lake, the path gets rocky and narrower here, so it is hard to hold a child’s hand on this path. When we have young children with us, this is where we normally turn back on day trips. If you’re feeling good, continue to follow the path, as it soon swings to the right at the end of Rawson Lake and you can see Sarrail Ridge in front of you.
To return to your car, simply retrace your steps on the way down.
Hiking trail highlights
Rawson Lake
Exploring this pristine lake should make it to the top of any hiker's bucket list! Surround by blooming alpine meadows, bursting with all the colours of the rainbow—this is certainly a photo-worthy spot.
Nestled at the base of Mt. Serrail, Rawson Lake dazzles in an emerald green shade and makes for a perfect picnic lunch spot. Stop to rest and enjoy the afternoon here, but just be aware that bears have been known to frequent the lake area.
Find more great hikes in Kananaskis Country:
Insider Hints for Rawson Lake
- Get here early, as the hike to Rawson Lake is very popular, and the parking lot fills up early.
- This is prime bear country, so hike in groups and take bear-spray.
- You can snowshoe to Rawson Lake in winter, however the route around Rawson Lake and up to Sarrail Ridge is very dangerous due to avalanche risk and should not be attempted. Be careful and stay off of Rawson Lake in winter, people have fallen through the ice in recent years.
- Check out our YouTube video on this great family hike.
Getting to the Rawson Lake Trailhead
To get to the Rawson Lake trailhead, take Highway 40 South from the Trans-Canada Highway for 63.4 km. Turn right at the “Winter Gate” onto highway 742 and follow this 2.2 km. Continue straight (passing the turn-off for Smith-Dorrien Trail) and continue for roughly 10.0 km, turning left at the “Upper Lake” sign. Follow the road down the hill, and park in the far-left parking lot, known as Upper Kananaskis Lake Parking Lot.
Route Information
When to do:
June to October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Parking lot, Rawson Lake
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Rawson Lake Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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