Scrambles in Kananaskis Country

The best scrambles in the Kananaskis is a special list of incredible peaks and views of the rugged Canadian Rockies. These scrambles are for experienced scramblers, and require a head for heights. The best scrambles in the Kananaskis include scrambles along Highway 40, scrambles along the Smith-Dorrien and scrambles around Kananaskis Lakes.

THE TOP 10 SCRAMBLES AROUND KANANASKIS TRAIL, ALBERTA

1. Mist Mountain (11.0 km, 1,245 m, 5-8h): Scrambling Mist Mountain takes you up the largest peak in the immediate area, which is a sure-fire guarantee for an awesome summit view! Not only that, but the scramble route is a scenic and pleasant approach that can’t be beat.
2. Mount Sparrowhawk (9.1 km, 1,285 m, 5-7h): Scrambling up Mount Sparrowhawk is the perfect scramble for those new to scrambling or families with older children. It is not too technical, but provides an unbeatable view of the vast Spray Lakes reservoir.
3. Mount Lougheed (13.1 km, 1,365 m, 5-7h): Mount Lougheed, a peak so huge and prominent that it even has its own sign and small viewing area on the trans-Canada highway, offers one of the most scenic approaches and best summit panoramas in Kananaskis! The face visible from the highway, however, is not a scramble, so don’t be put off - an easy scramble route does exist on the other side.
4. The Fortress (18.0 km, 1,104 m, 7-10h): The Fortress is aptly named for its ominous appearance from Highway 40, however a scramble to the summit can be fairly easily achieved via two ascent routes. The scramble to the top of the Fortress is not only fun, but also provides a stunning view!
5. Snow Peak (19.1 km, 868 m, 6-9h): Scrambling Snow Peak brings you rising over scenic Burstall Pass. Snow Peak can be an easy or difficult scramble depending on the time of year, but since it straddles the continental divide there are spectacular views of massive peaks in BC.
6. Smutwood Peak (17.9 km, 782 m, 7-9h): Scrambling Smutwood Peak offers spectacular views of the two jagged mountains from which it derives its name: Mount Smuts and Birdwood. A lively mountain creek, waterfalls, and deep blue alpine lakes guarantee a wonderful scramble.
7. Grotto Mountain (11.2 km, 1,352 m, 7-10h): Scrambling up Grotto Mountain offers a commanding aerial view of Canmore and the Bow Valley. Often thought of as a quick scramble, the route is a bit more technical than meets the eye, making a scramble up Grotto Mountain really fun!
8. Mount Howard (20.1 km, 1,052 m, 7-10h): The views from the summit of Mount Howard are as spectacular as any, but it is the long and wonderfully scenic ridge walk to get there that sets it apart from others in the area.
9. Mount James Walker (17.9 km, 1,175 m, 6-9h): A scramble up Mount James Walker is an engaging adventure! Amazing summit views combine with a beautiful approach beside a lively creek, past multiple tarns, and up an isolated valley to make a Mount James Walker Scramble worthy of any bucket list!
10. East End of Rundle Route (EEOR) (5.9 km, 855 m, 5-6h): Scrambling the East End of Rundle or EEOR is a popular scramble close to Canmore. It is often under-estimated, and there are tricky sections on this for new scramblers. This scenic scramble has stunning views of the surrounding peaks from the summit.