Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Barrier Lake Hills

Autumn Colour Change in Kananaskis Valley from the East Hill

September 29, 2023

Undemanding few hours walk that is way more scenic than perhaps expected.  Best done in late September when Kananaskis Valley is painted golden yellow from Autumn Colours change.  Not to be confused with Barrier Lookout (McConnell Ridge), turnoff into Barrier Lake Day Use is on west side of Hwy40 few km south just as road is about to crest small hill below Mt. Baldy.  There are two Parking lots;  lower is used mainly for boat launch, while upper is hiking trailhead.  On my trip wanting to extend the walk I parked by boat launch then hiked wonderful forest trail for about a km to upper lot.   Barrier Lake Hills are two bumps on east and west side and there is good trail for both.  West Hill is a bit more demanding but still classifies as family friendly, while east hill is more mellow with couple of interpretive signs (Sep '23).  There is also wide gravel path called "Meditation Trail" (something to that effect) that descends from upper lot to the beach, but I didn't check it out.  Plan 1-1.5hrs for both hills from upper lot, with no more of 150m vertical. Day hikers are sufficient (D1/2 rating).  Gallery tells rest of the story.

Gallery