Kananaskis Lookout

Rockies :: Kananaskis :: Kananaskis Lookout

Kananaskis Lookout Panorama looking west towards clouds obscured peaks on AB/BC Provincial Border

Trip Summary

August 23, 2023

Forest road walk to manned Fire Lookout above Kananaskis Lakes, frequently done on bicycle or cross-country skis in winter. There are 2 starts, longer from Boulton Trading Post and shorter from Hwy40, which is presented here. Trailhead is unmarked pullout on right (west) side of the road, some 5km past seasonal gate at Kananaskis Lakes turnoff - see gallery. After crossing Pocaterra Creek on solid wood bridge it meanders lazily through the forest for several kilometers without much change in scenery. There are 3 junctions, first 2 you go left and last one right. Second junction is also where Boulton trail merges from the right. Beyond last junction road climbs up moderately to the lookout, if cycling there might be some pushing here. Lookout structure is off-limits, so please respect the privacy, but there is nice viewpoint with wooden bench for hikers as well as visitor guest book inside Mailbox. Several variations for extending the day exist utilizing variety of XC Ski network of trails.

Gallery
Hwy40 Trailhead Trailhead pullout as Hwy40 swings between Gap Peak (L, out of photo) and Mt. Roberta upper center right. Do not block the gate as service vehicles occasionally need to pass

Pocaterra Creek Pocaterra Creek bridge immediately below the gate

First Junction Pocaterra Trail coming in from the right ~15 min in; keep left

Ptarmigan Bird Flock of Ptarmigans breaking forest road walk monotony

Second Junction Second Junction ~40min in; Boulton trail comes in from the right; keep left again (note signs). There is also picnic bench in the woods to the right

Forest Trail Typical section of the road with little variety remains mostly flat till last junction

Third Junction Third and Final junction; go right. Road now switchbacks moderately steeply for last ~2km to the lookout

Kananaskis Lookout Arriving just below the lookout with posted current Fire Danger Rating, just under 5km from Hwy 40

Viewpoint Bench Lovely Viewpoint with bench by road end

Kananaskis Lookout Lookout Structure is manned and off limits; please respect the privacy

Lookout Table Information Table at Gated Entrance to Lookout Structure

Mailbox Register Visitor Guestbook is usually found inside this mailbox

Weather Station Meteorological Measurement Station is near the Mailbox

Cut wood with inscribed rings indicating the age on picnic bench. Click to Zoom

XC-Ski Trail Road continues in meadow at far side of lookout; it eventually connects with Elk Pass Trail. Best done on skis, as sign indicates

Woodshed Firewood stash below the Lookout structure

Tree Broomstick Lots of Character near the Woodshed

Late Afternoon Storm clouds lifting up for dramatic view of Mt. Fox by the Helipad. Click to Zoom

Stormy Lookout Another look at Kananaskis Fire Lookout with rather dramatic stormy sky above

Kananaskis Viewpoint Kananaskis Lakes through treetops from the Viewpoint; Road just below

Abstract

Overall Difficulty	D2	Gentle forest road walk with final moderately steep rise to the lookout
Snow Factor	S1	Frequently done as XC-Ski trip; trails are groomed
Scenery	Kananaskis Lakes Valley and surrounding peaks. Interesting lookout site
Trail/Marking	Excellent	Wide forest road with marked junctions
Suggested Time	3 hr	Return trip time on foot; less on bike or skis. Add several hours if exploring network of surrounding XC-Ski trails
Elevation	Start: 1860 m Max: 2130 m Total: ~300m		Round Trip: ~9.5 km
Gear	Day hikers sufficient; mtn. bike or XC-Skis
Water	Pocaterra Creek at start, no reliable source after. Carry 0.5-1L
Dog Friendly	Yes	Standard back-country precautions. Area frequented by grizzly bears