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Rockies :: Kananaskis :: King Creek Ridge

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Panoramic View South to Kananaskis Lakes area from first highpoint of King Creek Ridge.  Mount Wintour centre left

May 14, 2021

King Creek Ridge is grand ridgewalk in spectacular surroundings.  Trip is feasible year round, but beware of avalanche prone west slopes when unstable snow conditions are present.  When I first hiked this trail there was only faint footpath;  nowdays there are several well-worn and eroded trails.  Views are nothing short of fantastic - see gallery.  When snow is gone in later part of summer loop - sort of - is possible by dropping east into King Creek canyon below Mt. Brock and Mt. Blane, then hike out following the creek.  This loop return became quite involved after 2013 floods that obliterated the Creek and made travel quite difficult - return the same way is better option.

Park at shoulder of Hwy40 just before K-Lakes turnoff, or -when open- in King Creek picnic area on east side of the road.  Trail starts at north side of the creek and is easy to follow.  After dipping in forest, it parallels the road in north direction without gaining much elevation for 10-15min, then turns sharp right and makes no-nonsense beeline to low point of the ridge.  There are some cairns and flags along the way but going is straightforward.  In shoulder season upper parts can be very muddy - poles, and even micro-spikes are great help.  After reaching ridge crest (1.5 hrs+ from parking) turn left and follow trail initially through forest then open grassy meadows across several highpoints. Final bit can be bit tricky if snow covered.  "Summit" is wide and offers fantastic views; if calm/no wind it will be hard to peel off.   Views of Opal Range are fantastic as well as imposing Mt. Wintour south, but main prize is sweeping panorama of Kananaskis Lakes area - see Gallery.  Return will be faster if coming back the same way.

Note:  After 2013 floods Kings Creek ridge became preferred approach for Mt. Hood scramble route.   Loss of elevation is major hurdle, but apparently better compared to Kings Creek trash.   I have not done Mt. Hood yet and will update this write-up if/when I do.

Gallery