Grizzly Peak is exactly that, quick and challenging. Located near Kananaskis and Peter Lougheed National Park in Alberta, you will find this mid length hike in Kananaskis steep and rewarding.
Even though we didn’t see any grizzlies on the hike, Kananaskis is still considered grizzly country and almost every day at the Peter Lougheed Information Center there are bear sightings in and around the area. So the name may be fitting after all; Grizzly Peak Trail.
Luckily, we didn’t end up seeing any bears while we were on the hike but we were lucky enough to see a few cute chipmunks up at the top which we hung around with for a bit while enjoying the views of the mountains up at the top.
You’ll end up seeing chipmunks all over hiking trails in Kananaskis. If you hike in the area for a while you’ll see them all the time, they’re adorable.
Practical information about Grizzly Peak
Distance: 5.6 km return / 3.4 miles return
Elevation: 875 m / 2870 ft. elevation gain
Type: Out and back
Length: 3.5 – 5.5 hours return
Difficulty: Hard
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Other related posts
- 3 Hikes Near Bragg Creek That Make an Epic Day Trip
- Tombstone Campground Hike – Stunning Alpine Lake in Kananaskis
- Chester Lake Trail – Easy Day Hike Near Canmore
- Jumpingpound Summit Trail – Moderate Day Hike Near Brag Creek
- Vision Quest – Adventurous Day Hike Near Nordegg
Grizzly Peak is a challenging hike in Kananaskis
If you truly are looking for a fairly short and difficult hike in Kananaskis then Grizzly Peak is a good option as the total hike is only 5.6 km / 3.7 miles return, but the elevation gain is almost 1000 meters. It’s basically a steep incline the whole way up and a steep decline the whole way down. I mean that sums up a lot of the hikes in Alberta but this one is a challenge, especially on your knees. A fantastic workout if you’re looking for that! Short and sweet 😉
It’s a pretty straight forward hike in terms of finding the trail. Once you’re on it you will basically just keep climbing up. Your calves will feel it almost instantly so be prepared and get a good stretch before you start.
Make sure you remember some landmarks on your way up for the return journey or else you may end up following one of the wrong trails back. There are a lot of animal paths so it’s easy to get confused! Most hiking trails in Kananaskis do have marked signs, ribbons, or some sort of landmarks but we found that Grizzly Peak didn’t have too many.
We actually ended up on one of the animal paths on the way down which added an extra hour (and a pretty scared Jo) to our trip. We ended up having to scramble quite a bit which honestly wasn’t that fun. At that point we were exhausted and just wanted to get down. So really, take your time and make sure you’re on the right trail back down.
If you want a longer challenging hike in the Kananaskis area, check out Wasootch Ridge or even Jumpingpound Summit Trail! And if you’re looking for and easier lake hike in the Kananaskis area then check out Chester Lake Trail!
Here’s a map of the beginning of the trail
Here’s a picture of the beginning of Grizzly Peak
Grizzly Peak Trail Guide
On your way up, the first half is quite the battle since it’s so steep. But once you get past that first half of steady incline and scrambling a little bit, you will find yourself in this stunning meadow that is sometimes covered in wildflowers.
We would have taken a break there and enjoyed the view for a while but it was just way to windy, which tends to happen quite often when you’re hiking in the Kananaskis area. Who knows? You may be lucky enough to be able to stop in the meadow and enjoy a nice lunch, before hiking up the last bit to the summit!
After the meadow, you will make your final push to the peak where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the region. You’ll end up probably sharing your epic accomplishment with some of the chipmunks who are always hanging around the summit.
Enjoy the views from the summit and feel free to share your views with us once you are done! We love seeing other people conquering the same hikes as us. So please share your climbs!
Give yourself about 4-5 hours to complete the hike. You’re probably thinking to yourself, since it’s so short, that you’ll be down way sooner but you will want to take breaks and enjoy the views at the top. You may also need to do some backtracking if you end up getting lost. So to be safe you should give yourself about 4-5 hours to complete Grizzly Peak, one of Alberta’s challenging day hikes!
Camping in Kananaskis
So the good news is that there is a camping in Kananaskis and it’s not too far from the Grizzly Peak trailhead.
Eau Claire campground
Here are the directions from Grizzly Peak to Eau Claire campground. Once you’re done the hike you can go see if there are some spots available still. Be aware, lots of people go camping in Kananaskis in the summer so it may be full. Don’t worry though there are other places to camp not too far away if there’s no room in Eau Claire.
Camping in Peter Lougheed
There’s some amazing spots to camp in Peter Lougheed National Park. With views of lower and upper Kananaskis lake makes this one of the best places to camp in Alberta. You’re surrounded by some of the nicest and freshest nature in the world and hiking trails for days.
Mount Sarrail Campground
Mount Sarrail is a tent only campground with 44 sites and $29 a night right in Peter Lougheed. It’s super close to Grizzly Peak trail too which is a huge bonus. You’ll be camping right in between the two Kananaskis lakes with views of mountain tops surrounding you from all angles. The perfect place to stay after a full day of hiking.
Elkwood Campground
Another great campsite that’s only 10 minutes away from the Grizzly Peak trailhead. Elkwood has over 120 sites so you should most likely be able to get a spot there. Again you’ll be surrounded by mountains and the beautiful nature of Peter Lougheed National Park.
How to get to Grizzly Peak
From anywhere in Calgary
- It’s just under an hour and a half drive from Calgary to the Grizzly Peak trailhead.
- The directions can be found here.
- You will just park on the side of the road where the hike starts. There should be other cars there.
From anywhere in Edmonton
- It’s just over a 4 hour drive from Edmonton to the Grizzly Peak trailhead.
- The directions can be found here.
Before you go
The first thing you should do before you go is to check if the trail is open and if there are any warnings on it. Also if you go early enough you can stop at the Peter Lougheed Information centre and just see if there is any wildlife in the area that you should look out for. They will also give you other recommendations if Grizzly Peak isn’t doable that day due to wildlife.
We would also recommend you to tell someone about your plans, just in case something were to happen. Better safe than sorry! Especially since there is a good chance you will not have reception once you pass Kananaskis. Obviously you will be well-prepared but it’s always nice if at least someone knows you’re out hiking in the Albertan Rockies.You can check the recent comments about the trail out here.
What to bring
This is a tough hike so try to bring enough of what you need and limit what you don’t need. It is a shorter hike but it does take some time to complete and the weather changes quickly in Kananaskis.
So bring:
- Definitely at least 1.5 liters of water. The area can get chilly and you might feel like you don’t get thirsty but bring some!
- A camelbak is a great option too if you’re looking for something to hold a lot of water.
- Food. Enjoy your lunch while hanging out with the chipmunks.
- Sunscreen if it’s sunny out! Or even if it’s just warm and cloudy bring some.
- Bear spray! Duh, you’re in bear country!
- Warm clothes if it’s cold! Remember that the weather can change quickly. When we got up in the meadow it seriously felt like we were going to fly away because it was so windy! Don’t let the sun fool you. Go prepared!
- A music player (to keep bears and other wildlife away).
- Walking sticks might come in handy.
- Also this is a great list of hiking gear that you may need on a hike!
Other related posts
- 3 Hikes Near Bragg Creek That Make an Epic Day Trip
- Vision Quest – Adventurous Day Hike Near Nordegg
- Wasootch Ridge – Breathtaking Day Hike in Kananaskis
- Black Rock Mountain – Remote Day Hike near Calgary
- Hiking Checklist
Other useful info
- Remember to look out for the animal paths – both so you can find your way back down after you’ve conquered the mountain, and so maybe you can spot some wildlife!
- Also if you’re looking for something a little bit easier in the area then definitely check out Chester Lake Trail.
We hope you enjoy this hike in Kananaskis as much as we did! Enjoy, stay safe, and hopefully not get close to too many bears.!
Have fun!
Dom & Jo
Red White Adventures
Love it? Share it!
These views are incredible! I’d still be scared of the bears though!
Hey Kat,
Most people are but it’s so rare to see one up close while hiking! Much more enjoyable to see them in the forest while you’re driving by safely in your car! 🙂
– Dom
I love the pictures in this article, they are inviting and elegant. I have always been afraid of the height for some reason, but looking at the pictures in your blog post makes it seem fine to hike and have some fun while doing it.
Thank you, Raina! I’m quite scared of heights too but I just try to stay off the edges and then I’m fine. There aren’t really any drops or edges on Grizzly Peak apart from at the summit so this would definitely be a hike you could do even if you’re scared of heights 🙂
– Jo
Wow! Your pics & blog is AMAZING! And so insightful with the maps and what you need before going. Bravo!!
Thank you! We’re glad you like it 🙂
– Jo & Dom
Wow! The hikes that you guys did were epic! Such stunning views to take it.
Thanks, Taylor! It’s gorgeous there! 🙂
– Jo
Wow this is really cool! We don’t have any places like this near us but I wish we did!! I’d love to do this one day
Hey Ashkly,
Where are you from? You can always make a vacation out of it when you get time! 🙂
– Dom
These pictures are sooo beautiful!!
Especially the views are amazing ♥
And you two are soo super cute 🙂
Thanks for all the useful information honey ♥
Happy Friday!
Super beautiful! Love the picture with you are the chipmunk in the foreground.
How fun! Outstanding views. Hopefully, I can make it there one day!
Beautiful photos! I so miss the mountains, I’d love to visit grizzly peak someday.
Beautiful! I used to go hiking as a kid with my dad, but I haven’t been in a long time! I tried to take my fiance’ and my mom to Shenandoah Valley for a hike, but they were too scared to go. Thank you for sharing your adventures!
Wow that does look like a really challenging hike! It’s always nice when the views are worth it though. Your photos are gorgeous!!
Hey Andrea,
They are amazing and totally worth it. Even though it doesn’t feel like it at times on the way up haha. Thanks so much! 🙂
– Dom
What a beautiful hike! I love a hike with good views, so I need to get up there and give this one a try. Your photos are gorgeous!
Hey Christine,
If you plan on hiking the Rockies next summer then shoot us a message! We will definitely be in the area.
– Jo
So excited to get to Canada and do some hiking. It looks so beautiful.
Hey Megan,
Definitely! Do you plan on visiting this fall or next year sometime? We can definitely bring you on some hiking trips if you’re in the area.
-Dom
It looks so stunning but pretty challenging, would love to do it when we’re in Canada! Love how super well explained and detailed your post is 😉
Thanks Pauline! We’ll definitely do a hike together when we meet up back in Canada!
– Dom
I love the pictures! I haven’t done hiking before, but I would love to. It’ll be an adventure and an amazing workout! Thanks for sharing!
It sure is an amazing workout Reika! Do you have mountains close to home!?
– Dom
Wonderful scenery, the hike was definitely worth it. Happy you didn’t meet any bears or animals that were dangerous. The squirrel’s a lovely encounter <3
Hey Mirela,
Fortunately not this time! They’re nice when you can see them from a distance. Hehe squirrels are adorable little animals! 🙂
– Jo
Grizzly Peak sure looks very picturesque. I hope to climb it someday.
Hey Neil,
You should! We have a few hikes we definitely recommend in the area and Grizzly Peak is one of them!
– Dom
Such beautiful photos!! I’d love to take a hiking trip with my hubby! Looks like a blast!
Hey Merrie,
Thanks so much! Convince him to take that well needed vacation to the mountains! 🙂
– Dom
This looks amaaaazing! I do quite like the hard walks when you gain so much elevation in a short time. They are tough, but those epic views are soooo worth it!
Btw, have you ever used mapsme? It’s a free app for maps, but I have found that it is reeeeally helpful in those kind of situations when you’re not sure if it is an animal path or the real path. You can see on the GPS if you’re going the right way, even if you don’t have reception on your phone. Most of the small paths have been on there (at least for hikes in Canada)
Hey Josy,
Absolutely. It’s fun walking 10 minutes and seeing how far you’ve gone up in such a short time. Wow thanks so much I had no idea but I just dowloaded it and hopefully it will save my but in the future! 🙂 It’s quite easy to get lost sometimes or end up on the wrong track.
– Jo
Your pictures are so beautiful! Love the tips & thank you for including the map. We love finding new places to hike.
I bet this felt so rewarding though!
Hey Hoang,
It sure did we had a blast!
– Dom
Interesting! I never realized that you could end up on an animal trail
Woww! It looks so relaxing. I love such peaceful places to spend time with myself.
Oh wow…what an expectacular view…I can almost feel the breeze…
Breathtaking views like always! So jealous you can do this so often!
those views at Grizzly Peak are amazing and what a great way to get some exercise too. Though a nearly 3,000 foot elevation hike might wear even an avid backpacker like myself, those views would be totally worth it!
Glad you didn’t see any grizzlies, who would have tripped who in order to escape? I am sure Darcee would have tripped me as she ran past me!
The views look well worth the challenging hike!!
Hey Shelby,
Thanks! We’re always up for a challenging hike but sometimes it’s definitely nicer to do a more relaxed hike as well!
– Dom
I would be terrible at this hike, weak knees. The view look’s incredible though, your picture’s capture it perfectly!
I have never been to Alberta before but it looks beautiful. My husband is going in the next to 2 weeks to Calgary
Thats awesome! To bad you couldn’t go with him and get some of these views! Maybe next time! 😉
– Jo
Wow, beautiful and amazing place. I would love to travel here one day. God creations!
Hey,
There’s a reason they call it GOd’s country haha! Looks like it’s straight from heaven!You definitely will! 🙂
– Dom
Hey Cat uy,
It sure is, the views are breathtaking and very rewarding!
– Jo