The one beautiful thing about Rawson Lake via Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail is that you get to visit two lakes with Rocky Mountain views, a frozen waterfall, and hike through a gorgeous pine forest.
Okay, that’s more than one beautiful thing.
And that’s what makes Rawson Lake and Upper Kananaskis Trail the perfect winter hike near Calgary.
Yes, it’s a beautiful hike in the summertime too. Although Rawson Lake (and others) sometimes close due to grizzly bear activity in the summer.
Today we’re focusing on Rawson Lake as a winter hike. I did this hike (solo) as a day trip from Calgary in early December and I loved the trail from start to finish.
When there is more snow you can snowshoe Rawson Lake. Another popular snowshoe trail in Kananaskis is Chester Lake.
Here’s everything you need to know to hike Rawson Lake and Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail in wintertime.
Where is Rawson Lake?
Rawson Lake is in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country
Rawson Lake trailhead starts at Upper Kananaskis Lake.
From Calgary 135 km (85 miles) allow 1 hour 45 minutes
- Take Trans-Canada Hwy 1 west to exit 118 Kananaskis Country Hwy 40 south
- Turn right on Kananaskis Lakes Trail Hwy 742 and continue for 13 km
- Turn left at the sign for Upper Kananaskis Lakes Day Use Area
Note that Highway 40 between Highwood Junction and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed December 1 to June 14 annually.
So, if you are driving southern Calgary region you need to take Trans-Canada Hwy 1 to get to Hwy 40.
And remember to swap out your summer tires for winter tires when the snowfall starts in the mountains. Winter tires give you the traction you need for winter driving conditions.
Upper Kananaskis Lake
From Canmore 94 km (58 miles) allow 1 hour 15 minutes
- Take Trans-Canada Hwy 1 east to exit 118 Kananaskis Trail Hwy 40 south
- Turn right on Kananaskis Lakes Trail Hwy 742 and continue for 13 km
- Turn left at the sign for Upper Kananaskis Lakes Day Use Area
Upper Kananaskis Lake Day Use Area
Upper Kananaskis Lake day use area is popular during summer months. It features several lakeside picnic tables, and some park benches close to the parking lot.
The parking lot and trailhead for Rawson Lake hike is at Upper Kananaskis Lake day use area.
It’s a spectacular start to a hike when you get to take in gorgeous panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains right from the parking lot.
Hikers take in the view at Upper Kananaskis Lake
Rawson Lake Hike Info
Distance: 7.1 km (to Rawson lake, not around it)
Elevation: 560 m
Type of hike: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Allow 2 – 3 hours
Dogs allowed: Yes, always keep dogs on leash
Alltrails app lists this as 8.9 km hike with 607 m elevation gain.
But my recording of the trail shows 7.1 km and 560 m elevation gain, without hiking more than about 50 meters alongside Rawson Lake.
Be aware that this region of Kananaskis is avalanche territory and you should always check the latest trail reports and avalanche bulletins before heading out to hike.
There was one downed tree on the trail that you have to maneuver under, over, or around. Kananaskis experienced ferocious winds in early November and several trees were knocked down.
Not sure what to bring for your winter outing? Read my article about what to wear for winter hiking.
Fallen tree on the Rawson Lake trail
Rawson Lake Hike Description
Hiking the first part of the trail alongside Upper Kananaskis Lake you will come to Sarrail waterfall at 1.1 km into the hike, with about 50 m elevation change.
There’s a new bridge in front of the falls, replacing the temporary log bridge that was in place after the big flood in 2013 wiped out the old bridge.
Frozen waterfalls make amazing sculptures. For a cool waterfall hike in Kananaskis check out Troll Falls, it’s a fun family friendly hike.
From Sarrail falls the trail begins a moderately steep incline through the forest.
Rawson Creek partially frozen
You will likely hear some birds, often there are woodpeckers in the area. I heard a few but saw only one woodpecker during my hike.
The elevation gain is about 300 m for the major portion of the uphill hiking. Then the trail is easy, with some up and down parts but not like at the beginning of the hike.
And suddenly you will see (on a clear day anyways!) the mountains through the trees, then you will know you have arrived at Rawson Lake.
Rawson Lake covered in snow in early December
Stop at the lake and take in the view and if you have snowshoes you can hike further along the right side of the lake, through the forest.
The lake appeared to be frozen when I visited in early December, but don’t assume it’s safe to walk on the ice.
In summertime you can hike the Sarrail Ridge Trail from Rawson Lake. It’s a steep and difficult hike.
Sarrail Ridge is a summer only hike and even then it’s not recommended when it’s wet or icy.
Hiking beyond the left side of Rawson Lake is where there is greater avalanche risk, and this area must be avoided in winter.
Some people bring a picnic lunch and hot chocolate to enjoy by Rawson Lake. I saw a couple of hikers using a small backpacking stove to heat up their cocoa by the lake.
View of Upper Kananaskis Lake from Rawson trail
What to Bring Hiking Rawson Lake
I recommend shopping locally for hiking gear and winter clothing. In Calgary try MEC, Atmosphere, Mark’s, or Campers Village. Or buy used hiking gear at Switching Gear YYC or 2nd Chance Sports.
In Canmore buy used outdoor gear at Switching Gear at 718 – 10 St. A few shops in Canmore for new outdoor gear: Gear Up, Trail Sports, or Vertical Addiction.
Wool socks are the best for hiking because they absorb moisture, insulate even when wet, and dry quickly. It’s a good idea to bring an extra pair of socks in your pack.
Buy a decent pair of winter hiking boots to keep your feet warm and comfortable while hiking the winter trails or snowshoeing. I bought WindRiver Ice Queen boots from Mark’s, these are excellent women’s winter boots.
For ice and snow on the trails you need crampons on your hiking boots to get traction. I bought the Hillsound crampons.
Trekking poles are a good idea due to the amount of elevation change during this hike. I bought a cheap pair of hiking poles to try out this season.
Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks or picnic lunch at the summit or along the way.
Wear layers (wool or moisture wicking fabric) and bring extra cold weather clothing (even in summer) when hiking in the mountains because the weather changes rapidly.
Bring a toque, face covering, mittens or gloves, and a backpack big enough for your gear, food, water, extra clothing.
Also remember to bring your hiking first aid kit and the ten essentials on every hike.
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