If you love a workout with a great view, try the less well-known Mount Kidd Lookout hike in Kananaskis Country. Once you’ve found the unofficial trail, the crux of the outing, be prepared for a take-your-breath-away steep hike. The good news – it delivers superlative mountain views of Kananaskis Valley, Mount Allan, Centennial Ridge, Wedge Peak and Mount Baldy. In summer, there are abundant wildflowers too.
The parking for the Mount Kidd Lookout hike is by the hotels in Kananaskis Village off Highway 40. From Calgary you can be in the parking lot in an hour. It’s a great hike to do if you’re trying to get in shape – as we were for a backpacking trip in the Yukon, or if you like hikes that don’t see a lot of foot traffic.
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Mount Kidd Lookout hike summary
Permits: You will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Purchase online or at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Centre on Highway 40.
Distance: 6.2 km return from the parking lot in the village.
Elevation gain: Approximately 620 m to the lookout.
Level of difficulty: Moderate to strenuous because of the steep climb though there is nothing technical about the hike.
Hours needed: 4 – 6 hours depending on how much time you spend on top and whether you continue past the remains of the fire lookout.
Best time to hike: Mid-June until mid-October or whenever the snow starts to fly. In mid to late September look for larches at the top.
High point: 2,103 m – 6,900 feet
Dogs: Allowed on a leash.
Bears: The meadows are a grizzly bear hot spot. A mom and two cubs had been seen just before we started. Carry easy to access bear spray and make lots of noise.
Don’t forget: Always pack the hiking essentials. You’ll findhiking polescome in really handy on the descent. Bring awind-proof jacketfor the top.
Finding the unofficial trail to the Mount Kidd Lookout
Park in any lot behind the hotels in Kananaskis Village. The closest parking lot to the Terrace North Trail is off Terrace Drive, just north of Mount Kidd Manor.
Look for signage directing you to the Terrace Trail. Hike past the skating rink and open fields. Continue for approximately 600 m to reach the intersection of the Terrace and Kovach trails. If any of you have cross-country skied here in the winter, you will be familiar with these trails.
At the intersection take the right fork to stay on the Kovach Trail. Follow it for approximately 1.1 km to the Aspen – Kovach intersection. Stay left to stay on the Kovach Trail. You’ll make two switchbacks over the next 300 m. Keep your eyes open for flagging tape on the left-hand side of the trail.
We found two trails about 50 m apart with flagging tape. The first had orange flagging tape and seemed like a well used trail, so we took it. But according to Organic Maps we weren’t on the right trail (though I think it would have met up with the other trail), so we retraced our steps and walked another 60 m to find another trail, this time marked with blue flagging tape. Finally, we were on the trail that would take us steeply up to the scenic and historic Mount Kidd Fire Lookout.
Route description
Once on the trail to the Mount Kidd Fire Lookout, there was no route finding. The way forward is always obvious, just steep, and sometimes very steep – with a 38% grade according to one blog.
Once you’ve cleared the trees, there is a long section of trail on the steep slope made up of a dry dirt – loose rock mix that isn’t a lot of fun going up or down – but the views are terrific. Fortunately, once you’re through that part, the trail switchbacks and moderates slightly until you pop out on top – rather abruptly.
Mount Kidd Lookout hike photos
We did the Mount Lookout hike in early July. The wildflowers were out but not at their peak. I think mid-September would be a wonderful time to do the hike but no matter when you go, be very bear aware.
The foundation of the Mount Kidd Fire Lookout, active from 1982 – 1992. It was removed in 1997
Views of Mount Kidd just past the abandoned fire lookout
Mount Kidd Fire Lookout hike location map
More hikes in Kananaskis you might enjoy
For another less popular hike, check out the Grizzly Ridge hike off Highwood Pass.
The South End of Lawson is another steep Kananaskis hike affording great views of the Kananaskis Lakes.
Want to test your mettle on a steep hike near Fortress Junction? Do the rewarding Opal Ridge South hike.
The fun King Creek Ridge hike in Kananaskis is a beauty that will make you feel like you are hiking in Switzerland.
On the other side of Highway 40 is the steep from the start Wasootch Ridge hike.
Where to stay in Kananaskis Country
There is lots of camping in Kananaskis Country and some is first come, first served.
The closest place to stay isKananaskis Mountain Lodge– where you can avail yourself of the Nordic Spa – but reserve in advance.
TheKananaskis Wilderness Hostelis also a very short drive away.
Sundance by Basecamp– just a few kilometres away offers tipis, trappers tents, and glamping tents.
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