The hike to Elbow Lake in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is very popular with hikers of all abilities, including families with young children. Many hikers stop at Elbow Lake and call it a day, but there is much more to explore in the area if you continue. One scenic addition is the hike to Edworthy Falls. It’s another 3.5 km past Elbow Lake via the Big Elbow Trail, most of it on a wide trail with very little elevation gain.
Once you reach Elbow Lake, a scenic beauty with a mountainous backdrop, you can continue hiking gradually uphill on an old road to a turnoff for Edworthy Falls. From the turnoff to the falls, you can also continue to Piper Pass or Rae Lake. The Tombstone Backcountry Campground is yet another destination along this route.
As a day trip, Edworthy Falls is a very manageable 9.6 km return. The reward is a beautiful waterfall, whether you visit in summer or on a blustery late November day. (See my photos below.)
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Edworthy Falls in late June
Edworthy Falls in late November
At a Glance: Edworthy Falls Hike
Hikers – please take personal responsibility for your safety by researching conditions, preparing appropriately, and making informed decisions.
Trailhead: Elbow Pass Day Use Area in Kananaskis
Distance: 9.6 km return (Includes 2.6 km return to Elbow Lake + 7.0 km return to Edworthy Falls)
Elevation gain: Approximately 390 m
Time required: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking pass: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass
Best time to hike: June 15-November 30 (because of a seasonal closure on Highway 40)
Dogs: Yes, on leash
Bears: Carry easily accessible bear spray
Follow: Leave No Trace principles
Easy, scenic hiking past Elbow Lake on the way to Edworthy Falls
Map of the Edworthy Falls Hike
Route in yellow from the parking lot on the Kananaskis Trail (Highway 40) to Elbow Lake and Edworthy Falls
Where Does the Edworthy Falls Hike Start?
The hike to Elbow Lake – and therefore Edworthy Falls – starts from the parking area on Highway 40. There is a well-signed turnoff and a large parking area with an outhouse. It’s here on Google Maps. From the Trans-Canada Highway, it’s about 62 kilometres.
Highway 40 is closed seasonally at the winter gate from December 1 to June 14 every year.
The trail from the parking lot follows an old road as it climbs 137 m over 1.3 km to reach Elbow Lake. The initial hike to Elbow Lake isn’t that interesting because it’s in thick forest. But that all changes once you reach beautiful Elbow Lake.
If you’re just interested in hiking to Elbow Lake, or want to learn more about the Rae Glacier extension, see my guide to the Elbow Lake Hike in Kananaskis: Easy Family Trail + Rae Glacier Extension.
Elbow Lake is a beauty
Hiking Beyond Elbow Lake to Edworthy Falls
Once you reach Elbow Lake, continue along the west side of the lake to reach the north end. Cross a creek on a log and continue left. Follow the trail – that looks and feels like an old road, enjoying spectacular views as you go. The hiking is easy, and the grade is gentle.
It’s approximately 2.8 km to reach the turnoff to Edworthy Falls from the north end of Elbow Lake. The turnoff is on your left and is sometimes marked by pink flagging. There may also be a small pile of rocks and if you listen closely, you can sometimes hear the water running too. You do need to pay attention to find it. This is where a hiking app like Organic Maps works well.
The short trail to about 20-metre-high Edworthy Falls is the crux of the hike. The descent is short and steep and arguably harder than the climb back up. Take your time, watch your footing and use hiking poles if you have them. You’ll see the falls before you reach them. Find a place to sit and enjoy your picnic lunch or snack before retracing your route back to the parking lot.
Note the rock-strewn trail but otherwise easy hiking to Edworthy Falls
We had a blowy day in late November on another visit to Edworthy Falls
Be prepared for all manner of hiking conditions if you hike to Edworthy Falls late in the season
Is Edworthy Falls Hike Worth It?
The Edworthy Falls hike is very much worth doing in spring, summer and fall. The falls themselves aren’t large, but they are pretty and their tucked-away setting makes reaching them feel like a bit of a discovery. The route beyond Elbow Lake is also very scenic – and for the relatively little effort, this is one of the best waterfalls in Alberta to visit.
A stunning backdrop for Edworthy Falls when there is snow around
What to Know Before You Go
Parking: It can get very busy, so plan to go early or later in the afternoon in summer to beat the crowds.
Access to the trail: You can hike to Edworthy Falls from June 15 to November 30.
Navigation: The trail to Edworthy Falls is very easy to follow – until the final turnoff. Pay attention when you think you’re getting close – and keep an eye out for a small cairn or some flagging tape in the trees. The turnoff to the falls is to the left or northwest.
What to bring: Apart from the 10 hiking essentials, I’d suggest a comfy blow-up cushion for lunch, water purification tablets in case you run low on water, and bug repellent in the height of summer.
What a beautiful mountain backdrop when the sun makes an appearance on the hike to Edworthy Falls
Where to Stay Near Edworthy Falls
Camping Near Edworthy Falls
Bookable campgrounds can be reserved online through Alberta Parks up to 90 days before your visit. If you want to car camp close by, read my Complete Guide to Camping in Kananaskis.
Elbow Lake Campground
A night at Elbow Lake Campground is always a worthwhile experience. It’s a relatively short hike in, and the location is beautiful. One suggestion is to backpack to the campground in the afternoon and set up your tent. If you’re camping in summer, when the days are long, you’ll still have lots of time to hike to Edworthy Falls and back.
Tombstone Lakes Campground
Another option is to visit Edworthy Falls as a side-trip on the hike to the Tombstone Lakes Campground. From this well-situated campground, you could visit Tombstone Lakes and hike to Rae Lake on your way out.
Beautiful Tombstone Lake is an easy hike from the Tombstone Lakes Campground
You can also bike into the Tombstone Lakes Campground
Lodges and Other Accommodation
There are several lodges to stay in if you are looking for more than a day trip.
Mount Engadine Lodge – A favourite of mine on the Smith Dorrien Road with at least eight fantastic hiking trails nearby.
Kananaskis Mountain Lodge – A good base for exploring Kananaskis – with a Nordic spa on-site.
Skyridge Glamping – A high-end glamping experience where it feels like you can reach out and touch the mountains.
Other Hikes in Kananaskis Country
BEST Kananaskis Hikes for Mountain Lovers – A guide to the most spectacular Kananaskis hikes with big mountain views and unforgettable scenery.
16 Best Ridge Hikes in Kananaskis Country (Epic Views in Alberta) – Discover the best ridge hikes in Kananaskis Country, from moderate outings to challenging scrambles with sweeping Rocky Mountain views.
Ribbon Falls Hike in Kananaskis Country – A scenic long but easy hike through forest and along a river to one of Kananaskis’ most impressive waterfalls
The Headwall Lakes Hike in Kananaskis Country – A quieter alpine hike to two lakes tucked beneath dramatic headwalls, perfect if you’re craving solitude and scenery.
The Hike to Burstall Pass in Kananaskis Country – A moderate hike through a beautiful glacial valley filled with wildflowers that culminates at a high mountain pass with views of Mt Assiniboine.
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