Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
603 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
14.5 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-6h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead

Mount Ware

Panorama from the Mount Ware hike near Kananaskis and Canmore
Measurement:

Download an interactive map and guide on your phone today!

Table of contents

This mid-length moderate hike has us summit Mt. Ware. As our final elevation takes us above all the surrounding foothills we are afforded great views of the surrounding area, including the impressive Bluerock Mountain to the west.

Route Description for Mount Ware

The trail will have us climbing and descending all along as we gain about 518 m of elevation whilst climbing a total of 732 m. Remember these descents on the way out turn to climbs on the homeward path, so be sure to save some legs!

As you leave the Gorge Creek Day use Area you will head SSW and will find a marked trail that follows Gorge Creek just its north. When you initially meet the creek we will cross at the new(ish) bridge.

Right after crossing the bridge take a left to find the South Gorge Creek Trail (signed), and almost immediately after passing the sign take your first prominent right. We will follow this trail for about an hour. As you walk along the creek trail be sure to take in the scenic views of the creek flowing past you to the left.

There are many routes up Mt Ware, and many dead ends. The route suggested to us involved approaching the mountain at a ‘Three O’Clock” approach.  We leave the Creek trail after crossing a cattle guard, when a cairn between two pines appears to our right marks a smaller trail.

As we follow this new trail we start to gain elevation and the trees start to thin and we are given our first clear views of our destination. Continue to follow the trail as it peters out as we reach the steep grassy slopes of our final destination.

Did we mention the final approach is steep? At this point there is no going wrong and pick one of the many trails up the final face.

Insider Hints for Mount Ware

  • Some parts of Mount Ware hike can get muddy so make sure your shoes are waterproof.
  • If you don’t feel tired, you can also hike up Little Ware as well.
  • There’s an alternative route to the top of Mt Ware, so if you don’t like ‘out and back’ trails you can make it a loop.

Getting to the Mount Ware Trailhead

We start our loop from the Gorge Creek Day Use Area. Take highway 546 from Turner Valley. We will be taking a right onto the Gorge Creek Access road which is not very well signed until you are on it. The access road jets off to the right from the main road and then follows the main road in parallel for the first 0.3mi before the main road goes down a steep hill.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    May 15 - October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Toilets:

    Yes

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels:

    Low

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Mount Ware Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews

0.0
No reviews
Write a review
×

Add a review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

10Adventures Trail App

Take your trails online! Keep track of your route along the way.

Download for free today.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter