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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Easy
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.
130 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
4.3 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.
1-1.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead

Elbow Lake

Elbow lake view on a hike near Kananaskis
Measurement:

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Table of contents

The hike to Elbow Lake is a wonderful, family-friendly hike in the Highwood Area. It’s also the perfect first backpack trip, as Elbow Lake is so close to the trailhead. We do this hike every year with our family.

Route Description for Elbow Lake

The hike to Elbow Lake is a classic family hike, with great scenery for limited effort. There is also Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground, and for many families this is the first backpacking trip they do as a family.

From the Elbow Pass Parking lot, take the signed path that heads out from the parking lot. You’ll follow this wide path for about 1.0 km. At the 1.0 km mark, you’ll find yourself in a wide-open cirque with views all around you. On your right, you can see a peak from the Mount Rae massif: its shape reminiscent of a breaking wave.

In a few hundred metres you’ll reach Elbow Lake.  With deep emerald and blue tones, this lake is as beautiful as they come. A mountain from the Elpoca massif on the left slides right into the lake.  If you’re camping here, the campsite is to your right.

We like to go around the lake counter-clockwise, as this takes us through the campground, which has a toilet. Follow the path taking you around the other side of the lake. You’ll have to cross over a shallow creek at the tail-end of Elbow Lake. The views as you round the other side of Elbow Lake are even better than the side you hiked out on.

Finish circumnavigating Elbow Lake. You’ll return to your car on the same wide path that took you up to Elbow Lake in the first place.

Insider Hints for Elbow Lake

  • Elbow Lake Backcountry Campground is a great option for a first backpack for families. This campground has 15 sites, firepits and toilets, though you’ll need to boil or treat the lake water for drinking. Due to the elevation make sure you do it on a warm night, ideally in late-July or early August.
  • If you can, drive the southern approach to the hike, which goes through Longview and has much less traffic, though absolutely incredible views.
  • The entire Highwood Pass area, including the southern portion of Highway 40, is closed from December 1st to June 14th each year. This hike can only be reached via a long bike ride while the highway is closed.
  • Check out our YouTube video on this great family hike.

Getting to the Elbow Lake Trailhead

From the Stoney Nakoda Casino on the TransCanada, take Highway 40 south for roughly 38.5mi. Turn left into the Elbow Pass Parking lot.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    June to October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    Elbow Lake

  • Toilets:

    At trailhead

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Lollipop

Elbow Lake Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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