Kat Badry
- Dec 7, 2023
- 4 min read

Sarrail Ridge Hiking Guide

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta

Sarrail Ridge will always be one of my all time favourite hikes. You begin your hike walking leisurely by the gorgeous and surreal Upper Kananaskis Lake which is a sight to see all on its own.

The terrain is soft forest floor the entire way which I always enjoy because you get to soak up more of your surroundings rather than focusing all your time on where to place your feet. The trail comes to a Y and you’re going to take a left up towards Rawson Lake. It’s a steady incline but nothing technical up towards Rawson. I suggest you take a break at Rawson Lake before making your way up towards Sarrail Ridge.

The grind and elevation gain will begin after Rawson Lake so ensure you have a snack and some water before making your ascent. The incline up towards Sarrail is quite steep. There are no drop-offs or dangerous sections but definitely watch your footing because the trail is steep itself. This trail is easy to follow and is popular so you can expect to see other individuals on the trail while you are experiencing it.

Once you reach the top you’ll be blessed by some of the most gorgeous views in all of Kananaskis Improvement. As you stand on the top of the ridge, you’ll feel on top of the world as you view the Kananaskis Lakes below. They’re stunning blue popping in between all of the grey and green rock.

This hike is a grind but I’d do it again and again. The views look like a painting.

Wildlife Warning: Sarrail Ridge has a reputation of having bears in the area and on the trail. Please ensure all hikers in your group are carrying bear spray and taking the necessary precautions when it comes to bear safety. Remember, you’re visiting their home and we need to be respectful of that.

Sarrail Ridge Trail Stats

Distance: 11.3 km / 7.02 miles

Level: Hard

Type: Out-&-Back

Elevation Gain: 1,066 m

Time: 5 hr 42 min

Traffic: Busy/Popular

Dogs: Yes

Permits & Passes

All visitors are required to purchase a daily or annual pass when visiting Kananaskis Improvement. Buy your pass online and register your licence plate. Passes can also be purchased in-person or by using Wi-Fi at Kananaskis Visitor Information Centres or the Canmore Nordic Centre Day Lodge. This pass does not have to be printed and displayed.

Admission:

Day Pass: $15.00 (1 vehicle)

Annual Pass: $90.00 (1-2 vehicles)

Trailhead Information

Highway 40 is located between Calgary, AB and Canmore, AB. Sarrail Ridge trailhead is located 136 kms South West of Calgary, AB. It takes approximately 1 hr 39 mins to arrive at the trailhead.Follow Hwy 1 West out of Calgary until you see the exit for Hwy 40 toward Kananaskis Improvement. Follow Hwy 40 until you reach a point where you can go straight or turn right. Turn right and go down Kananaskis Lakes Trail. Follow this road until you come to the Upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot. There is a great parking lot that is located right beside the lake and has a ton of spots for this busy area. The trailhead is located right behind the bathrooms that are located at the parking lot. Make sure you do not leave any valuables within your vehicle. There has been a history of break-ins but you should be fine if you keep your vehicle clean.

Best Time to Hike Sarrail Ridge

I hiked Sarrail Ridge trail in August but this trail is best between the months of June through October. This area can get a lot of snow so I suggest making time in August/September to enjoy this beautiful area. If you decide to attempt this hike in the winter ensure you have hiking poles and crampons to assist you since some parts are steep (see my winter hiking gear list for suggestions on how to prepare for a winter hikes).

Day-Hike Packing List

This hike is roughly 12 kms out-&-back which means being prepared especially in the summer heat is crucial.

Here is what I would pack for a day hike to Sarrail Ridge in my 40L Osprey Pack:

3L Water Bladder
Lifestraw Filter and Water Purification Tablets
Lightweight rain jacket (I roll up my lightweight Arc'teryx jacket and keep it in my pack for emergencies)
1 dehydrated meal OR a packed lunch
Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, apple, yogurt, jerky are all great snacks for hiking)
Jetboil with butane fuel
First Aid Kit
Aspirin/Tylenol/Advil
Bear Spray (I bring my bear spray on hikes during summer and winter)
Bug Spray
Chapstick (there is nothing worse than getting a sun and wind burn on your lips and not having chapstick...)
Sunscreen
Hat
Headlamp
Trekking Poles
Garmin Satellite Device
Lightweight Camping Chair
Extra pair of socks
GU Electrolyte Packets
Coffee Packets
Lightweight Mug
Powdered Creamer & Sugar
Lighter/Matches
Knife

Feel free to print out this packing list for your next adventure.

Always ensure you bring enough supplies for an emergency. Things can change rapidly in the mountains and injuries can be easily avoided if you are prepared. Study the trail and be sure that you know how to safely enjoy these gorgeous places while also making it safe back home.