Kananaskis Falls Frozen Waterfall Cave Hike

Traci Grossi | February 2, 2021 | Hiking | No Comments

Kananaskis Falls Frozen Waterfall cave is one of many unique frozen waterfall hikes in Kananaskis, which fulfills my passion for chasing waterfalls.

Summer is an inviting time to go searching for waterfalls, however, winter can be just as rewarding.

In summer some falls are hard to reach to get up close and personal, Due to the frozen snow-packed creeks, allowing the ability to get up close. A frozen waterfall can come in all shapes and forms as well making each one unique. This frozen waterfall cave is spectacular and one of my favorites.

Where is the frozen waterfall cave location?

The frozen waterfall cave is located off Hwy 40 in Kananaskis, It is somewhat of a hidden gem. Not as popular of a trail due to the bushwacking and uneven surfaces involved.

The trail can be hard to find however if you follow the creek, increase chances of finding the falls.

Start out following All Trails Kananaskis Falls map. Parking is on the East side of the highway just North of the Nakiska turn-off.

Kananaskis Falls Trail

Kananaskis Falls trail is an 8.2 km rated hard hike however the falls are located about the 1.5-1.9 km mark.

This trail is less trafficked due to the intense trail whereas the neighboring Wasootch trail is more popular but still rated for an experienced hiker.

Finding the trail

Follow up the Wasootch trail until you come to a Y, at approx the 1 km mark before the trail takes a hard ascend. Go right and follow the creek to Kananaskis Falls through a winding treed trail. As shown below.

The remaining hike is a bit grueling as you zig-zag throughout the bush up and over obstacles of rocks, stumps, slippery sections, and frozen creek crossings. What is only less than 2km seems a whole lot longer when you bushwacking, although the challenges are welcome, my body may not be so forgiving the next day. lol

Continue on the trail alongside the Wasootch ridge often hearing voices from the hikers above. A welcoming sight peering through the bush is the falls.

As I mentioned the trail requires some maneuvering, where I highly recommend trekking poles and Ice Cleats. I can’t say enough how they make my hikes more enjoyable with less strain and prevent injuries.

The hike to the frozen waterfall is definitely worth the effort. That child-like feeling when you are out exploring and come across something pretty dang cool.

Arriving at the Kananaskis Falls Waterfall Cave

Make your way into the cave-like falls from either end. Be careful not to hit your head on the jagged rocks above or slip on the ice. Take it all in and leave it as you found it for others to enjoy.

Winter hiking still has many challenges and is always good to be prepared. I see so many newcomers hitting the trails in unsafe footwear, no backpacks, as well as no food or water. One can never be too over-prepared and why I recommend these Hiking Essentials for every season.

The trail from the falls really doesn’t go too much further however the adventure seekers that we are ventured up a bit further and these are some of what we captured. In summer the trail will continue on to Kananaskis Peak.