Rawson Lake Hike Via Upper Kananaskis Trail

Rawson Lake Hike is an approx 8.7 km hike via the upper Kananaskis trail. Although the trail is rated moderate, it is definitely an exhausting hike with a 2 km steady incline portion that varies between 20%-40% grade. Otherwise, this hike is very doable for families alike.

Time approx 2-4 hours.

The trail starts from the Upper Kananaskis day area, follow the trail alongside the lake, among the trickling brooks as well as a roaring waterfall. At a junction, take a left at the Rawson Lake sign where the trail starts to ascend for 2 km.

Watch the video on this hike below?

Rawson Lake Hike

If you are hikers like us who take our time and find every possible unique and interesting sight to be had then this hike could be a 4-hour adventure as it was for us. We stop and look at everything and anything that catches our eyes or ears.

Enjoy the walk and take your time as we did. All the beautiful array of wildflowers were stunning as well as venturing to the sounds of water to view more small falls and beautiful streams. Take a breather on the downed log before continuing on leading to a wooden rail bridge that meanders through the forest.

A faint trickling of water can be heard on the right, a tiny bush trail will guide you to a lookout point to view a small waterfall and stream. A couple of these to enjoy throughout the top portion of the trail.

Rawson Lake

The stream is in full sight as is an old damn. This is where the scenery becomes breathtaking where everyone is looking for their unique IG shot. Find yours then continue following the trail around the lake. This may be the endpoint for some, however, trekking further has so much to offer although good footwear is recommended as the trail is of fallen rock and shale pieces that are hard on the feet.

There is also a dome-like outhouse nestled in the trees if needed.

The glacier-fed lake is absolutely beautiful as the mountain cirque and Sarrail ridge shadow down on the lake creating a glossy reflection over the water. Fishing is popular here finding many fishermen in boats and along the edge catching fair-sized Cutthroat for catch and release.

The Cirque and Sarrail Ridge

The west end of the lake has a nice trickling stream coming down from the glaciers above.

Venture to the left up the scree to a bowl where snow still remains. Be cautious as this is an avalanche zone so only to be done in late July/August as most of the snow has melted enough not to cause serious harm. Even this day the snowpack was snapping and cracking what was left. The time in the bowl was limited. Climbing to the edge of the bowl gave us a panoramic view of the lake below. Some of the prettiest flowers were here growing out of the rocks.

From the right of the stream, the trail heads up to the far end of the cirque that joins an open meadow and a grassy peak. This trail is called Sarrail Ridge however the path is not well marked. You are kinda on your own finding the most comfortable path up some slippery scree and steep slopes. This trail will add another 3 plus km to your hike with full panoramic views of Rawson and Upper Kananaskis lake below.

Conclusion:

I must say this hike was an absolute stunner. A nice quick for the most part. It was one we spent the most time at just wondering around looking at all there is to see, having breaks, lunch, and snapping photos. All in all, it was over a 4 hr 11 km hike for us. It was sure nice to stop for a dip in upper Kananaskis lake where the water was quite comfortable, great cooling off my tires legs.

What do I take on a backcounrty day hike?

Find out here what all you need to take for a day hike in the mountains.