If you like to exercise with a great view, try the lesser-known Mount Kidd Lookout hike in Kananaskis Country. Once you find the unofficial trail, which is the heart of the hike, be prepared for a steep hike. The good news is that it offers great mountain views of the Kananaskis Valley, Mount Allan, and Mount Kelvin. Centennial Mountain RangeWedge Peak and Mount Baldy. In the summer, there are also plenty of wildflowers.
The parking lot for the Mount Kidd Lookout is located next to the hotels in Kananaskis Village on Highway 40. You can reach the parking lot from Calgary in about an hour. It's a great drive if you're trying to get in shape—as we did on our Yukon camping trip—or if you like hikes that don't see a lot of foot traffic.
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Kidd Mountain Observation Trip Summary
Allow: You will need to Kananaskis Conservation CardYou can purchase online or at the Kananaskis Visitor Information Center on Highway 40.
distance: 6.2 km return from the village car park.
Gain height: About 620m to the lookout point.
Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous due to the steep climb although there is nothing technical about the trek.
Required hours: 4-6 hours depending on how much time you spend at the top and whether you continue past the remains of the fire lookout tower.
Best time to hike: From mid-June to mid-October or when snow begins. In mid-to-late September, look for pine trees at the top.
High point: 2,103 m – 6,900 ft
Dogs: Allowed on the steering wheel.
You bear: The meadows are home to grizzly bears. A mother and two cubs were spotted before we started. Have bear spray handy and make lots of noise.
Do not forget: Always fill up Hiking BasicsYou will findWalking sticksIt will be very useful during the descent. Bring it with you.windproof jacketto the top.
Find the unofficial trail to Mount Kidd Lookout
You can park in any of the parking lots behind the hotels in Kananaskis Village. The closest parking lot to the Terrace North Trail is near Terrace Drive, just north of Mount Kidd Manor.
Look for signs to the Terrace Trail. Walk past the skating rink and open fields. Continue for about 600 metres to reach the intersection of the Terrace and Kovac trails. If any of you have cross-country skied here in winter, you will be familiar with these trails.
At the intersection, turn right to stay on the Kovac Trail. Follow it for about 1.1 km until you reach the Aspen-Kovac junction. Keep left to stay on the Kovac Trail. You will take two turns over the next 300 m. Keep your eyes peeled for the signpost on the left side of the trail.
We found two trails about 50 meters apart with flags. The first trail had orange flags and looked like a well-used trail so we took it. But according to Organic maps We weren’t on the right trail (although I think it would have met the other trail), so we retrace our steps and hiked another 60 meters to find another trail, this time marked with blue flag tape. Finally, we were on the trail that would take us to the top of the scenic and historic Mt Kidd Fire Lookout.
Road description
Once we reached the Mt Kidd fire lookout trail, we couldn't find a way. The path ahead was always clear, but it was steep, sometimes very steep – with a 38% gradient according to one blog.
Once you clear the trees, you'll find a long section of trail on a steep slope that's a mix of dry soil and loose rocks that aren't much fun to climb or descend, but the views are great. Fortunately, once you get through this section, the trail winds and levels out a bit until you come to the top rather abruptly.
Kidd Mountain Observation Trip Photos
We hiked Lookout Mountain in early July. The wildflowers were out but not in full bloom. I think mid-September would be a great time to do this hike but no matter when you go, be very careful of bears.
Kidd Mountain Fire Watch Site Map
More trips you might enjoy in Kananaskis
For another lesser-known trip, check out: Grizzly Ridge Hike near Highwood Pass.
The southern tip of Lawson is another place. Kananaskis is a steep climb. Offers stunning views of Kananaskis Lakes.
Want to test your mettle on a trek near Fortress Junction? Have a nice trip to Opal Ridge South..
the A fun ride along the King Creek Mountain Range. Kananaskis has such beauty that it will make you feel like you're hiking in Switzerland.
On the other side of Highway 40 is Steep climb from the start on the Wasootch Ridge Trail..
Where to stay in Kananaskis
there is a lot of Camping in Kananaskis Some of them are based on first come first served.
The nearest place to stay isKananaskis Mountain Lodge– Where you can benefit from Nordic Spa Resort – But book in advance.
theKananaskis Wilderness LodgeIt is also located a very short drive away.
Sundance Film Festival Produced by Basecamp– Just a few kilometers away, there are cone-shaped tents, fishermen's tents and luxury camping tents.
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