This is the easiest hike in the series. We've also hidden a small series in this cirque, which would make for a somewhat longer, more challenging day. Note there's no access to this area before June 15 each year and there's often snow on the ground as early as September.

Fav. Hike #1 - Arethusa Cirque

This one clocks in at about 11 km with 470 m (net) gain. There is one very steep section and one section of rocks to traverse. Some good fishing up here, from what we hear.

Fav. Hike #10 - Picklejar Lakes

Leaves from the same parking spot as the very popular Chester Lake hike. This one is much less crowded. It's a fairly challenging approx. 15 km trek along marked and unmarked trails.

Fav. Hike #2 - Headwall Lakes

Chester Lake can be extremely busy, so this one goes a bit beyond the maddening crowds to the lower valley just below the three lakes valley. Get an early start if you want to avoid the crowds. If you like fishing, we often see hikers carrying their poles up to try their luck at Chester Lake.

Fav. Hike #3 – Beyond Chester

This can be done as an "in and out" hike, but we strongly recommend you tackle this one with a hiking buddy and take two vehicles so you can shuttle between the Highwood Pass and Little Highwood parking lots. The ridge walk is one of the more challenging hikes in the series, running somewhere around 11 - 12 km with over 1300 m (net) elevation gain. Be sure to bring lots of water, sturdy boots and your trekking poles.

Fav. Hike #4 - Pocaterra Ridge

Although the total hiking distance of 15+ km may seem a little daunting, the total elevation gain is less than 500 m. This trail encompasses some unusual terrain, including an alluvial flat that can be wet all year round. Great views across the valley from the pass.

Fav. Hike #5 – Burstall Pass

This is one of the shorter jaunts, but it does have some challenging sections including crossing a rockfall and a steep section up to the col. Total return distance is about 8 km, with 500 m gain. Take heed of the name.

Fav. Hike #6 - Grizzly Col

This is the longest hike in the series, clocking in at > 26 km. Be alert for bears in the area.

Fav. Hike #7 - Junction Fire Lookout Trail

Fav. Hike #7 - Junction Mountain

We consider this an easy/intermediate hike (but keep in mind we've been hiking for 10+ years). The front section is a bit of a grunt and you may have to share the trail with mountain bikers, but the ridge walk is very enjoyable, with lots of options for extending your time at the top.

Fav. Hike #8 - Beyond Jumpingpound

A solid intermdiate / advanced trail, which will require some trail-finding skills at the start. This one comes in at about 14 km return and there's a good chance you'll see a herd of bighorn sheep from the top.

Fav. Hike #9 - Mount Lipsett

We've been hiking the Canadian Rockies (primarily in the Kananaskis area) for about 10 years. This series of ten hikes are some of our favourites. They range from relatively easy hikes under 5 km (return) to challenging trails over 25 km (return). Geocachers completing all 10 hikes will cover more than 120 km with net elevation gain of more than 5,000 m.

GeoKs' Favourite Hikes.list-details-1wr9x6v{text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;}@media screen and (min-width: 600px){.list-details-1wr9x6v{font-size:1.25rem;}}.list-details-1wr9x6v.shareable{color:#87705a;}.list-details-1wr9x6v.public{color:#00b265;}Public

GeoKs' Favourite HikesPublic