Weather Alert: Snowfall and cold conditions are expected across Alberta. Check the weather forecast and 511 Alberta before heading out. Drive with caution and be prepared for changing conditions in our parks.
Weather Alert: Snowfall and cold conditions are expected across Alberta. Check the weather forecast and 511 Alberta before heading out. Drive with caution and be prepared for changing conditions in our parks.
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley
Ski passes are now on sale! Purchase Frozen Thunder and regular season passes at Shop.AlbertaParks.ca. Save 10% on regular season passes when purchased by October 31, 2026.
Effective Date: June 22, 2026 - Until Further Notice
Where: Kananaskis Country , Kananaskis Public Land Use Zone, Lusk Pass Parking Area, Jumpingpound Summit Parking Area, Prairie Creek Parking Area, Powderface Ridge North Parking Area, Powderface Ridge South Parking Area
Details: Parking areas along Powderface Road will be temporarily closed for construction. All trails outside the closure areas will remain open. The following designated trails will remain accessible by travelling around the fenced closure areas: Lusk Pass, Jumpingpound Ridge – Lusk Climb, Jumpingpound Summit, Prairie Creek, Powderface Creek, and Powderface Ridge. Expect increased industrial traffic on Powderface Road, and please obey all posted signage.
Follow the direction of all signage and personnel in the area and stay out of active construction zones.
Map of Affected AreaEffective Date: June 5, 2026 - Until Further Notice
Where: Kananaskis Country , Special K Trail, Kananaskis Public Land Use Zone
Details: The Special K Trail in Kananaskis Country Public Land Use Zone is temporarily closed due to collapsing bridges. For more information, call 310-LAND (5263) or the Moose Mountain Bike Trails Society.Map of Affected Area
Effective Date: October 8, 2026 - Until Further Notice
Where: Kananaskis Country
Details:Kananaskis Region is expected to receive snow accumulation over the weekend which may impact travel and recreation activities. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations, and consider rescheduling backcountry activities.
Before heading out:
More commonly travelled from east to west, this route travels through exposed and unmaintained alpine terrain to the summit of Mt. Yamnuska. There are many inherent risks such as rockfall and changing mountain weather involved in navigating this terrain.
Continuing beyond the East Ridge Trail at Raven’s End, hikers must scramble up the “Chimney” through the cliff block using hands and legs. Continue on following the blue blazes, which have been installed to guide hikers. Route-finding skills are still required and hikers are exposed to many sections of steep, rocky slope, with the crux being a section of chain bolted into the mountain side on a vertical section of the rock. After the chain, a short down climb is required before the route once again ascends towards the summit. The descent from the summit of Mt. Yamnuska to the West Col is steep with loose rock.
The West Col ascent to the summit may be a preferred approach as the route is less exposed with fewer route-finding challenges. Read the West Col Trail description.
**Many people have become lost on the backside of this mountain, suffered from exposure to the elements and some unfortunate people have died. If you are in any way unsure of your abilities, please turn around and do not risk putting your friends and family through this tragedy.**
Please note: With over 150 climbing routes up the face, it is critical that hikers do not throw rocks over the edge.
Warning: Rockfall hazard exists on this trail, especially in freeze / thaw weather conditions. Be cautious and move quickly through areas with overhead hazard, particularly in the waterfall section of the West Col portion of trail.
| Length | 10.2km return |
| Elevation: | 941 m |
| Difficulty |
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| Trailheads | |
| Trail Report: | Bow Valley |
