Hiking Moose Mountain Summit – Kananaskis, Alberta
Posted by Jeff in Hiking, Photography | September 18, 2012
Moose Mountain is located just about 14.5km west of Bragg Creek, Alberta. At it’s summit is Alberta’s highest fire lookout station that’s still manned all summer long. Don’t let the start of Moose Mountain hiking trail fool you, almost immediately you’ll start by descending into the valley for a kilometer, immediately followed by the start of the ascending slopes.
This photo was taken from approximately 1km inward. Just starting the uphill trek around and onto the ridge of Moose Mountain. In this picture the ridge runs from right to the summit on the left.
Look closely at the summit and you can see the little spec of the fire lookout! That’s our final destination! Only 6.5km to go!
The first 5.5km will get you legs burning for the initial 525m ascent. Expect to find a very well maintained trail and some beautiful forest landscapes. Visit during the right times and the lighting can be magical!
The remaining 1km, 125m climb will take you to the summit on a narrow, fairly steep rock path made of mostly shale and loose packed rocks. Be sure to wear the proper footwear, you wouldn’t want to slip at this point.
7-Image panorama from the highest point of the ridge
8-Image panorama from halfway up the steep summit pass
8-Image panorama from the summit of Moose Mountain (looking west)
Giant 16-Image panorama of the fire lookout Moose Mountain (2-rows of 8 images)
Final Destination
- Elevation gain: 650m (2,133ft)
- Total elevation above sea: 2,428m (7,967ft)
- Distance traveled: 15.2km
- Difficultly: Strenuous
- 50.9403° N, 114.8389° W
Directions
From Bragg Creek:
- Drive south from Bragg Creek on highway #22 and turn right onto highway #66.
- Drive 14km and you’ll see the sign for Paddy’s Flat Campground. Keep driving for about 700 meters.
- There will be an unmarked turnoff to the right.
- Drive for 7.5km up this gravel road. There is a gate on the side of the road. You can either parallel park on the road or turn into the parking lot.
- The trailhead is both in the parking lot and across the road from the signs to parallel park.
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