Sarrail Ridge (via Rawson Lake)

lotzacurls
Jul 18, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jun 26

Upper Kananaskis Lake with vivid blue water, surrounded by rocky peaks and lush forests under a cloudy sky, conveying a serene atmosphere.

MAP

* Day hike (half-day for Rawson Lake). Out-and-back. Well-signed trail up to lake.

* Distance: 12 kms return to Sarrail Ridge, ~4 hours (8 kms return to Rawson Lake, ~3 hrs)

* Elevation gain: 700m to Sarrail Ridge (300m to Rawson Lake)

* Trailhead: Upper Lake Day Use Area, use southernmost of 3 parking lots

Sarrail Ridge via Rawson Lake - 10 Adventures

Sarrail Ridge via Rawson Lake - AllTrails

Rawson Lake - PETER LOUGHEED PROVINCIAL PARK page

This is one of my favourite summer hikes, as well as a great option for snowshoeing in winter. You can do it with kids if they’re used to hiking and with leashed dogs, but expect the trail to be very busy on summer weekends. Rawson Lake is less accessible during shoulder seasons, where slushy conditions and melting snow make it an awkward choice. Avoid Sarrail Ridge in winter.

Make sure you purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass before coming out, and check the Kananaskis Country Trail Report beforehand (this trail closes often due to grizzly activity). Hike in a group, bring your bear spray and keep it accessible (not inside your backpack!).

Make sure you’ve packed properly and don’t rely on cell service in this area of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. OK, now let’s get going!

Want to hike Rawson Lake in the winter? Click here!

RAWSON LAKE TRAIL DESCRIPTION

The trail to Rawson Lake is part of the Upper Kananaskis Lake circuit, a chilled-out walk through a forest of fir and spruce. About 1 km in, you’ll cross Sarrail Creek bridge; soon after, you’ll fork left toward Rawson Lake.

After the fork, stride onwards for about 2 kms on wide switchbacks. You’ll gain good elevation here, and you’ll have to walk onto halved logs that serve as step bridges over boggy terrain. You’ll know you’re getting close to the lake when the terrain starts to level out and the climbing becomes less laborious.

Three people fish by calm Rawson Lake surrounded by dense pine forest, with rocky mountains in the background under a clear sky. — For all you fishermen out there, you can catch-and-release for cutthroat fish in this lake from July 16th to October 31st.

Roughly 1.5 hours after leaving your car, you should happily break through the trees and spot beautiful Rawson Lake. The majestic headwall of Mount Sarrail rises an impressive 1200m above the lake.

Rawson Lake with clear water reflecting rugged, towering cliffs and lush pine trees. Snow patches visible, under a bright blue sky. — Rawson Lake lies in a spectacular cirque (the curved arms of Mount Sarrail) carved out by glaciers.

This magnificently calm body of water lies in a spectacular glacier-carved cirque. But DON’T make the mistake of stopping here. Go left and follow the trail around the southeastern shore for beautiful views of small meadows lying below the impressive 1200-meter headwall.

Don’t make the mistake of stopping here. Go left and follow the trail clockwise around the shore for beautiful views of small meadows lying beneath that gargantuan 1200-metre headwall.

Mountain landscape with pine forest reflected in Rawson Lake. Blue sky with scattered clouds. Peaceful and serene scene. — Ready for an uphill climb? The trail to Sarrail Ridge pretty much goes straight up!

Stay away from the boggy shore, especially in winter (unless the lake is very obviously frozen stiff), and watch out for avalanches. Even on busy summer days, there are tons of spots for everyone to sit and admire the views without feeling crowded.

Hiker with a purple backpack in a field of yellow grass, approaching Mount Sarrail under a clear blue sky. Rugged, serene landscape. — Photo taken by Catherine Gagnon

At the 4km mark, you’ll see the trail scramble upslope towards a saddle. to the right of Mount Sarrail. If the walk to Rawson Lake failed to satisfy your lust for hearty hiking, the steep climb to the saddle outta do it.

SARRAIL RIDGE TRAIL DESCRIPTION

Now, you've been warned. The trail leading to Sarrail Ridge is one of the most precipitous bits of dirt that I’ve ever hiked. It is far more vertiginous than the trek to Rawson Lake. It’s sandy and very slippery; if it’s raining, turn around and head back with plans to return on a sunny day.

However, if you’re willing to endure the cardiovascular slog, I heartily encourage you to push upwards, as the reward far outweighs the effort.

It’s a steep, 350m climb to the saddle, with no switchbacks to dumb down the grade; allow yourself a good hour to get up there. Hiking poles would be an asset here. I’m fairly certain I panted like a bear in heat the whole way up.

Hikers descend Sarrail Ridge trail overlooking scenic alpine Rawson Lake surrounded by steep, rugged mountains under a clear sky, creating a serene atmosphere. — Rawon Lake far below us on a gorgeous fall day.

You might have to use your hands on the path (Yes! Let’s get our hands dirty!) and the scramble down will seem even steeper; many people did it on their bums or backwards while holding on to the stunted trees. There is a rope in one section to assist people going down (don’t let your ego interfere here; take the damn rope). Don’t let any of these details deter you - I assure you it’s 100% worth it. Keep at it, my friend!

A coyote runs downhill on a rocky, grassy slope with small trees. The scene is dynamic and vibrant with green and brown hues.

Once you euphorically reach the col, keep heading upwards and to the right for stunning views of Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes waaaay down below and Mount Indefatiguable straight ahead.