This program is designed for private groups of experienced backpackers. Departures can be set up on a private basis for individuals, families, or groups, and we can organize to leave the trip open for more people to join. Trips that we have confirmed and are open to more guests will be listed below, but check back often to see if any new departures have been added. Please contact us if you would like to arrange your own departure and we will be happy to provide you with a quote based on your group's size and trip options.
Price
$1050 CDN Based on a minimum group size of four people, includes guides, park fees, out-trip meals, group camping gear and local transfers.
Not included: Canmore accommodation, Gratuities & 5% Goods and Service Tax (GST).
Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through Travel Guard.
Optional pre and post trip accommodation packages are available from $80 per person per night for shared room lodging ($160 for single occupancy). Purchase with booking. Subject to availability.
How difficult is it?
How fit and experienced need you be?
This trip is rated strenuous and challenging due to successive challenging days (lots of rough terrain and ups and downs though not necessarily long distances) carrying full backpacks (20kg) over rough and untracked terrain. Participants will be carrying personal clothing and gear plus a fair share of food and group gear (tents, stoves, etc). Please read our Traveling Light & Making Backpacking More Fun for information and suggestions for clothing and equipment.
Prior backpacking experience is a prerequisite. Participants must be in good physical condition and able to carry a backpack over hilly terrain for a succession of longish days.
The trails are generally non-existent and we will be hiking over rough and rocky terrain at times. We will hike at a regular and steady pace that conserves energy but you still must be in good hiking shape before you come. We cannot emphasize enough that training pays great dividends in enjoyment. We suggest you train by walking and/or cycling and/or hiking (ideally in hilly terrain).
The section of the Continental Divide south of the Highwood Pass is known as the Elk Range. It's a beautiful area of the Rockies that is rarely visited by the large groups that tend to gravitate to the more popular areas near Banff and Lake Louise.
Due to the remoteness of this area there are few trails and those we find are rough so in addition to a strong sense of adventure you will need to be in good hiking and scrambling shape. Compensating us for our effort are beautiful lakeside camps, wonderful fishing, great views and an ambiance quite different from that found further north.
The Highwood Pass is located an hour's drive south of Canmore in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and is adjacent to the Continental Divide. The Elk Range is that section of the Divide that continues south from that point until Weary Creek Gap where it becomes the High Rock Range. If looking for a map we'd suggest the "Highwood & Cataract Creek" sheet of the Gem Trek series.
Day 1: Hike to Carnarvon Lake
Meet at Yamnuska office in Canmore 8am. Check and pack gear, then drive an hour and a half south to the Carnarvon Lake trailhead. It is one of the most scenic drives in the Canadian Rockies.
We thought we'd start off easy, saving the more difficult trails for later. Easy hiking brings us to the last few kilometers where the trail narrows and starts to rise with a real sting as we follow safety chains through a band of cliffs to reach the lake.
The Lake itself is typical of those in the alpine, being set in a high mountain cirque with a cliff band below. Its waters are crystal clear and deep. There are numerous camping spots around the Lake. 10km distance travelled, 610m elevation gain, highest point 2149m.
Day 2: Traverse Mount Muir to Lake of the Horns
The true off-trail nature of our route becomes apparent today when we cross an easy pass in the Continental Divide immediately behind the lake. Following intermittent game trails we sidle behind the range until we can climb a long scree slope that brings us almost to the summit of 2743m Mount Muir and hugely rewarding views. A rocky ridge leads us down to Weary Creek Gap where we cross back to the eastern side of the Divide where an ancient Indian trail leads us into McPhail Creek. From here we sidle a few kilometers along the range to where another steep trail leads us up to Lake of the Horns which is hidden away in another deep alpine cirque. 10 challenging km, 700m elevation gain, highest point 2743m.
Day 3: Hike to Loomis Lake
Today, on what is likely our easiest day (relative term) we continue to sidle high along the Eastern side of the Divide, following intermittent game trails with a couple of ridge crossings en-route. Excellent views of the Front Ranges. Loomis Lake is also set in a high cirque, the approach to which is guarded by another steep, cliffy headwall. As with the other lakes we have visited the fishing is excellent (if not locally famous).
We camp in a stunning location which we reach after travelling over rough terrain for 8 km, elevation gain around 600m. If time and fitness permit we may be able to detour en-route to "The Hill of Flowers" from which viewpoint Lake of the Horns (named for the abundant hornlike fossils found around the lake) was first noticed.
Day 4: We extend the "Highline"
From Weary Creek Gap we've been following a fault line immediately parallel to the peaks of the Elk Range that allows us to cross the side ridges of the range relatively easily. This is what we are calling the "Elk Highline". On our initial exploratory trip in 2007 we started at Loomis Lake and headed south to Carnarvon Lake. This time we want to push the Highline as far to the northwest alongside the Divide as we can and that will be our objective for these last two days. Our packs will be lighter as we've eaten most of our food and used most of the fuel. We should be in good shape so it will be interesting to see how far we can go. I'm hoping to Running Rain Lake on this day. On the map it shows a distance of approximately 8km however on the ground it will be different story with lots of intricate terrain that crosses 3 valleys and 4 high ridges.
Day 5: Finish the "Highline"
We don't actually know where this will be! It will depend upon how far we made it the day before. The fault continues to the north and it's our hope that we can continue to follow it as far as we can before turning NE to follow either a ridgeline of creek back to the Highwood Pass road. We'll then return to Canmore.
Note: Bad weather can make parts of this itinerary inadvisable. Alternate routes in the region do exist and may be used if conditions dictate a change.
Meeting Place and Time
We will meet you at our Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office at 8.00am the morning of Day 1.
Our office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location.
For your greater convenience we offer a pre-meeting shuttle service within Canmore. Please let us know in advance where you will be staying if needing this service. Pickup will occur between 7.40 and 7.50am.
Please ensure that you have your hiking equipment with you.
Accommodation and Meals
On the trail you will be staying in modern, lightweight 2 and 1-person weather-proof tents.
Accommodation in Canmore is NOT included. For your convenience we can arrange bed and breakfast hotel rooms at $160 per night. These will be at the recommended Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn. Double or single occupancy, the cost is the same. For those wishing to defray this cost we will try to pair them with other participants. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Subject to availability.
You can also make your own arrangements. Check our links page for a range of Canmore accommodations.
We supply all meals and trail snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. Groups generally go out for dinner in Canmore with the guide on the final evening (own cost).
Trail cuisine is constructed from lightweight ingredients including our Yamnuska custom-made dehydrated dinners. Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on booking so we can incorporate them into our menus. In case of more complicated diets a surcharge may apply.
Guides and Group Size
Yamnuska Mountain Adventure guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Our professional guides have extensive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Guides also have advanced wilderness first aid training and heritage interpretation accreditation. Guides carry emergency equipment including a first aid kit, bear spray and radio.
There will be a maximum of eight guests and a minimum of four.
Getting to Canmore and Transportation
Canmore is situated 100km (65 miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Once in Canmore we will supply all transport needed for the trip.
Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 403 609 8790, 403 609 0300, 403 609 1490 or 403 609 8505 for taxis in Canmore.
Clothing and Equipment
We supply group camping and cooking equipment plus a full emergency and first-aid kit. You will need to bring personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag etc) and clothing. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures does have rental and retail equipment such as sleeping bags, mats, and backpacks. Rental Gear List. Contact us in advance to reserve.
The fishing on this trip is really good. The lakes are brimming with cutthroat trout, with rumors of trophy size fish. You are welcome to bring lightweight gear. Alberta Provincial fishing licenses are required.
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. A deposit of 35% CDN (including GST) is required at time of booking. Final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the trip.
For detailed Booking Instructions and Conditions, click here.
Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the trip. Click here for waiver copy.
In Kananaskis Country there may be a charge for rescue if you need to be evacuated by professional services. We strongly recommend a travel and medical insurance that will cover you in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Yamnuska offers a "Visitors to Canada Plan and Gold Trip Cancellation and Interruption Plan" through Travel Guard insurance. These plans offer comprehensive coverage for all your travel needs including trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical expenses, and personal effects loss. For more information and to purchase this coverage visit Travel Guard's website.
