Go on a hike with 360 degree mountain views that seem to extend forever. Tent Ridge Horseshoe trail in Kananaskis Country is one of the most incredible hikes in all of Canada. It will surely blow you away and leave you speechless! 🤯
This was our second time hiking in Kananaskis and I have had Tent Ridge on my list for years. Unfortunately, last year it was too early in the season to complete it. So, I set my sights on a summer sunset hike. 🌅 Wow, it was truly one of the best hikes that I’ve ever done and I’ve been on over 200. So, you have to add it to your bucket list!
That being said, this trail is for experienced hikers. There are tough rock scrambles, steep rocky downhills, and overall it is a hard trail. So, it’s important to know that before you go!
I’ve created this blog post with everything you need to know about hiking the Tent Ridge Horseshoe Trail. It includes directions on how to get there, details on the best time to go, and important safety tips. Happy trails!
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Table of Contents
Tent Ridge Horseshoe Trail Details
Quick Hike Info
Distance: 6.5-7.5 miles
Elevation: 2650 feet of gain
Type: Loop
Length: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Hard (steep, with rock scrambles, and scree)
Kananaskis Country Location
Kananaskis Country is located in the front ridge of the Canadian Rockies. The only way to get to this gorgeous rugged area of the mountains is to drive through Canmore. Once you get to the Kananaskis area, you will steep mountains and gorgeous bodies of water. 😍
Canmore is the gateway to Kananaskis and it’s just 25 minutes from Banff and an hour and a half from Calgary. Tent Ridge is located in Spray Lakes Provincial Park, so you will pass this stunning lake as you get to the trail.
How to Get to Tent Ridge
Tent Ridge is located in Spray Valley Provincial Park and is about an hour from Canmore and 90 minutes from Banff. In order to get to Tent Ridge, you will need to drive on long unpaved roads through this beautiful Conservation area. It’s best to have a car 🚗, because there is no public transport.
The main road in Kananaskis is Alberta 742, which you will take for around 40 kms until turning onto Mount Shark Road. From there, you’ll pass Engadine Lodge and the parking for Smutwood Peak. Continue driving for about 2 km until you see a wider parking area 🅿️ on the side of the road (if you get to Mt Shark helipad you’ve gone too far). During busy times, there should be lots of cars parked there.
Google Maps will lead you to the right parking area if you put in the Tent Ridge trailhead!
The trailhead actually begins back along the road. There is no trailhead sign, but there is a path that you will see people have walked on. I recommend downloading the trail map. Then, complete the hike clockwise for the best experience!
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 There is a $15 CAD fee per vehicle per day for a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. If you plan on being there for a while, you can get an annual pass for $90 CAD.
☀️ Weather changes very quickly in the mountains. Make sure to check the weather before you go and if there are storms in the forecast, consider going at a different time. The rocks can be very slippery when wet.
⛺️ There are no camping spots along the Tent Ridge trail, but you can camp in nearby Spray Lakes West Campground.
🐻 Kananaskis is bear country and grizzlies frequent the area. Pack bear spray and try to hike in groups of four during the months of August & September. Bears are more active and aggressive then.
🦮 Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they must remain on a leash. It can be very steep and slippery so know your dogs capability.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Best Time to Hike Tent Ridge
Tent Ridge is a popular trail to hike from summer through the early fall. Because of the elevation of the mountains there, it often has snow and ice through the end of May and into early June.
That being said, it’s absolutely gorgeous in the summertime when the snow has finally melted and in the Fall when the larches are out. People come from all over to see the larches in Kananaskis during autumn. 🍂 But, it gets crowded, so go early or on a week day to avoid others.
The best time to hike Tent Ridge is from mid-June to late September.
If you want to see a stunning sight and avoid the crowds, then you can hike this trail for sunrise or sunset. But, you must be prepared to hike in the dark, pack a headlamp, and I recommend getting down just before the sun disappears. I wouldn’t do this if you aren’t experienced!
Kananaskis Hiking Tips
Kananskis is known for having incredibly steep, technical hikes with plenty of scree (loose rocks). If you are not an experienced hiker, then I would recommend doing easier hikes in the area like Grassi Lakes.
But, if you plan on doing Tent Ridge or other Kananaskis hikes just remember a few things ⚠️:
- Trails are often unmarked, so you will want to download maps before you go
- Scree is the loose rock that is unique to this area. It can be challenging to walk through it, but my best tip is to let your feet slide a bit in it. It will get you less off balance.
- Bring hiking poles to help your balance and keep your legs healthy
- Pack bear spray, keep it on your hip belt, and know how to use it before you go!
- These hikes are steep, so allow more time for the hike than you usually would. They can be very difficult
- Tent Ridge has rock scrambles, so keep three points of contact as you climb up and take your time!
What to Pack for the Tent Ridge Horseshoe Hike
My biggest advice for hiking Tent Ridge and most of the trails in Kananaskis is to bring hiking poles. These hikes tend to be incredibly steep and have lots of scree (loose rock). So, hiking poles will help with balance and keep your knees healthy.
Plus, there is no service out in the backcountry. 📵 So, if you can I’d pack a satellite phone and tell others where you’re going in case of an emergency! It’s always best to be prepared.
Tent Ridge Packing List
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Lifestraw
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Rain jacket
- Base Layer
- Hiking Pants/Bottoms
- Satellite phone
- Camera Clip
- Downloaded AllTrails Map
Read all about packing for day hikes here!
Tent Ridge Horseshoe Trail Description
Tent Ridge Horseshoe trail can be a very difficult trek. So, I’ve created this detailed trail description, so you know exactly what you are getting into. It’s one of those hikes that you will truly never forget.
Through the Woods
Once you get to the Mt Shark road parking area, then you will want to walk back the way you came about 500 feet. From there, you will see a path into the woods on the right side of the road. Take that to begin the trail.
I recommend hiking this trail clockwise!
The first part of this hike goes through the woods at a relatively stable incline. Along the way, you may see downed trees, but just continue over them and continue on the maintained path.
Rock Scrambles
After about a mile, the trail continues out of the woods and you will get your first views up the mountains. You will start climbing up the mountain and about two miles in the first scramble will begin.
This part can be especially scary if you do not like heights! 😬 So, just take your time and use three points of contact.
There are a number of ways that you can continue up this scramble, so I would survey routes that look easiest for you. At times, we were walking on the edge of the cliff, so it was a bit nerve wracking.
You’ll gain 800 feet of elevation in this section, so it can be a real slog! 💪🏻
First Summit & Weather Station
Once you get to the weather station though, you will be absolutely amazed!! At the top of the first summit there are 360 degree views of the mountains and it’s so breathtaking.
We spent a very long time here admiring the views and taking photos. 📸 It’s one of the prettiest parts of the hike and it’s a great place to rest and get more energy for the next climb up to the ridge.
Around the Ridge
Unfortunately, once you get to the first summit, you then have to go immediately down the mountain again. It’s just a short trip down, but then you have to climb 400 feet immediately back up.
Once you get to the top of this second summit, you’ve done the steepest uphills of the hike. So, you can feel very accomplished. Again, there are fantastic vistas of Spray Lakes and the mountains all around. 🤩
From there, you will continue along the meandering ridge, until you get to the end where it feels like you are on top of the world. The Kananaskis area just sprawls out in front of you creating a magical scene.
Down the Scree
After the summits, you will go down a very steep mountain covered in scree as you lose 2500 feet in 2 miles. It can be very slippery and intimidating, but as long as you go slow and let your feet sink into the scree it will seem easier.
I am very bad at walking downhill, but I managed to do this one relatively quickly! So, don’t overthink your steps, lean slightly back so your body is in line, and then go with the scree. You’ll make it down the scree in no time.
Finally, you’ll get back into a wooded area where you will continue over what looks like an old overgrown road. I actually tracked this hike as being around 7.2 miles by the time we got to our car at the end, but luckily the end is flat, just slightly boring. Soon, you’ll see the car park and be done!
Final Tips for Hiking the Tent Ridge Horseshoe Trail
Tent Ridge Horseshoe trail is a must do hike if you are exploring Kananaskis! This hike is truly one that you won’t forget with stunning panoramic views that just keep going. I was in complete awe 🥰 the entire time that I was doing it.
However, that being said, please take safety precautions before going and only do it if you are an experienced hiker. It’s not for the faint of heart. But, it’s a hike you will be thinking about for years to come.
Let me know if you enjoyed this trail guide
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Omg this trail looks epic! And your photos are amazing! Definitely adding this to my list 😍
Thank you!