The Kent Ridge hike in Alberta’s Kananaskis Country is one of those unexpected places. It’s a steep but rewarding climb that delivers panoramic alpine views. As a rocky ridge walk, it offers the kind of moderate mountain challenge that sticks with you. Check it out!
If you’re looking for a Kananaskis ridge hike that’s a little off the typical tourist radar, Kent Ridge is worth adding to your list. I just found it online and decided to head out a couple weeks ago — hoping the thunder would hold off long enough! Thankfully for me, the rain didn’t start until I made it back down to the trailhead. How’s that for luck?
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Kent Ridge Trail Map (Kananaskis Country)
About the Kent Ridge Hike
Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis, Alberta
Distance: 7 km out and back
Elevation: 650 metre gain
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: The Kent Ridge Trail packs a lot into a relatively short distance, including forested switchbacks, wildflower meadows, open alpine slopes, and a ridge with jaw-dropping views. From the top, the views sweep across the Spray Valley toward Tent Ridge, Chester Lake, and jagged Kananaskis peaks.
How To Get To the Kent Ridge Trailhead
The Kent Ridge Trailhead starts from the Sawmill Day Use Area, located along the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Hwy 742) in Kananaskis Country. From Canmore, drive south on Smith-Dorrien for about 42 km and access the day use area on the left. From Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail), head down to the turnoff for Peter Lougheed Provincial park, turning west onto Kananaskis Lakes Trail. Head north onto the Smith-Dorrien Trail for roughly 20 km. Keep an eye out for the signed Sawmill parking area on the right side of the road. The trail begins here, climbing steadily through forest before opening up to ridge views. Don’t forget to purchase your Kananaskis Conservation Pass before heading out.
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Read next: Tent Ridge Hike: One of the Best Hikes in Kananaskis
Kent Ridge Hike — A Lesser-Known Trail in Kananaskis Country
I set out from the Sawmill Day Use Area under a sky that couldn’t quite make up its mind. Dark clouds gathered over the peaks, but there were just enough breaks to let the sun spill across the valley. The route started on the Sawmill Loop Trail through dense forest, climbing steadily through pine trees with the occasional gap revealing flashes of mountain ridges in the distance. Your legs will warm up quickly on the incline, and before long, the trees give way to open alpine meadows with wildflowers.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
It’s always exciting to pop above the treeline, for me anyway. I followed the trail up loose scree to find a hard-packed trail closer to the summit. The weather held, though the thunder grumbled somewhere beyond the peaks. At the summit, I put on my sweater (love this Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Hoody) and took in the 360° panorama of peaks and rolling valleys. On the descent, I could feel the shift in the air, and sure enough, the first raindrops hit my shoulders just as I reached the parking lot. How’s that for perfect timing? Overall, a great hike, taking about 2.5 hours for the 7 km out and back route.
Tips for Hiking Kent Ridge in Kananaskis
If you’re hiking in Kananaskis in the summer, arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid crowded parking lots. I suggest wearing sturdy hiking boots with good grip for the steep and occasionally loose terrain, and consider bringing trekking poles for both the climb and descent (saves the knees). Pack layers, especially a waterproof shell, as ridge weather can change on a dime. Carry plenty of water, as there’s no water source along the route. Always check the Kananaskis trail reports for current conditions before heading out.
Why Kent Ridge Belongs on Your Kananaskis Hiking List
Kent Ridge isn’t the flashiest trail in Kananaskis, and that’s exactly why I love it. It’s got the big-mountain views, ridge-top walking, and wildflower meadows — without the crowds on some of the area’s more popular routes. The climb makes you work for it, but it’s not as difficult as some other Kananaskis hikes. If you’re looking for a hike that delivers, with a solid reward to effort ratio, Kent Ridge deserves a spot on your list.
More Kananaskis Country Hikes
Are you looking for some more Kananaskis hikes? Check these out:
- Highwood Ridge Hike in Kananaskis Country
- Sarrail Ridge Hike in Kananaskis Country
- Little Lougheed Hike in Kananaskis Country
- Ribbon Falls Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
- South Lawson Peak Hike in Kananaskis Country
- King Creek Ridge Hike in Kananaskis Country
- Pocaterra Ridge Hike in Kananaskis Country
Have you had a chance to explore the Kent Ridge hike in Kananaskis? What was your experience? Leave a comment below.
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
I did this hike last week and blogged about it as well! The scramble made my stomach turn a bit but really it wasn’t too scary for me! Amazing views at the top! We spent a lot of time up there just hanging out as it was such a beautiful day.
Oops this was meant for your Tent Ridge blog 🙂
I thought that must’ve been the case. Not much for scrambling on Kent Ridge. It’s a nice one, too!
Hey, nice blog! Did you mean Tent Ridge? Some fun scrambles there, for sure.