In the heart of Kananaskis, South Lawson Peak offers jaw-dropping views of the area, including King Creek Ridge, Mount Wintour, and the Kananaskis Lakes. That being said, be prepared to work for the views and make your way up a steep hiking trail through the forest before the moderate climb to the summit. Above the treeline, the mountain scenery here rivals some of the best in the area. If the conditions are right, the South Lawson Peak hike can be an excellent shoulder season option!
Last Updated: March 5, 2024
South Lawson Peak (or “Little Lawson”) had been on my radar for a while. In the Hike Alberta Facebook group, I had seen frequent posts with enticing views from the peak. So it was an easy “yes!” when Carol and Hossein invited me out, back in April 2021. If you want a challenging and rewarding hike, South Lawson Peak is definitely a worthwhile hike in Kananaskis Country!
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About South Lawson Peak Hike
Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country, Alberta
Distance: 8.5 km out and back
Difficulty: Difficult (due to steepness)
Elevation: 770 metres gain
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but pets must be kept on a leash.
Features: The South Lawson Peak hike offers breathtaking views of the Kananaskis Lakes, King Creek Ridge, and surrounding Rocky Mountains. Follow the trail through the forest and up to the ridge, with a fairly gentle trek to the peak (comparatively so). South Lawson Peak is known as an excellent early and late season hike in Kananaskis. In the summer months, you likely won’t be alone on this popular route.
South Lawson Peak Map
Directions to the Trailhead
I’m always happy when the trailhead is easy to find. The South Lawson Trailhead begins only a few minutes from the Smith Dorrien turnoff from Kananaskis Lakes Trail. If you’re driving from Calgary, take the Trans Canada for around 75 km to Kananaskis Country (Exit 118). Continue down Highway 40 into Kananaskis (watching for wildlife) until you reach Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Turn right off of Kananaskis Lakes Trail onto Smith Dorrien Trail (Hwy 742) and keep going for 2.5 km. You’ll find a small parking area on your left. The South Lawson Peak Trailhead is just across the road.
Read next: King Creek Ridge Hike in Kananaskis Country
South Lawson Peak — Winter Hiking in Kananaskis
I was really impressed with the stunning K-Country views from South Lawson Peak. That being said, you’ll want to try to plan your hike for a clear day. When we arrived, the sky was overcast but quickly cleared up as we climbed to the top. I would love to return during the summer sometime. If you’re planning a hike, give yourself between 5 to 6 hours to finish.
After crossing the street from the parking area, the South Lawson Peak hike begins on fairly flat terrain. Don’t get too used to it. As we walked on the snow-packed trail, we saw a clear view of our peak destination above. We kept hiking beside the flume that reroutes Kent Creek and then entered the narrow forest trail on the right.
If you missed leg day, you’re in luck! We were surprised to find such a steep trail through the forest. Keep going up and up with the promise of stunning views on a clear day (and maybe a high-energy snack to keep you going). When we visited in April, trail crampons and hiking poles made this steep and slippery hike more manageable. Overall, South Lawson Trail gains about 770 metres in approximately 4 km.
Note: With a fair amount of snow on the peak, we decided to turn back right before the (typically) easy scramble to the summit. With the snow and ice, it wasn’t worth the risk on the narrow path. If you’re hiking South Lawson Peak in the winter or shoulder seasons, you should be comfortable assessing additional risks posed by ice and snow. If you’re unsure, you may want to consider another hiking route.
What To Bring Winter Hiking in Kananaskis
Believe it or not, we were hiking close to mid-April with this amount of snow. In Kananaskis and the Rockies, winter tends to hang on a bit longer. If you’re planning an early-season hike, remember to bring hiking essentials and come prepared for winter hiking conditions. When there’s snow on the ground, I tend to bring a 20- or 30-litre day pack with extra space for another jacket and gloves. For a bit of luxury, I sometimes even carry a thermos full of hot chocolate to savour on the summit. I was very happy to have trail crampons and hiking poles for the steep climb up to the ridge. Wear sturdy hiking boots and even a pair of gaiters to keep to snow out. I also recommend wearing a waterproof shell to keep your insulated layer dry (and shield against the wind on the ridge!).
Read next: Upper Kananaskis Lake Trail: Family-Friendly Kananaskis Hike
Know Before You Go
Park Pass: Visitors must have a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in Kananaskis Country. You can purchase your pass online or at the visitor centre (online is easier).
Parking: There is a pullout from Smith Dorrien Trail (do not block the gate). No additional parking fee is required. Find the parking area on Google Maps.
Toilet: No outhouse or toilet at the trailhead or near the trail. The nearest toilets are pit toilets at the Peninsula Day Use Area.
Pets: Dogs are permitted on the trail but must remain on a leash. You may want to bring dog booties to hike in the snow. Please don’t leave dog poop on or near the trail (bring a smell-proof bag to pack it out).
When To Hike: Consider hiking from May to October if you want to avoid snow.
Safety: Bring a lightweight first aid kit to deal with minor injuries on the trail. Kananaskis Country is bear country and I suggest carrying bear spray (in an accessible holster).
Winter: If you’re planning to hike in winter conditions, check avalanche forecasts before heading out.
Navigation: South Lawson Peak is fairly straightforward, but bring the Gem Trek Kananaskis Lakes map and compass along. You can also download South Lawson Peak from AllTrails for offline use.
Wildlife: Help keep wild things wild. Keep your distance and never feed or approach wild animals.
Leave No Trace: If you pack it in, please pack it out. Brush up on the Leave No Trace principles before heading out. Do your best to have minimal impact on the environment.
More Kananaskis Hikes
South Lawson Peak is a really enjoyable (and tough!) hike, and you’ll have more fun if you’re prepared. We met one woman on the trail who was recovering from knee surgery and having a tough go. Not sure about you, but I wouldn’t try this strenuous hike right away after surgery (!). On a similar note, if you’re new to hiking or haven’t hiked to a summit, there may be better options to ease you into the Rockies (like Tunnel Mountain in Banff, for instance).
Here are a few more Kananaskis hikes you might want to try:
- Little Lougheed Hike in Kananaskis Country
- Rawson Lake Hike in Kananaskis, Alberta
- Mount Burke Hike in Kananaskis Country, Alberta
- Yates Mountain via Prairie View Trail in Kananaskis, Alberta
- The Breathtaking Pocaterra Ridge Hike in Alberta
Have you hiked South Lawson Peak in Kananaskis Country? Do you have other favourite Kananaskis hikes? Let me know in the comments 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.
