If you’re seeking a hike where the views-to-effort ratio is off the charts, look no further than the West Wind Pass trail. This short yet steep 4.5 km hike is a perfect choice for active families, rewarding your efforts with stunning vistas of Spray Lakes and Wind Ridge. You’ll also enjoy close-up views of the Rimwall and Windtower mountains - the latter of which can be summited from just before the pass if you’re up for the challenge.
The West Wind Pass is one of the best hikes in Kananaskis and is an excellent option on a clear day when you can truly appreciate the expansive views. The pass itself offers stunning panoramas from every angle and requires just a few kilometers of climbing to reach. There aren't many hikes that provide such incredible views for that level of effort!
At the pass, you can choose to continue for another 5 km to the summit of Windtower, offering an even greater vantage point. This flexibility makes it a great option for families who want to 'see how the hike goes' with their kids.
Keep reading this blog post for all the essentials you’ll need to enjoy the West Wind Pass hike in Kananaskis Country, including key details of the hike, tips on how to not stray from the trail, and a FAQ section that answers commonly asked questions.
THE WEST WIND PASS TRAIL OVERVIEW
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WEST WIND PASS - TRAIL INFORMATION
Here is the key hike information:
How Long is the Trail?
4.5km out and back (with an extra 5km if you extend the hike to include the add on hike to Windtower summit)
How Difficult is the Trail?
Moderately challenging. While there are some steep sections, most families should be able to manage this hike if you take your time. The hardest aspect of the trail is staying on course, so be sure to download the map to your phone before heading out.
What is the Elevation Gain on the Trail?
350m according to All Trails
How Long did it Take us to do the Hike?
The trail took us around 3 hours with our kids (this included some time exploring the area at the top of the hike and eating lunch)
When is the Best Time to do the Hike?
This hike is best done in the summer, starting mid June and up to around October (We hiked on Canadian Thanksgiving and conditions were fantastic). However, the West Wind Valley is closed between December 1 - June 15 for protection of critical winter range for elk and bighorn sheep. For more information on other annual hike closures you can find information on the Alberta Parks website here.
Do I need a Permit or Park Pass?
A reminder that this hike is in Kananaskis country and you need to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. This can either be purchased online or at designated kiosks in the area (one of which is the Canmore Nordic Centre, which you drive past on the way).
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD
To reach the start of the trail, drive along Hwy 742, also known as the Smith-Dorrien Trail or Spray Trail. This scenic highway will first take you past the Canmore Nordic Centre, continuing on past the Ha Ling trailhead parking lot and the Spray Lakes West campground.
After passing the Canmore Nordic Centre, the road transitions to gravel, which can be a bit bumpy and uneven at times. However, in good weather, any vehicle should be able to manage it.
While there isn’t a designated parking lot, there is a wide area off to the side of the road where cars typically park. This spot is fairly obvious, and using the map pin on AllTrails will guide you there perfectly. On Google maps its right by the Spray Lake East West Wind Trail head lookout trail sign - you’ll see the start of the trailhead across the road heading into the trees (there is a yellow sign).
West Wind Pass Map:
The map as shown on all trail - I definitely recommend downloading to your phone to help navigate the trail.
THE HIKE TO WEST WIND PASS
Start the hike by heading up the path known as the High Rockies Trail. After about 200 meters, you’ll come to an important fork in the trail. Look for a faint orange "X" mark on a tree; you need to take the right path at this fork. We missed it and had to backtrack a bit, so keep an eye out!
Once you take the correct fork, there’s a short, steep section before the trail levels out for a bit. You’ll then follow a narrow dirt path along the edge of a small ridge. Be sure to turn around occasionally to appreciate the stunning views behind you, as the beautiful Spray Lakes peek out from behind the trees.
The trail continues onward and becomes quite steep again, meandering between trees, so watch out for stray roots. It can be tricky to stay on the 'trail' due to several forks; however, most lead to the same destination. In general, you want to 'keep right' to stay on the correct path.
One crucial fork to watch for is a junction that can lead you off the trail toward Rimwall, which is a different and much more difficult route. You’ll notice this junction as the trail drops down to the right (the correct way), while heading straight up the hill takes you the wrong way, with no option to re-join the correct trail later on. This junction is marked with a yellow dot on the AllTrails app, and often with ribbons tied to trees to mark the trail. We didn’t see any during our hike, so I highly recommend downloading the map to help guide you.
As you hike through the trail you will get some great views of Windtower summit looming in the distance.
Eventually you will exit the trees and there is a short scramble to reach the top of the pass.
Just over the ridge, you’ll be only moments away from West Wind Pass.
VIEWS FROM THE WEST WIND PASS
Once you reach the West Wind Pass, you are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views. The photo below shows the expansive views over Wind Ridge, and is a fantastic place to stop and have a picnic lunch - there are plenty of small ledges and rocks to sit on.
To your left you will have great views of Rimwall peak....
To your right are stunning views of the imposing Windtower summit.
Keep an eye out for big horn sheep on the pass, but give them space. A reminder that the West Wind Valley is closed between December 1 - June 15 for the protection of elk and bighorn sheep habitat.
Option to Extend the Hike: Windtower Summit
Once you reach the pass, you have the option to extend your hike to the summit of Windtower Mountain. It adds an extra 5 km, and the path is fairly easy to follow as it winds up through the scree, but I highly recommend downloading the map on AllTrails for navigation.
One of the best aspects of this hike extension is its flexibility - you can turn around at almost any point if the kids get tired. As you climb higher, the views of Spray Lake become increasingly stunning, from the higher vantage point. There are some rocky areas that require a bit of scrambling, which tends to be fun for the kids.
My main advice for hiking with children is to gauge the day as you go. Tired kids can make mistakes, and this trail isn’t the best place for slips and falls, so use your judgement!
On the way back down, you will get amazing views over Spray Lakes.
There is a little rock ledge that makes for some great photos.
Take it steady on your way back down the trail - some might find it useful to use hiking poles for the stepper parts of the descent.
WEST WIND PASS TRAIL - FAQ
Is the West Wind Pass Hike Suitable for Children?
Yes, the trail is suitable for active children with some hiking experience. While younger kids may find it challenging (6 and under?), our kids aged 7 and 9 at the time managed it fairly easily.
Is the Hike Dog Friendly?
Yes, we took our golden retriever with us and she had no problems at all. Just remember to keep your dog leashed.
How exposed is the West Wind Pass Trail?
In general, the hike to the pass does not have any overly exposed sections. There is one short section that requires some very minor scrambling over a rock slab, but barely worth mentioning. Once at the top, stay well away from the ridge edge and keep kids and pets close by.
What wildlife Might I Encounter on the Trail?
At the top of the pass it is quite likely you may see elk or bighorn sheep, but remember to give them space. As with all of Kananaskis, this is bear country, so carry bear spray and know how to use it.
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Good Hiking boots – This is definitely not a flip flop type of hike! Make sure the whole family has some good hiking boots as you do have to walk over quite a few rocks and scree on the way up.
Phone – Quite a bit of the trail does have signal so it’s worth bringing with you from a safety standpoint, plus you’ll probably want to take a photo or two…..
Food and Water – Bring lots of water! We recently bought both of our kids Camelbaks so that they can drink on the go and it has been a game changer! Bring plenty of snacks and gummy treats!
First Aid Kit – I always recommend bringing a basic first aid kit in your bag as a precaution.
Walking Poles – you may feel more comfortable descending through the rocky areas by using poles. We didn’t, but many people were.
Warm Clothes – it is usually windy at the top, so make sure that you have adequate wind breakers, gloves and hats for the kids.
Bear spray – This hike is definitely in bear country. Make lots of noise (I’m pretty sure no bears would want anything to do with our noisy kids though!)
ENJOY THE WEST WIND PASS HIKE IN KANANASKIS
The West Wind Pass is a great early season hike with some of the best views in the whole of Kananaskis, and is a great hike for families with kids.
As always, if you have any questions about the hike feel free to ask away in the comments section!
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