What to Expect At The Hogarth Lake Snowshoe Trail
Hogarth Lakes snowshoe loop is an ideal family-friendly, beginner-level snowshoe in the Rockies. It’s a 3.9 km loop with minimal elevation gain. As a matter of fact, this popular, well-travelled trail gets so hard-packed that you don’t need snowshoes. Take them with you, though, so that you can play in all the deep snow off-trail … and who doesn’t want to do that? (If you’re not sure what kind of snowshoes to bring, here’s my detailed review on the types of snowshoes)
This flat trail follows the shoreline of three lakes with some spectacular 360-degree mountain views. This snowshoe adventure is one of the easiest and most beautiful outings in Kananaskis Country.
My oldest son, husband and I went for a New Year’s Day snowshoe: it was a great way to start 2016. In addition, doing outdoor activities is one way that makes it “okay” for my teenage son to be “hanging out with mom” (even if he won’t fully admit it). I have always found that being in nature and on the trails with my boys gives them a relaxed opportunity to “walk and talk” with me about anything that might be on their minds.
Hogarth Lakes Wildlife
Right off the bat, we were greeted by Canada’s National Bird, the Whiskey Jack or Gray Jay. This particular Gray Jay had learned that we, funny-looking animals with big man-made feet, generally share lunch with him. Fortunately for this Whiskey Jack, our family doesn’t share lunch with any wild animal. We never do, and neither should you, regardless of how cute or persistent they are.
Why? Our food isn’t healthy or natural for any wild animal. Also, feeding them habituates them: they associate us with food handouts. This can sometimes create aggressive and dangerous behaviours towards humans which can ultimately result in the animal’s death. In the case of a Whiskey Jack, feeding them is more likely to upset their stomachs, as I have yet to encounter a dangerous Whiskey Jack on the trail.
During this family adventure, we came across a quinzee that had been built at the trailhead. My teenage son quickly lost all of his “teenage coolness” and he thoroughly enjoyed climbing up, over and into this quinzee.
Hogarth Lakes Loop is a popular destination for middle school outdoor education programs. I have been fortunate to guide many of those programs. Here are a few photos of school groups from 2018.
One of the highlights, for me, on this trail is showing people a tree that a bear dined on.
It is also one of the trails that I take Campers Village groups on when I partner with them for their snowshoe events.
Who Is The Hogarth Lake Snowshoe Trail For?
This Canadian Rockies snowshoe trail is perfect for all snowshoe abilities. This is ideal for beginners!
If you have my book, Take A Hike With Your Children, you know that I have rated hikes based on a child’s walking ability, not on an adult’s walking ability.
When To Go To Hogarth Lake
Start your Hogarth Lake snowshoe journey early so you will finish in daylight. This is a winter trail only. Summer conditions are wet and the trail is not well defined.
How To Get To The Hogarth Lake Snowshoe Trail
From Canmore, take the Smith Dorrien Road (742) to the Burstall Pass Parking lot.
From Calgary, take Highway 1 West, exit at 118, and continue on Highway 40 to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. You will connect to the Smith Dorrien road and to the Burstall Pass Parking lot.
Don’t Forget Your Kananaskis Pass
To snowshoe the Hogarth Lakes Snowshoe Trail, you need to purchase Kananaskis Conservation Pass.
Pick Up A Copy Of Take A Hike With Your Children
My sold out book, Take A Hike With Your Children, is now available on Amazon as an eBook. Pick up your copy today, and begin exploring the Rockies!