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Mist Mountain trail is no longer the best-kept secret but definitely the most unique, and it’s easy to see why: this is probably the most epic way to spend your day. Hidden away in Kananaskis, you will find two natural hot pools with breathtaking views of sprawling peaks and valleys. Unlike other hot springs in Alberta, such as Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs, Mist Mountain Springs require some work to get to. But if you are looking for something that is non-commercial and more memorable, you will definitely enjoy the experience.

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How To Get To The Mist Mountain Hot Springs

Trailhead is located on the East side of Hwy 40, and it is unmarked. It’s pretty much a hole in the trees. I use the AllTrails map to stay on the right trail. There are two ways to access the trail, and one is via Eagle Ridge. If you attempt the Eagle Ridge way, it will be more technical and longer, so I suggest parking at the roadside turnout where the trail begins and finding the small break in the trees.

Effective June 1, 2022, a Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle at the provincial park in Kananaskis and Bow Valley.

Hiking The Mist Mountain Hot Springs

Despite my best intentions of getting an early start, we didn’t start hiking until 4 pm. The trail to the hot springs is short, but there is no getting around the fact that it is on the steeper side, so you need to give yourself two hours to hike up. There isn’t anything technical to it, and no route-finding skills are required. Nonetheless, it does take a bit of effort and patience to get to. There are about 500 m in elevation gain in just 2.5 km towards the saddle between Mist Mountain and Eagle Ridge until you hit the sketchy scree trail. In the valley, the views are striking. The meadow was glorious, and the alpine glow hitting the surrounding peaks was phenomenal. I haven’t done anything quite like Mist.

The hot springs are small and likely fit a few people at once, and you may find a lineup of people waiting to take a dip. We got there around 6 pm and jumped right in. The water was warm, and you could see steam rising from it into the air. We enjoyed it for at least 30 minutes, watching the sunset before making our way down the trail. You can imagine the stunning mountain vistas. Absolutely worth experiencing.

How The Hot Springs Form

A hot spring is a spring of geothermally heated water that rises from the Earth’s crust to the surface. Hot springs can form in several ways, but most commonly occur when rainwater or groundwater is heated by magma underneath Earth’s surface.

Mist Mountain Springs Stats

Distance: 6.9 km

Elevation: 627 m

Moving Time: 3:12:54

Difficulty: Hard

What To Pack For The Mist Mountain Hot Springs

  • Daypack (I use Osprey Daylite, which is my go-to for short hikes)
  • Water (2 L bladder)
  • Snacks
  • Layers/Rain/Wind Jacket
  • Hiking Boots
  • Socks (good wool socks make a difference)
  • Trekking Poles 
  • First Aid
  • Sunscreen, Bear Spray
  • Swimsuit
  • Celebratory Drinks

Pro Tip

  • There is no service in Kananaskis and on Hwy 40, so set your coordinates before heading out to K-country
  • The trail is closed from December to June for wildlife preservation
  • The best time to visit is not on a Saturday. Instead, try early mornings, evenings or weekdays
  • Hike in your swimsuit, as there is nowhere to change when you’re up top. Or not, you do you
  • Respect the springs and be mindful of other people wanting to enjoy the pools when busy

LNT

LNT is built on seven principles that promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. The principles include:

  • Plan Ahead and Prepare
  • Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  • Dispose of Waste Properly
  • Leave What You Find
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts
  • Respect Wildlife
  • Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Related

For more K-country trails, read here.

Happy Trails!!