Chinaman’s Peak

• Length: 2.2 km/1.4 miles (90 minutes) one-way
• Elevation gain: 740 meters/2,430 feet
• Rating: moderate/difficult
• Trailhead: Goat Creek parking lot, Spray Lakes Road, nine km (5.6 miles) west of Canmore

Chinaman’s Peak is the impressive pinnacle of rock that rises high above Canmore to the southwest. While the sheer eastern face is visible from town, this trail winds up the backside of the mountain and ends with stunning views across the Bow Valley. Leaving your vehicle at the Goat Creek Trailhead, cross the road, then walk up to and over the canal to search out the trail, which begins from behind a small workshed. The trail climbs steadily through subalpine forest of Engelmann spruce before breaking out above the tree line, where views north extend down the glacially carved Goat Creek Valley. The trail then forks; the left fork climbs unforgivingly to Chinaman’s Peak, but hikers are rewarded with views no less spectacular by continuing to the right along a lightly marked trail that ends at a saddle. On a clear day, the panorama afforded from this viewpoint is worth every painful step. Take care on the return journey; stay high and to the right and watch for rock cairns and colored flagging to ensure you enter the trees at the right spot.