Rawson Lake

• Length: 3.5 km/2.2 miles (1.5 hours) one-way
• Elevation gain: 305 meters/1,000 feet
• Rating: moderate
• Trailhead: Upper Lake day-use area, Kananaskis Lakes Road, 13 km (eight miles) from Highway 40

This picturesque subalpine lake is one of the most rewarding half-day hiking destinations in Kananaskis Country. It sits in a high cirque and is backed by a towering yet magnificently symmetrical headwall, so it’s easy to spend an hour or two soaking up your surroundings once you reach the end of the trail. Snow lies along the trail well into July, and the lake doesn’t open for fishing until July 15, but it is nevertheless a popular destination throughout summer.

Make your way to the farthest parking lot at Upper Lake (through the middle of the main parking lot) and begin the trek by taking the Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit Trail. Sarrail Creek Falls is passed at the one-km (.6-mile) mark, 150 meters (.1 mile) before the Rawson Lake cutoff. Taking the uphill option, you’re faced with almost two km (1.2 miles) of switchbacks. The trail then levels out, with boardwalks constructed over boggy sections of trail, suddenly emerging at the lake’s outlet. Continue around the southern shore, passed an intriguing elevated outhouse, to small meadows and slopes of scree that disappear into the lake.