Baldy Pass to Lusk Pass Loop

The route described here, the Baldy Pass to Lusk Pass Loop, is an enjoyable outing in the forest and offers up some nice views. This area has been harvested of trees over the years and as such there’s many open places where one can look out to beautiful wooded hills and barren peaks. In every direction too.

There’s a glimpse of Barrier Lake to be had too and it standouts with that splendid blue-green colour.

In no way is this a wow hike, but instead a simple get walking, get grounded, get back nature and get the heck out of the city kind of adventure. The day’s problems are sure to melt away once you get moving and they sure did for us.

The fun begins at the Lusk Creek Day Use Area, along Sibbald Creek Road (aka #68, a gravel affair) just east of Highway #40 and some eighty kilometres from Calgary. We’re at the eastern edges of both Kananakis and the Alberta Rockies at this point. Or what we call the gateway to fun and adventure.

This route comprises former roads, old pack trails and newer single track. Most trails used this day are official and that is they’re overseen by K-Country staff, signed and maintained. You know, fallen trees are cleared and stuff like that. There’s an interpretive section and the final stretch is along an old but officially decommissioned, yet still quite usable section of Lusk Pass Trail.

Keep an eye on junctions, most of which appear to be signed, and you’ll do fine. This loop can be done pretty much any time of the year (traction devices in winter recommended) but if our visit was typical, it’s not a terribly busy at any point. We saw no one else this day nor any other time we’ve been in the area.

Cross the gravel road and aim for the footpath on the far side heading up into the trees. Along here the trail is an old road and quite easy going.

Look for a singletrack coming in from the left and it’s the (old) Lusk Pass Trail used on the return leg. After a half a click or so take to the marked Kananaskis Integrated Forestry Interpretive Trail on the left.

It’s a singletrack and more interesting plus a shorter alternative to the parallel Baldy Pass Trail. The two shall join later. Take time to read the interpretive signs along the way and there’s benches too at select viewpoints. Young trees in the various cutblocks look to be thriving and nature does seem to have things well in hand.

The trail/road you just left, for one, leads to the University of Calgary’s Biogeoscience Institute’s Barrier Lake Field Station and this area is their open-air lab.

Baldy Mountain can be seen to the south and further in back there’s a wall of rock comprised of Mary Barclay’s Mountain and Grant MacEwan Peak. To their right is connected McConnell Ridge and Yates Mountain. There’s a nice hike up to the the fire lookout there and while we haven’t been in a while, perhaps we’ll return this year. Until then, see: Barrier Lake Lookout.

Barrier Lake can just be seen just below and on a dull winter’s days, like on our visit, it’s a real colourful standout. It sparkles like a jewel and is so lovely.

The Interpretive Trail joins with Baldy Pass Trail (the old road left earlier) and then seemingly heads off in the wrong direction. At a sharp bend, the Baldy-Lusk Pass Connector comes into view and heads in an easterly direction through more cutblocks. That’s the one to take.

BTW, neither Baldy Pass nor Lusk Pass will be visited on this hike, even though the trail names suggest otherwise. We’re just using parts of the aforementioned routes and not doing them in their entirety. Visiting either requires putting on many additional kilometres and much more elevation than will be seen this day. Leave that for another time…when it’s not so wintry.

Speaking of elevation, this junction is about the high point of the day (not that it’s much, anyway) and from here it’s mostly downhill.

A suitable fallen tree at about the half-way point, at the edge of a cutblock, makes a nice bench to have lunch. We always bring something wonderful to eat (damn to those protein bars) and this makes a great day all the better. If there’s one thing to trust us on, it’s this.

Horton Hill can be seen to the north (you’re parked right at its base) and named for the Tim Horton Camp (of Tim Horton Coffee fame) that’s located on it’s west side. The Hunchback Hills can be seen to the east – we’ve been up, but we understand the trail is now different from when we did it. Still, here’s the post: Hunchback Hills.

Old (interpretive?) signage is seen along this section. Several were seen but anything written on them has long since faded, and a couple posts were quite chewed up, interestingly.

Come to another junction – boy the signage here is old and in needed of updating. In many places the paint’s worn off this map and it’s not all that useful any more. Thanks to who ever brought a marker and filled in the blank spots as best they could. Right is Lusk Pass Trail and left, the Old Lusk Pass Trail, which will be used to complete the loop. It’s listed as out of service but still seems well used and in good shape.

TCT? That’s the Trans Canada Trail, of which Lusk Pass and Baldy Pass trails are part of as it spans the country. Lusk Creek can be heard in the trees far below, but is not be seen.

This section of trail is quite old and goes back further than any hiking guides we can find. We have some from the late 1970s and it’s listed as being having been in use for some time even then. The trail keeps to a ledge above the unseen creek and to the side various cut blocks.

At one point, enjoy a clear view of flat-faced Mt Yamnuska off in the distance. It’s distinctive appearance makes it a well known landmark and reference point.

We find some wilderness cams along this stretch – maybe connected to the university field station – and have a little fun. Connie said no mooning…what a buzz-kill…so silly faces it is.

Soon enough, join back up with the trail leading back to your car. It’s done and chalk this up as another thoroughly enjoyable experience. And it was all ours this day, which we really love.

A PSA if you want to hike the route described: from Alberta Parks “A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.” So that means here, but it’s a worthwhile investment given the joy it returns and it’s not terribly expensive anyway.

Know more: (new windows): Baldy Pass Kananaskis and Lusk Pass Kananaskis.

They’re saying…

”These two are amazing!! I love following their adventures and the photography is…jaw dropping. Enjoy your working vacation, Chris & Connie!!… Dayna Kent. (this job really is like a vacation).

More easy ones like this…
Adair Ridge – Porcupine Hills Ridge.
Merlin View.
Lesueur Ridge.

If you wish more information about this trail or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: November, 2023.
Location: Barrier Lake area, Kananaskis.
Distance: 8.5km loop.
Height gain maximum: 230m.
Height gain cumulative: 250m.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).
Reference: Alberta Parks and the Daffern’s Kananakis Trail Guides.

It begins: aiming for the trail heading up on the left.

It’s an old road along this section.

On the Kananaskis Integrated Forestry Interpretive Trail singletrack.

Mt Baldy to the left.

A little glimpse of Barrier Lake.

Interpretive signs are found along this harvested section.

(Tim) Horton Hill to the north.

Along Baldy Pass Trail proper.

Junctions are marked.

Along the Baldy-Lusk Pass Connector now.

At about the halfway points – cheers!

Hunchback Hills to the east.

There were a number of old signs like this along the way.

Joining up with the (Old) Lusk Pass Route – TCT = Trans Canada Trail.

We could hear, but not see, Lusk Creek below.

This section of Lusk Pass Trail has been decommissioned.

The Solitary Tree.

The flat face of Mt Yamnuska, centre.

Trail-cam antics.

Parking is at the Lusk Creek Day Use Area behind the trees.

An nice loop through easy terrain.