Cox Hill Hike in Alberta's Kananaskis Country

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Easily accessed from Calgary, the Cox Hill hike takes you to the highest point on the Trans-Canada Trail. It’s 12.4 km round-trip with just over 900 metres of elevation gain. Count on a workout.

The Cox Hill hike isn’t one of the busier trails, so there’s a chance once you reach the summit, you’ll have it to yourself. Sit back on rocky slabs and enjoy panoramic views in all directions – at any time of the year. You’ll easily be able to see nearby Moose Mountain, another worthwhile day hike. Those with energy can also continue to the Jumpingpound Ridge Trail from the summit, a further 3 kilometres away.

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Looking over to Moose Mountain from the Cox Hill hike

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Cox Hill hike summary

Distance: 12.4 km (7.7 miles) round trip to the summit

Elevation: 923 m or 3,020 feet

Difficulty: Hard, because of the elevation gain though there is nothing technical about the Cox Hill hike.

Time needed: 5 – 6.5 hours

Best time to hike: Summer and fall but it can be hiked in winter though it can be windy and cold on top. Be avalanche aware and take personal responsibility for your safety.

Permit: Purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass before you start the hike. You can buy for the day or get a yearly pass.

Don’t forget: Carry the 10 hiking essentials and practice the 7 Leave No Trace principles.

Dog: Permitted on a leash.

Bears: You’re in bear country so be sure to carry easy to access bear spray. I also recommend a holster for the bear spray so you can quickly access it.

Trail conditions: For trail reports visit the Kananaskis Country website.

Be prepared: It’s a multi-use trail on the way up Cox Hill from the Dawson trailhead. Expect to share it with mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Be prepared to share the trail with mountain bikers and horseback riders — Be prepared to share the Cox Hill trail with mountain bikers and horseback riders

How to get to the Cox Hill hike trailhead

The Cox Hill hike starts at the Dawson Trailhead off the Powderface Trail. To get to it, follow the Trans-Canada Highway to Sibbald Creek Trail – also known as Highway 68. (Highway 68 is a mix of tarmac and dusty dirt road). Continue on it for 23.2 km to reach a sign for the Powderface Trail. Turn left and continue for 2.9 km to reach the Dawson trailhead.

As a side note, the Powderface Trail is open year round to the Dawson trailhead. It is closed from Dec 1 – May 14th from the Dawson trailhead to Highway 66. There are lots of hikes you can access from Highway 66.

There's a very solid bridge across Jumpingpound Creek — There’s a very solid bridge across Jumpingpound Creek

Cox Hill hike description

It took us a few minutes to find the proper trailhead. From the parking lot, walk down the road you drove up on for about 60 metres. Look right and you’ll find a well-used trail and signage.

Start out on the Tom Snow Trail and follow it down to the bridge across Jumpingpound Creek – where you’ll see plenty of evidence of the 2013 floods. Cross the river and continue hiking to a T-junction. Look for the sign that says Coxhill Ridge Trail and go right.

Follow this trail to the summit through thick forest with only a few good views for the first 90 – 100 minutes or so. Most of the trail is steep but when you eventually break out of the trees, you will be rewarded with splendid mountain views.

There’s a steep open slope to climb to get to the ridge. It switchbacks a few times and then deposits you on the ridge by a cairn. From there you’re on easy street.

The Cox Hill hike on a bluebird day in winter

Zigzagging up a steep section of Cox Hill

Turn right and continue walling up through a stand of trees for another 10 minutes or so until you finally pop out, just 50 metres from the Cox Hill summit. Find a slab of rock and sit back to enjoy the panorama of mountain peaks. If you’ve brought a picnic lunch, watch out for sneaky chipmunks at the top.

To return, simply retrace your steps though there is the option to continue on Jumpingpound Ridge Trail. I have yet to do that but the trail is obvious from the summit.

The Cox Hill hike is a workout but it delivers premium views. Be sure to take lots of water as after you’ve crossed the creek you won’t any until you’re back where you started.

Those with energy can connect to the Jumpingpound Ridge Trail from the summit of Cox Hill

A dog's eye view of the trail — A dog’s eye view of the trail

The Cox Hill hike in winter

I didn’t know you could do the Cox Hill hike in winter until a friend told me she’s done it in 2021. The only thing that’s different than the summer is the cold and the wind. You really need to dress in layers and take very warm mitts for your lunch stop. I found it to be as beautiful as summer, but in a different way. The snow-capped peaks were a sight to see on a bluebird day.

I always think about avalanche danger. It seems low on this hike BUT be mindful as you traverse in the trees just below the bare summit slopes and on the final ascent. The summit ridge itself is prone to cornice building so stay off the cornices. The snow depth was low when we did it – and to be on the extra safe side, we moved quickly through the area, crossing it in seconds. I bet most people don’t even give it a second glance.

I found the descent easy in winter (we were down in two hours) but I would suggest you carry microspikes and hiking poles.