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The Hogarth Lake loop trail is accessed from the same trailhead as Burstall Pass
The Hogarth Lake loop trail is accessed from the same trailhead as Burstall Pass

Hogarth Lakes Snowshoe Loop Trail

Leigh McAdam·
AlbertaKananaskisSnowshoeingWinter
·5 min read
Last updated:

The Hogarth Lakes snowshoe trail in Kananaskis Country is a great one to do if you just have half a day. Even though it’s easy to do it as a day trip from Calgary, it’s way more fun if you can stay overnight in the area so you can take advantage of some of the other trails – without a 90 minute drive in each direction.

While the Hogarth Lakes snowshoe outing doesn’t get you into the same sort of jaw-dropping terrain that nearby the Chester Lake snowshoe trip does, it’s still a worthwhile outing, especially when you’re short on time.

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Hogarth Lakes Snowshoe Loop summary 

  • Purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass before you go or at the Barrier Lake Information Centre.
  • It’s approximately 4.5 km to do the full loop with an minimal elevation gain of just 30 metres or 98 feet.
  • Allow one to two hours for this family-friendly outing.
  • Even though the Hogarth Lakes snowshoe loop is easy, you should still pack the hiking essentials. 
  • Check Alberta Parks trail reports for Peter Lougheed before you go.
  • Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. Pack out any dog poop. 
  • The map for this snowshoe outing is Gem Treks Kananaskis Lakes.
  • Don’t count on a cell signal out here so download maps so you can view them off line.
Landscape in the Hogarth Lakes area
Landscape in the Hogarth Lakes area

One weekend we spent a couple of nights in the new glamping tents in Mount Engadine Lodge off of the Spray Lakes Road in Kananaskis Country. On the first full day we took full advantage of the cross-country ski trails at Mount Shark.

But on the second day we were after something fast and easy before the drive back to Calgary. We had never snowshoed the Hogarth Lakes Loop and figured that would do the trick. It did. 

The Hogarth Lake loop trail is accessed from the same trailhead as Burstall Pass
The Hogarth Lake loop trail is accessed from the same trailhead as Burstall Pass

If you’re looking for a short, easy, family-friendly snowshoeing outing the Hogarth Lakes Loop snowshoe trail sure fits the bill. You can knock the 4.5 kilometres off in just over an hour if you’re fast, and in a couple of hours if you’re moving at a family-friendly pace. 

A really pretty start to the snowshoe trail
A really pretty start to the snowshoe trail

Pay attention to signage

While there is signage along with snowshoe markers along the Hogarth Lakes Loop, you still have to pay attention, at least if it’s your first time on the trail.

We snowshoed in a counter-clockwise direction and in short order missed one of the bright orange snowshoe signs and ended up following the snowshoe tracks of others until we could see the parking lot off in the distance. Oops.

After retracing our steps, we noticed the orange markers in the distant trees and so managed to find the trail.

Caught a group from Yamnuska Adventures doing a backcountry ski course
Caught a group from Yamnuska Adventures doing a backcountry ski course
Notice the snowshoe marker up in the trees
Notice the snowshoe marker up in the trees
No wind walking through the woods
No wind walking through the woods
The Hogarth Lakes Loop Snowshoe Trail skirts the lake
The snowshoe trail skirts the lake

The Hogarth Lake Loop meanders through woods – which if its windy will be warmer – and skirts one of the lakes (markers were few and far between here) before returning to a wider, more traveled trail that heads to Burstall Pass. As you can see from the photos there is almost no elevation gain. 

There's some grand scenery - especially if you remember to look back
There’s some grand scenery – especially if you remember to look back
The Easy Hogarth Lakes Loop Snowshoe Trail
If you snowshoe in a clockwise direction stay right at the major intersection or you’ll end up on the Burstall Pass trail (an awesome hike in summer)
The last bit of trail back to the parking lot
The last bit of trail back to the parking lot
Long shadows at mid-day in December
Long shadows at mid-day in December

Finding the trailhead for Hogarth Lakes 

The Hogarth Lakes Loop shares a trailhead with the Burstall Pass hike – which is signed on the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road. It’s directly across from the parking lot at the Chester Lake Trailhead – which is another supremely popular but more difficult snowshoe trail.

From the Canmore Nordic Centre it’s 41.5 kilometres along the Smith Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road. From the turnoff to the Nakiska Ski Area turnoff, its 49 kilometres via Highway 40 and the Smith Dorrien Road.

For more ideas on easy snowshoeing trails in the Rockies I would recommend A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies.

Note: The Spray Lakes – Smith Dorrien Road is gravel and while it’s plowed and sanded, expect winter driving conditions. The area is in a snow belt. I highly recommend carrying a snow shovel and an emergency car kit.

Location map

                                                           

Where else can you stay in Kananaskis Country?

There are two other options for overnight stays in the Kananaskis area: winter camping at the Mount Kidd RV Park off of Highway 40 or a stay at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge with its outdoor Nordic spa.

You’ll find the Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel near the Ribbon Creek Trails. It’s got a nice common area and a choice of private or dorm style rooms.

Further reading about winter in Alberta

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.

The Easy Hogarth Lakes Loop Snowshoe Trail

 

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