Frozen Lake Trail

To get to Frozen Lake, you will need to take the Elk Pass trail. This trail is used for those travelling to the pass by foot or bike, scrambling nearby peaks, and also making their way to the Elk Lakes area, where a backcountry hut and campsite are located. Be sure to follow the Elk Pass trail to the pass before joining the trail to your objective; Frozen Lake.

This is an excellent trail from the central Kananaskis Lakes area. Many frontcountry campgrounds are located nearby, which makes this an excellent jumping off point for hikers spending a few days in the area. You’ll want to keep your eye on the prize and try not to expect an exhilarating trail on your way in. This hike is all about the destination and not so much the journey itself.

Starting from the Elk Pass parking lot, join the exceptionally wide trail at the large trail sign. Begin your hike in the forest and gain some elevation on a steep incline right away. You’ll follow the trail as it joins the utility corridor and travels beneath the power lines. There are many trail junctions in the area including the trailhead for the popular Blueberry Hill.

328ft past the Blueberry Hill trailhead, follow the trail sign with a small hiker on it. There are many bike trails in the area, so stick with the hiker signs to ensure you are on the right path. At 1.7mi, you will cross a footbridge that is quite wide. 0.9mi and some gradual elevation from the foot bridge, you’ll reach Elk Pass and the BC/Alberta border.

Follow the sign at the junction here to Upper Elk Lake. You’ll need to turn right for this trail. The Upper Elk Lake trail itself is closed due to flood damage from 2013; however, the Frozen Lake trail branches off quickly and is still maintained.

After 328ft, you will pass by a BC/Alberta marker that sits on the Great Divide. Immediately after, you will find yourself at a clearly marked junction. Take the Frozen Lake trail on the right. You will now come to a meadow with incredible views of Mount Fox. The trail narrows and climbs steadily. There is a noticeable contrast between the Alberta and BC sections of this hike and you will be feeling it. After 0.9mi of climbing from the junction, stop at a beautiful clearing that looks down over the crystal blue waters of Fox Lake and the Upper Elk Lake trail that is currently closed.

Continue climbing for 0.3mi to reach the jaw-dropping Frozen Lake. The lake itself has an incredible shore, perfect for a lunch break in the sun. Take in the views of Mount Fox towering above this jewell-coloured alpine lake. This trail is part of the Mount Fox scramble route, so look for scramblers gaining the ridge from the right.

After a relaxing break and some time sightseeing here, head back the way you came. Make sure to stay on the main Elk Pass trail after the junction and stick to the hiker signs along the way.

Find other amazing hikes in Kananaskis Country

• Kananaskis – Smith Dorrien Trail: Chester Lake, Tent Ridge, Burstall Pass, West Wind Pass and Rummel Lake.
• Bragg Creek and Sheep River Provincial Park: Prairie Mountain, Powderface Ridge, Nihahi Ridge and ForgetMeNot Ridge.
• Kananaskis Trail: Troll Falls, Rawson Lake, Wasootch Ridge, Sarrail Ridge and Pocaterra Ridge.