Panorama from Mt Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies
Panorama from Mt Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies

Mount Sparrowhawk Scramble

Kananaskis Country
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Trail of Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesSpray Lakes from Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesReads Tower on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesAscending Reads Tower on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesTop of Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesReads Tower on left from Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesReads Tower and Spray Lakes on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesGreat scenery from Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesApproaching the pass on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesIcy rock on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesAscent of Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesBeautiful view of Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesGreat views of Spray Lakes on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesSummit view on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesViews down on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesSouth of Spray Lake on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesView south from Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesSouthwest views from Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesPeaks from Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesViews from the top of Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesEasterly arm on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesMount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis has great views of Reads Tower and Spray LakesMt Allan on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesMt Allan view from Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesThe Three Sisters and Windtower on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesIce melting on Mount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis near Canmore, the Canadian RockiesMount Sparrowhawk scramble in Kananaskis leads long the river

Mount Sparrowhawk Scramble

Distance: 5.7mi
Elevation: 4,216ft
Time: 5-7h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Scrambling up Mount Sparrowhawk is the perfect scramble for those new to scrambling or families with older children. It is not too technical, but provides an unbeatable view of the vast Spray Lakes reservoir.

Mount Sparrowhawk Scramble Map

Getting there

From the Canmore Nordic Centre, continue west on the Smith-Dorrien (Hwy 742) as it winds up into the Spray Valley for 14.1mi. The Sparrowhawk Day Use Area will be on the right. The trailhead is across the road.

I’ve done this 7 people have done this
I want to do this 65 want to do this route

About

When to do

July - September

Backcountry Campsites

None

Toilets

Trailhead

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Scarmbling Rating

Grade 1

Exposure

Mild

Family friendly

Older Children only

Route Signage

None

Crowd Levels

Low

Route Type

Out and back


Mount Sparrowhawk
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Mount Sparrowhawk

Mount Sparrowhawk is a difficult hike or easy scramble to one of the highest summits in the immediate area. On a clear day, the panoramic view is limited more by the curvature of the earth than other peaks!

The trail begins across the Spray Lakes road from the Mount Sparrowhawk parking lot. A very obvious trail climbs the bank next to the road and continues a moderate ascent into the forest. About 1 km from the parking lot you will reach a cairned junction. Straight takes you to the basin below Mt. Bogart; head left for Mount Sparrowhawk or Read’s Tower.

The trail ascends very steeply after this junction and within minutes you’ll have an ever-expanding view out over Spray Lakes. After gaining about 984ft over a very short distance the trail becomes less steep as you surmount Read’s Ridge. Read’s Tower looms in front of you and the summit block of Mount Sparrowhawk rises to its left. Despite appearances from this vantage point, Sparrowhawk is over 1640ft higher than Read’s Tower.

To continue to Mount Sparrowhawk head directly for Read’s Tower, then turn towards the basin to its left when it looks like you’re about level with it. From the basin ascend the gully close to Read’s Tower (it’s easier than it looks), then begin the plod up 1640ft of scree, generally aiming for the right-hand side of Sparrowhawk’s summit block. The scree along this entire section is solid so it’s easy going and the rapidly expanding views keep the motivation high.

Arriving at the col to the right of the summit (there is a shed here), head left up the obvious scree chute coming off the summit block. This is the most difficult part of the ascent and is only practical if it is free of snow. There are many bits of trail along this section, so take your time to carefully chose the best route. Some areas are very loose, but many are solid. We found sticking to the left on little ledges avoided the worst of the scree. With careful route selection we found it no more difficult than the initial ascent and the gully near Read’s Tower.

The summit is quite spacious and is adorned with some sort of weather and/or communications contraption. It’s anchored with a thin cable about a foot off the ground, so be careful not to trip over it as you admire the views, which are spectacular of course!

Descend the way you came.

Insider Hints

  • Fill-up on bagels in Canmore before the hike at the Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.

  • Consider stopping in at the delightful Mount Engadine Lodge for a snack on the way back. They have a variety of options for hikers, and their weekend brunch is great.

Comments

jackiesmith88 5 years ago

Great views, amazing hike. I have to say I did not expect scrambling will be involved when my husband took me here. But it wasn't as bad as I probably have expected.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Cykelly 6 years ago

Really nice views from the Sparrowhawk. it wasn't as easy but as you said, it's an easy scramble or a hard hike. I looked at it more like a hike.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
6h 30m Time Taken
2 Comments

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