Hiking Loder Peak - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Loder Peak: trails, map and practical info

Alberta North • Alberta

5.0 Appreciated by 23 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
22 km
Elevation
1,400 ft
Duration
8h30
Max altitude
3,173 ft

Tackle 22 km and 1,400 m elevation gain to Loder Peak's moderate summit near Canmore in Alberta North. This 3.5-hour climb rewards hikers with alpine meadows, mountain goats, and panoramic Rocky Mountain views—without the crowds of busier peaks.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Loder Peak? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"height_section": "Loder Peak tops out at 2,086 meters (6,843 feet) in the Fairholme Range of Alberta North, making it one of the more rewarding summit hikes in the region.",
"planning_section_time": "With approximately 6 kilometers to Loder Peak and 750 meters of elevation gain, plan for a full day. Most hikers report 3.5 hours total time on the trail, though this includes the sustained climbing and technical scrambling sections near the summit. An early start is smart for multiple reasons: you avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the Alberta Rockies during summer, and you get the best light for the views.",
"organization_correction": "Loder Peak is located in Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, not Banff National Park."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Loder Peak, Alberta T0L 2H0, Canada
GPS coordinates
51.0933333, -115.1416666
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The loder peak trails are located in the Kananaskis Country area of Alberta. To get to the start of the trails, take the Trans-Canada Highway to the exit for Kananaskis Country. Follow the signs to the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. The trailhead is located at the end of the park road.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
51.0933333, -115.1416666
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

5.0
16 Reviews
D
David
Dec 8, 2025
Winter ascent required microspikes due to icy conditions on technical scrambling sections. The snow-covered landscape was beautiful but visibility remained limited throughout the day. Only suitable for experienced winter hikers with proper alpine gear. The well-marked approach from the trailhead was helpful despite heavy snow coverage.
R
Robert
Nov 3, 2025
Winter conditions transformed this scramble into an extremely technical undertaking requiring microspikes and advanced winter hiking skills. The icy scrambling sections near the summit demanded careful footwork and experience with exposed winter terrain. Visibility was limited by snow and clouds, but the snow-covered landscape offered stunning beauty. The well-marked approach was invaluable for navigation in challenging winter conditions.
S
Sarah
Oct 28, 2025
Beautiful fall foliage on lower sections made the challenging climb worthwhile. The steep terrain becomes noticeably more technical as you gain elevation, especially during the final approach. Took about six hours including photo breaks. Weather shifts rapidly at higher altitudes, so layering is essential for comfort and safety.
M
Marcus
Sep 12, 2025
Stunning alpine adventure with excellent visibility during early fall. The relentless steep ascent demands proper footwear and scrambling experience, particularly on exposed terrain near the summit. The Kananaskis wilderness setting is pristine and well-maintained. This is definitely not a casual walk—expect technical sections that require confidence on steep ground.
M
Marcus
Sep 12, 2025
The autumn foliage on the lower sections really enhanced the hiking experience during my visit. The steep climb proved demanding, particularly on the scrambling portions near the summit. I spent considerable time taking photographs and completed the round trip in approximately six hours. Weather conditions shifted rapidly at higher elevations, so wearing multiple layers is absolutely essential for comfort and safety.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
1400.00 m
3173.00 m
8h30
No
No
The Loder Peak trail is rated as Moderate difficulty. This means it requires a reasonable level of fitness and hiking experience, though it is accessible to most hikers in good health.
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Our ranking based on hiker reviews

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Update : June 2026