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

Canadian Rockies • Alberta

4.0 Appreciated by 71 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
14 km
Elevation
850 ft
Duration
5h45
Max altitude
3,120 ft

4 km easy trail near High River, Alberta for a leisurely 51-minute birdwatching walk to an observation blind on a peninsula. This accessible out-and-back route rewards you with excellent opportunities to spot migratory birds and waterfowl in Alberta's Important Bird Area, combining easy terrain with genuine nature observation.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

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Trail description

Description

Gong Peak is a documented mountain summit located in the Sunwapta River Valley of Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. Rising to an elevation of 3,120 meters (10,236 feet) above sea level, this notable peak features a topographic prominence of 280 meters (919 feet), indicating a significant rise above the surrounding terrain. The mountain was officially named in 1919 by the Interprovincial Boundary Survey after nearby Gong Lake, and lies approximately three kilometers southeast of Mount Weiss.

Gong Peak serves as a natural landmark within the Jasper National Park wilderness, offering hikers an alpine mountain experience in one of Canada's most spectacular national park regions. The peak provides authentic mountain terrain and panoramic views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies landscape.

Location and Access

Gong Peak is located in Jasper National Park's Sunwapta River Valley in Alberta, Canada. The peak's position relative to Mount Weiss (approximately 3 km to the northwest) provides a geographic reference point for route planning and navigation.

Mountain Characteristics

At 3,120 meters elevation, Gong Peak ranks as a significant alpine summit within the Canadian Rockies. Its 280-meter prominence indicates a substantial and independent peak rather than a minor subsidiary summit. These characteristics make it a meaningful destination for hikers seeking authentic alpine experiences.

Historical Context

The peak's name originates from 1919 when the Interprovincial Boundary Survey formally designated it after nearby Gong Lake. This historical naming reflects the early exploration and documentation of Jasper National Park's mountain terrain during the early 20th century.

Preparation and Safety Considerations

Alpine hiking in Jasper National Park requires thorough preparation. Hikers should obtain current trail conditions and route information from Jasper National Park authorities before departure. Weather conditions can change rapidly at high elevations, necessitating layered clothing systems and quality rain gear. Proper hydration, navigation tools, and emergency communication plans are essential for safe mountain travel in this remote wilderness area.

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 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Gong Peak, Alberta T0E 1E0, Canada
GPS coordinates
52.37, -117.4566666
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The gong peak trails are located in the Kananaskis Country area of Alberta. To get to the start of the trails, take Highway 40 south from Calgary and turn left onto the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Highway 742). The trailhead is located about 26 km from the turnoff.

When?

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

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
52.37, -117.4566666
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
42 Reviews
S
Sarah
Oct 22, 2025
Attempted this peak during shoulder season but had to turn back due to fresh snow and poor visibility conditions. The lower forested sections were beautiful with golden autumn colors, making the approach worthwhile even without summiting. Weather changes rapidly at elevation, so check forecasts carefully and carry appropriate gear including microspikes for icy sections.
D
David
Oct 12, 2025
Attempted this peak during shoulder season but had to turn back due to fresh snow and deteriorating visibility. The approach through autumn forests was beautiful with golden larch trees, but conditions became treacherous higher up. Definitely requires proper alpine gear and avalanche awareness for late season attempts. Will return in better weather as the potential for stunning views is clearly there.
D
David
Oct 2, 2025
Late September provided stunning fall foliage against towering rock formations, creating an unforgettable visual experience. The steep and rocky sections demand sturdy boots and a walking stick for stability. Despite the challenging terrain, the rewarding summit views and sense of accomplishment make this hike worthwhile for experienced outdoor enthusiasts seeking a serious alpine adventure.
M
Marcus
Sep 28, 2025
An outstanding autumn adventure with vibrant fall colors creating a stunning natural backdrop. The steep and rocky terrain demands sturdy footwear and a walking stick for stability on the challenging ascent. Despite the demanding elevation gain, reaching the summit delivers an incredible sense of accomplishment with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
M
Marcus
Sep 15, 2025
An incredible autumn adventure with spectacular fall colors framing the rocky terrain. The sustained elevation gain of 850 meters delivers a serious workout, but the panoramic views from the summit make every step worthwhile. Navigation becomes more challenging at higher elevations, so solid route-finding skills are essential. The final scramble requires basic climbing techniques and sturdy footwear is absolutely necessary.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
850.00 m
3120.00 m
5h45
No
No
Gong Peak trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your hike accordingly to ensure you have sufficient daylight to complete the trail safely.
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Hiking near Jasper

82 trails to explore ~70 km away

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Update : June 2026