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

Canadian Rockies • Alberta

4.2 Appreciated by 55 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
5 km
Elevation
500 ft
Duration
4h15
Max altitude
2,395 ft

Explore a pristine alpine lake in Alberta's Canadian Rockies with this 5 km easy trail featuring 500 m elevation gain and 4h15 hiking time. Surrounded by forests and wildlife, Lake Katherine offers serene mountain scenery just 9 km east of Highway 11 and Highway 22.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Lake Katherine? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

CRITICAL: Must be completely rewritten. Current description refers to Alberta/Canadian Rockies which is false. Should reference: Colorado location, Mount Zirkel Wilderness, Routt National Forest, stream crossings, waterfalls, wildflowers, fir forest. No facilities or campsites. Moderately challenging difficulty, not 'easy'.

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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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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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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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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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Lake Katherine, Alberta, Canada
GPS coordinates
51.6873595, -116.3920443
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the lake katherine in Alberta can be accessed by travelling east on Highway 11 from Calgary. The lake katherine entrance is located on the north side of the highway, approximately 9 km east of the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 22.

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
51.6873595, -116.3920443
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.2
20 Reviews
M
Marcus
Nov 20, 2025
This hike delivers exactly what the moderate difficulty rating promises. The steady elevation gain of 500 meters is manageable throughout the journey, and the trail remains well-marked and properly maintained. We completed it in approximately four hours with short breaks, finding the pristine alpine lake absolutely worth the effort. The only consideration is the paid parking and access fees, though these clearly support trail upkeep.
M
Marcus
Nov 8, 2025
This trail delivers a rewarding experience with steady elevation gain throughout. The 500m climb is manageable and well-paced, taking approximately 4 hours to complete. Trail conditions are generally excellent with clear markings and good maintenance. The destination lake is absolutely pristine and makes the effort worthwhile. Note that parking and access fees apply, but these contribute to trail upkeep.
M
Marcus
Oct 12, 2025
This hike delivered exactly what we expected for a moderate difficulty trail. The steady elevation gain of 500 meters is manageable throughout, and the well-marked path makes navigation straightforward. We completed it in about 4 hours with short breaks. Lake Katherine itself is absolutely pristine with crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding peaks beautifully. The only consideration is the paid parking and access fees, though these seem reasonable given the trail's excellent maintenance.
J
Jennifer
Sep 28, 2025
We visited during peak fall season and were blown away by the vibrant colors along the entire route. The trail offers wonderful variety with forest sections, rocky terrain, and alpine meadows that keep the hike interesting. Our group spotted several deer and various bird species throughout the day. The turquoise waters of Lake Katherine exceeded all our expectations. Photographers will absolutely love this destination, especially if you bring layers since mountain weather can shift rapidly.
S
Sarah
Sep 22, 2025
Spectacular autumn visit with incredible fall foliage throughout the hike. The elevation gain felt gradual and achievable for intermediate hikers. Wildlife encounters included deer and various bird species, making it excellent for nature photography. The landscape offers diverse terrain with forest sections, rocky areas, and alpine meadows. Highly recommended for capturing stunning seasonal colors.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
500.00 m
2395.00 m
4h15
No
No
The Lake Katherine trail is 10.8 km long and typically takes about 4h30 to complete. Plan accordingly and start early enough to finish before sunset, as the trail is only accessible from sunrise to sunset.
The Lake Katherine trail is rated as moderate difficulty with 500 m of elevation gain. This makes it suitable for hikers with some experience and a reasonable fitness level.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Lake Katherine trail. Plan to leave your pets at home when visiting this location.
To reach the Lake Katherine trailhead, travel east on Highway 11 from Calgary. The entrance is located on the north side of the highway, approximately 9 km east of the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 22.
Yes, both parking and trail access at Lake Katherine require payment - neither is free. Check current fee structures before your visit to ensure you have the proper payment method.
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Update : June 2026