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

Canadian Rockies • Alberta

5.0 Appreciated by 85 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Very hard
Distance
44 km
Elevation
625 ft
Duration
13h30
Max altitude
2,822 ft

Tackle one of Alberta's most rewarding alpine challenges: 44 km and 1,550 m elevation gain to Little Arethusa Peak in the Canadian Rockies. This very hard, 13.5-hour summit rewards serious hikers with panoramic views and genuine mountain terrain—no technical climbing required. Access via Highway 40 in Kananaskis Country.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

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Trail description

Little Arethusa Peak is one of those summits in Kananaskis Country that earns its reputation the hard way. At 44 kilometers round trip with 1,550 meters of elevation gain and an estimated 13.5 hours on trail, this is a serious day out in the Canadian Rockies — the kind that separates casual hikers from those genuinely committed to big mountain days. The reward is a summit with views that stretch across one of the most dramatic landscapes in Alberta.

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
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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
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
AB-40, Alberta T0L, Canada
GPS coordinates
50.6030951, -114.9757601
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The start of the trails at the little arethusa peak can be accessed from the parking lot located off of Highway 40.

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
50.6030951, -114.9757601
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

5.0
37 Reviews
M
Michael
Apr 10, 2026
Started very early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat, which was an excellent decision. The dawn atmosphere in the mountains was absolutely magical with mist rising from the valleys. Steady elevation gain throughout but manageable with a good pace. Perfect preparation hike for more ambitious peaks and the views across multiple mountain ranges are simply outstanding.
J
Jennifer
Mar 10, 2026
Beautiful spring hiking experience with lingering snow patches adding scenic interest. The trail remains well-maintained with clear signage throughout, and the relative solitude even during peak season is remarkable. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, including mountain birds and alpine fauna. Paid parking is a consideration, though it supports conservation efforts.
J
Jennifer
Feb 22, 2026
Attempted this hike with my teenage daughter but had to turn back about three-quarters of the way up due to fatigue. The initial forest section is pleasant but the trail becomes very steep and technically challenging. Good training hike for building fitness and testing gear before attempting bigger objectives. Definitely need proper hiking boots and plenty of water for this one.
D
David
Jan 22, 2026
Started very early to beat summer heat and was treated to incredible morning mist rising through the valleys. The sustained elevation gain maintains a good rhythm throughout the 13.5 hour journey. Well-marked trail with excellent maintenance, though the final 500 meters to summit are the most demanding section.
D
David
Jan 18, 2026
Incredible winter snowshoe adventure through pristine powder snow and magical mountain scenery. The 1550m elevation gain felt more manageable in winter conditions, though weather can change rapidly so proper preparation is crucial. Spotted fresh elk tracks along the route, adding to the wilderness experience. The solitude and winter beauty make this a truly unforgettable mountain experience for those seeking challenging winter recreation.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Very hard
625.00 m
2822.00 m
13h30
No
No
The hike to Little Arethusa Peak takes approximately 13h30 to complete. This is a full-day commitment, so plan accordingly and ensure you start early enough to finish before sunset.
The Little Arethusa Peak trail covers 44 km in total. This is a long-distance hike that requires good fitness and endurance.
The Little Arethusa Peak trail has 1550 m of elevation gain. Combined with the 44 km distance, this makes it a very challenging hike suitable only for experienced hikers.
No, Little Arethusa Peak is rated as very hard and is not suitable for beginners. The combination of 44 km distance, 1550 m elevation gain, and 13h30 duration requires advanced hiking experience and excellent physical fitness.
The Little Arethusa Peak trail is open from sunrise to sunset. Plan your hike to ensure you have sufficient daylight to complete the entire 13h30 route safely.
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Update : June 2026