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

Canadian Rockies • Alberta

4.0 Appreciated by 73 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2013Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Hard
Distance
16 km
Elevation
1,390 ft
Duration
5h30 à 10h30
Max altitude
2,689 ft

Conquer Survey Peak's 2,710 m summit in Alberta's Kananaskis Country via a 14 km, hard trail gaining 900 m elevation. This 10.5-hour alpine adventure delivers panoramic views across multiple mountain ranges and glaciated terrain—a genuine wilderness achievement in Canada's Rockies.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

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

Discover the trail

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Trail description

{
"route_section": "

The hike covers 16 kilometers round trip with 1,400 meters of elevation gain, and the estimated time of 10 to 11 hours reflects the genuine effort this mountain demands. The trailhead is accessible from the Icefields Parkway west of Saskatchewan Crossing, which puts you in the middle of some of the most iconic mountain scenery in Canada before you even lace up your boots.

",
"other_paragraphs": "Garder le reste inchangé"
}

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
Survey Peak, Alberta T0L, Canada
GPS coordinates
51.9566666, -116.8466666
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The survey 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). Continue on the Smith-Dorrien Trail for about 24 km until you reach the signed trailhead parking lot on the right side of the 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)
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
51.9566666, -116.8466666
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
38 Reviews
E
Emma
Jan 18, 2026
Fantastic workout for experienced scramblers seeking a true test of fitness and skill. The varied terrain keeps things engaging throughout the long approach, though snow patches in early season added extra challenge to route-finding. Gear requirements are significant with helmet, proper boots, and multiple layers being absolutely essential. This is definitely not a casual day hike by any means, but experienced mountaineers will find it incredibly rewarding.
J
Jake
Jan 14, 2026
Early season conditions added extra challenge with snow patches throughout the route. The varied terrain kept things interesting despite the demanding 10.5-hour commitment required. Proper gear is absolutely essential - helmet, mountaineering boots, and layering system are non-negotiable. This definitely isn't a casual day hike but experienced scramblers will find Survey Peak incredibly rewarding. Weather changes rapidly at elevation so come prepared.
J
Jennifer
Nov 14, 2025
Attempted Survey Peak but encountered deteriorating weather that forced a turnaround before the summit. The lower trail sections were well-marked and manageable, but navigation becomes critical in the alpine zone. Parking fees exceeded expectations. Despite not summiting, the potential of this peak is evident, and I'm determined to return under better conditions.
S
Sarah
Nov 8, 2025
Attempted this challenging peak but deteriorating weather forced us to turn back before the summit. The initial trail through the valley was well-marked, but navigation becomes critical once you enter the alpine zone. Parking fees were higher than anticipated, adding to the overall cost. Despite not reaching the top, the potential for incredible views was evident from our high point. Will definitely return with better conditions and more time allocated.
S
Sarah
Nov 2, 2025
Attempted this challenging peak but weather forced us to turn back before the summit. The lower sections were well-marked, but navigation becomes critical once you reach alpine terrain. Parking costs were steeper than anticipated, adding to the overall expense. Despite not completing the full route, what we experienced showed incredible potential. Planning to return with better weather windows and more time allocated for the 10.5-hour adventure.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Hard
1390.00 m
2689.00 m
5h30 à 10h30
No
No
Survey Peak is classified as a Hard difficulty trail, requiring good physical fitness and hiking experience. With 14 km distance, 900 m elevation gain, and an estimated 10h30 duration, this hike is best suited for experienced hikers prepared for challenging terrain and significant elevation changes.
The Survey Peak trail has an elevation gain of 900 m over the 14 km route. This substantial elevation gain combined with the trail's hard difficulty rating means you should be well-prepared for steep sections and high-altitude conditions.
The Survey Peak trail typically takes 10h30 to complete the full 14 km route. Plan to start early from sunrise to ensure you finish well before sunset, as the trails are only accessible during daylight hours.
No, Survey Peak is not recommended for beginners. The trail is rated as Hard difficulty with 900 m of elevation gain over 14 km, requiring solid hiking experience and good physical conditioning. Beginners should consider easier trails in the Kananaskis Country area.
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Update : June 2026