Grassi Lakes Trail Guide: 4 Ways to Reach the Lakes (Including an Optional Scramble Loop)

Which Grassi Lakes Trail Is Right for You?

Hiking Grassi Lakes is one of the best things to do in Kananaskis if you’re exploring around the Canmore area. With brilliant turquoise lakes, a waterfall, and stunning mountain scenery, it’s no surprise this short hike has become one of the area’s most popular attractions.

After spending the past few years exploring Kananaskis Country, we’ve learned that some of the “easy” hikes are often underestimated. Although Grassi Lakes is typically rated as an easy to moderate hike, the steady uphill climb can feel surprisingly challenging if you don’t hike regularly. Add in multiple trail options, and it isn’t always obvious which route is the best fit for your group.

We hiked to the lakes via the Interpretive Trail, added the optional Climber’s Access for panoramic views and mountain goats, then returned on the Upper Grassi Trail. In this guide, I’ll compare each route, explain who it’s best suited for, and share practical tips to help you choose the best way to experience one of Kananaskis’ most iconic hikes.

TL;DR

Choose your path to Grassi Lakes:

1. Interpretive Trail – Scenic forest and waterfalls; moderately challenging
2. Upper Trail – Easy gravel road; good for descent or strollers
3. Climber’s Access – Short, steep, and rugged with great views (and goats!)
4. Loop Option – A combination route that allows ou to experience all three

🚶 Route 1: Upper Grassi Lakes Trail

If you’re looking for the easiest way to reach Grassi Lakes, the Upper Grassi Trail is your best option. Unlike the Interpretive Trail, this route follows a wide gravel road with a steady, consistent climb to the lakes.

Although the trail is considered easy, “easy” is relative. Experienced hikers will likely find it to be a straightforward climb, while families, beginner hikers, and those who don’t hike regularly should expect a steady uphill workout. The wide, well-maintained trail makes it easy to stop for breaks whenever you need to.

The trade-off is that you miss some of the highlights along the way. While the Interpretive Trail winds through the forest and passes a waterfall, the Upper Grassi Trail focuses on providing a wider, less technical climb to the lakes.

🥾 Route 2: Interpretive Trail

If you’re looking for the most scenic way to hike Grassi Lakes, choose the Interpretive Trail. This forested route climbs through a series of gradual switchbacks, passing a small waterfall, rocky outcrops, and several viewpoints before reaching the lakes.

Although the trail is often rated as easy to moderate, it is easy to underestimate it. The steady uphill climb, combined with uneven terrain, rock steps, and exposed tree roots, can make it feel more challenging than many novice hikers expect.

If you hike regularly, you’ll likely find it to be an enjoyable climb. However, beginner hikers and those who only hit the trails occasionally should expect to work for it.

The extra effort is well worth it. The waterfall is one of the highlights of the hike, and the forested switchbacks make the climb feel more varied than the wide gravel road of the Upper Grassi Trail. If you’re comfortable with a little more elevation and uneven footing, this is the route I’d recommend for most visitors.

🐐 Route 3: Climber’s Access (Optional Detour)

If you’re looking to add a little adventure to your hike, Climber’s Access offers a short but challenging detour. At just 1.1 km return, it’s the shortest trail in the area, but it’s also the steepest and most rugged.

As the name suggests, Climber’s Access was created to provide access to the area’s rock climbing routes. It is not one of the official hiking trails to Grassi Lakes, and Alberta Parks recommends hikers use either the Interpretive Trail or the Upper Grassi Trail to reach the lakes.

The trail climbs quickly over steep, rocky terrain with loose footing in places. While it isn’t a technical scramble, it requires good balance and confidence on uneven terrain. This route is best suited to experienced hikers and isn’t recommended for families with young children or anyone uncomfortable on steep trails.

One of the highlights of Climber’s Access is the opportunity to see the area’s resident mountain goats. We spotted several goats during our hike, and it was also interesting to watch climbers making their way to the surrounding cliffs.

Although Climber’s Access isn’t necessary to enjoy Grassi Lakes, it’s a fun addition for experienced hikers looking for a steeper climb, panoramic views, and a different perspective of the area.

🔁 Route 4: The Loop (With Optional Scramble)

If you want to experience everything Grassi Lakes has to offer, I recommend combining the Interpretive Trail and Upper Grassi Trail into a loop. If you’re an experienced hiker, you can also add the optional Climber’s Access detour along the way.

We hiked up the Interpretive Trail, explored Climber’s Access, then returned via the Upper Grassi Trail. This gave us the chance to experience all three routes without retracing our steps.

If you’re deciding which direction to hike the loop, think about where you’d rather have the gentler trail. Hiking up the Upper Grassi Trail provides the easiest ascent, while hiking down the Upper Grassi Trail gives you the easiest descent.

Many hikers choose the easier climb. However, descending rocky, uneven trails can be surprisingly tough on your knees and requires more attention to your footing.

If you’re confident on steep, rocky trails, Climber’s Access is a worthwhile addition to either version of the loop.

🧊 Pro Tips

• 🚗 You must have a valid Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park
• 🕗 Go early or later in the day to avoid crowds (midday can be packed)
• 🥣 Pack a picnic lunch. Grassi Lakes is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. We brought a hot lunch in a food thermos, and it made the experience even better.
  • Thermos Stainless King Vacuum-Insulated Food Jar 👉 Buy at: Amazon | REI
• 👟 Wear proper hiking shoes, especially for the Interpretive or Climber’s Access routes. I love my Hoka Speedgoats
  • Women’s HOKA Speedgoats 👉 Buy at: Amazon | REI
  • Men’s HOKA Speedgoats 👉 Buy at: Amazon| REI
• 🐻 Grassi Lakes is in bear country. Stay bear aware and brush up on essential bear safety tips before your hike.
• 🐕 Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.
• 🏊 Swimming isn’t permitted in Grassi Lakes.
• ❄️ Avoid Climber’s Access in wet or icy conditions

📍 Getting There

• Trailhead: Grassi Lakes Day Use Area, just outside Canmore.
• Parking can fill quickly on weekends and summer afternoons, so arriving early is recommended.
• Overflow parking is available if the main lot is full.
• Washrooms are available at the trailhead.
• Staying nearby? Choosing where to camp or stay based on the areas you plan to explore can save a surprising amount of driving in Kananaskis.

🏁 Final Thoughts on Grassi Lakes

Grassi Lakes may be one of the most popular hikes in Kananaskis, but standing beside those vibrant turquoise lakes, it’s easy to understand why. Some places remind us that the most memorable moments aren’t always the longest or hardest adventures—they’re the ones that invite us to pause and simply take in the beauty around us.

Every hike is a gift, and I’m thankful to God for creating places like this for us to explore. I hope your visit to Grassi Lakes leaves you just as inspired.