Sunrise Hike @ Ha Ling Peak | Kananaskis, AB | 05.22.23

Discover this 7.2-km out-and-back trail near Canmore, Alberta. Generally considered a challenging route. This is a very popular area for hiking, rock climbing, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
The Ha Ling Trail to Ha Ling Peak is a difficult trail that users confirm lives up to the challenge. The trail begins at a parking lot and makes its way through beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountain forest, as it starts to climb and then makes its way onto open rock and fewer trees. During the summer, the trail is mostly clear of obstructions, but users recommend still bringing proper climbing equipment especially for the higher sections. Since the weather and climate vary tremendously from the trailhead to the peak, it is recommended to also wear plenty of layers since the top is very cold even in summer.
As the trail gets steeper and users feel more like mountain goats, this is the moment where the stairs show up and take users to a scramble. These are the most challenging portions, so definitely take time to break and enjoy the view since legs and knees are known to get very tired. Stopping at the saddle is a great thing to do, before continuing on to Ha Ling Peak. Once at the ridge, the view is awesome as users tower over the town of Canmore, with the accomplishment of having climbed the striking mountain.
The trail is often very busy, especially on warm weekend days during summer. If users arrive early, there shouldn't be that many people on the trail. Keep in mind that during the winter, the road leading to the trailhead may be closed and there will be added distance to the route.
The descending portion of this hike is also fairly difficult as you zig-zag back to the base, often against traffic moving up. In winter conditions, this trail is a difficult mountaineering trip and should be attempted only by experienced hikers. There is an avalanche hazard here.