{"id":2125554,"date":"2023-03-24T18:06:51","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T18:06:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/banffnationalpark.com\/?p=2125554"},"modified":"2023-05-05T18:12:48","modified_gmt":"2023-05-05T18:12:48","slug":"mist-mountain-hot-springs-where-nature-meets-relaxation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/banffnationalpark.com\/mist-mountain-hot-springs\/","title":{"rendered":"Mist Mountain Hot Springs: Where Nature Meets Relaxation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mist Mountain is a one-stop hiking location in the Kananaskis area that offers something for avid hikers and nature lovers alike. The multiple routes toward its peak with their varied difficulty levels provides exhilarating physical challenges balanced with an opportunity to bask in the warmth of a natural hot spring. The Mist Mountain Hot Springs Trail offers visitors the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sweeping vistas, the natural amphitheater, and the picturesque hot springs make this a \u201cmust-see\u201d hike. You can even take a dip in the natural hot springs! Most hikers in reasonable physical condition can make the trek without difficulty. As such, the Mist Mountain Springs hike enjoys immense popularity with avid hikers and those who visit Kananaskis Country to soak up the gorgeous alpine scenery!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Facts About Mist Mountain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Length<\/strong><\/td>6.4 km (4 miles)<\/td><\/tr>
Duration<\/strong><\/td>2.5-3 hours<\/td><\/tr>
Elevation Gain<\/strong><\/td>554 meters (1,820 feet)<\/td><\/tr>
Difficulty Level<\/strong><\/td>Challenging<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What You\u2019ll Need When Hiking Mist Mountain<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Maps<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you plan on putting some mileage on your hiking boots during your visit to Kananaskis Country and its surrounding areas, it\u2019s a good idea to download a reliable hiking app like All Trails<\/a>. All Trails allows you to plan your routes, advises you to current trail conditions, and even alerts you when you\u2019ve wandered off the proper path, helping ensure a safer hike. Offline maps are also accessible for thousands of trails around the world. Users can also benefit from the insight of fellow hikers posted right in the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Park Passes<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You must have a Conservation Pass if you plan on taking a vehicle into Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park or any other Provincial Parks or public use lands in the Kananaskis Country and Bow Valley Region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can either purchase a daily pass for $15 CAD or an annual pass for $90 CAD. The daily pass allows you to register one vehicle and covers all passengers in that vehicle. <\/strong>The annual pass allows you to register up to two vehicles and is valid for one year from date of purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also have the option of entering the park on foot, bike, or horseback. These methods of entry require no fee. You can find more information or purchase your passes on the Kananaskis Conservation Pass website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bear Spray<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many hikers have encountered bears on the trail, so it\u2019s a good idea to pack some bear spray in a readily-accessible holster for this hike. Exercise safe hiking practices for bear country<\/a>. Stay alert. Stay on the trail. Hike in groups. It\u2019s also a good idea to review bear safety information and reports at Parks Canada<\/a> before hitting the trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking Boots & Trekking Poles<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll definitely want a good pair of sturdy hiking boots for the Mist Mountain Hot Springs Trail While it is possible to complete this hike without trekking poles, they may assist in making the steep incline more manageable for some hikers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swimsuit & Towel<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the highlights of this hike is the hot springs, and half the fun is taking a dip in the warm waters, so be sure to bring a suit! However, there are no facilities, so it might be a good idea to wear your suit beneath your clothing. The springs are also pretty popular. To avoid a long wait to wade, start your hike early!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water & Snacks<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are no facilities along this hike, so bring plenty of water and hi-protein, carb-filled snacks to sustain you on this challenging hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Daypack<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need something to hold your swimsuit, towel, snacks, and extra layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting To Mist Mountain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The trailhead for the Mist Mountain Hot Springs can be found along Highway 40. Coming from Canmore<\/a>, the trailhead will be on your left, but has no official marker. Sometimes fellow hikers have marked the narrow opening with a brightly colored ribbon, but don\u2019t count on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Still, it\u2019s easy enough to find using the GPS coordinates 50.522814\u00b0 N, 114.883516\u00b0 W. Fair warning\u2014don\u2019t rely on cell service. It drops off abruptly in Kananaskis Country, so plug your coordinates in before you leave the hotel parking lot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to also be aware, Highway 40 is subject to seasonal road closures. Between December 1 and June 14, you cannot access the trailhead by car, but you can still bike in from the closure point at Highway 742.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mist Mountain Hiking Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trailhead<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you travel along Highway 40, there is a fairly well-worn path slicing through the trees. The trailhead for Mist Mountain Hot Springs has no signage declaring \u201cYou Are Here,\u201d but keep an eye out for a sizable shoulder. The hot springs have gained such popularity, you will see a collection of vehicles gathered in the pull-off, even if you arrive early in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alpine Meadow and Nameless Ridge<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The initial kilometer of this over six-kilometer trail travels through quiet trees. You\u2019ll find a well-defined path, overlaid with pine straw, with very few trip hazards along the way. After some brief climbs, you emerge from the forest into a broad meadow bordered by Eagle Ridge and Mist Mountain. From here, you will follow the trail toward Nameless Ridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With so many visitors now making the visit, the path is clearly defined through the meadow, and you\u2019ll have no trouble following it. You\u2019ll start to feel the burn, though, as the first real elevation on the trail begins here. Within 2.5 kilometers (1.55 miles) you gain about 450 meters of elevation as you cover the gap between Eagle Ridge and Mist Mountain to reach the saddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevation is not the only thing that picks up at this point in the trail. If you don\u2019t already have one on, grab a jacket from your daypack and layer up as the winds increase considerably on the saddle. Do take advantage of the spectacular views from the crests and ridges. In the summer months, you might get treated to startling splashes of color from the wildflowers that can blanket the meadow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cirque<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you think Mother Nature is putting on a show with the wildflowers, once you reach the cirque, you\u2019ll realize that was just her opening act, and the cirque is her theater\u2014literally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A cirque is a natural amphitheater, a basin formed by glacial excavation and surrounded by rises. Follow the horseshoe-shaped, scree trail that rises to the left to reach the cirque. Watch your step and use your trekking poles if you have them to stay steady through the loose rock avoid the steep ledge down to your right. At the end, however, you\u2019ll be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. If you keep a sharp eye out, you can even spot the hot springs from this point on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At the waterfall, the trail branches. You can either continue on to the hot springs or make for the summit. Many hikers bypass the summit trail altogether, opting to take the less-daunting path leading to the hot springs and take a dip in the warm waters overlooking the mountain vistas, instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mist Mountain Hot Springs<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A post shared by Erwin Chin (@erwin_chin_yk)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>