Moose Mountain Hike Alberta Kananaskis Country.

Moose Mountain is located 35 minutes west of the City of Calgary. Elevation gain to the summit is approximately 473 Meters not including several ups and downs along the way. Return distance is approximately 14.6 km Allow 4-5 hours for a return trip. Drive to the entrance of the Moose Mountain Fire Road located on the right hand side of the Elbow Falls #66 highway just west of the Paddy's Flats Campground. Turn right onto the gravel fire road and follow it all the way up until you see a parking lot on your right. Do not try and drive up the road if there is any fresh snow on the ground. There are few steep sections that can be very hazardous when covered in snow. The trailhead is located next to the parking lot and follows the old Moose Mountain Lookout supply road. This is an excellent mountain bike trail so expect lots of bikers here. Follow the road along the ridge as it works it's way over several up's and downs. At approximately 1.4km you'll see the Moose Packers mountain bike trail leading down to your right. Stay on the old road as it turns to your left until it bottoms out and turns west. From here you start to climb up to the summit of Moose Mountain. Follow the switch backs to the top of the first summit then continue on straight ahead up to the true summit and the lookout. The last 100 Meters or so to the summit are not as as bad as it looks from the approach below. Once you arrive at the lookout you'll be rewarded with stunning views. Feels like you're on top of the Rockies here as you can see over 100 km's in all directions. There is a picnic table located just below the lookout that makes for a good spot to have your lunch. Moose Mountain Ice Caves are located bellow the ridge to the south. Other hikers can be spotted on top of Prairie Mountain 4km south. Once you start working your way back the hike starts to feel like forever as you hike down then back up several 100meters in elevation. The last stretch to your vehicle will have you feeling like it's been a long day and you'll probably be wondering why the return was harder then the ascent. Goose Berry Campground, Little Elbow Campground, Beaver Flat Campground, Paddy's Flat Campground, Elbow Falls, Nihahi Ridge, Prairie Mountain Hike, Powder Face Trail, Forget Me Not Ridge, Elbow Loop Mountain Bike and Forgetmenot Pond day use picnic area are all located close to here. 

You are in bear country.