Picklejar Lakes Hike. Kananaskis Highwood Country.

The trailhead is located across the road from the Lantern Creek Recreation Area parking lot 139km west of the city of Calgary on the #40 Highwood Trail highway. Note that the #40 Highwood Trail Highway is closed from Dec 1st to June 14th. This is considered a moderate hike with a return trip distance of approximately 8.3km, elevation gain 430m. Allow 2-3 hours return. Park at the Lantern Creek parking lot then cross the Highwood Trail Highway. The trail starts next to the highway along side Lantern Creek. Follow the trail as it slowly climbs through an Aspen and Spruce forest. At approximately 3km the trail gets very steep, grind your way up another 100m or so until you reach a level lookout with views to the north and Picklejar Creek below. From here take the trail to your right that climbs a short distance before rounding a jagged rock face. Near this point the trail intersects to your right towards Lineham Ridge. Keep going straight through the jagged rock and few large boulders. Here you will see Picklejar Lakes (Classified as Paternoster Lakes) lying in the valley below. Hike down to Picklejar Creek and the first lake. While standing at the lakes shore you can see Cutthroat Trout swimming along it's edge. Expect to see several fisherman here as it is one of the most popular backcountry fly fishing spots in southern Alberta. Picklejar Lakes are stocked with Cutthroat Trout however their growth rate is very slow due to the lack of food at higher elevations. You'll need a fishing license to try out your luck. From here you can continue up over the short headwall to the other 3 lakes. The third lake is the deepest and the nicest of the four. The lakes color and it's jewel like setting are absolutely beautiful. As you hike along the lakes edge you'll be amazed at it's crystal clear water and the depth of visibility. There is a nice ledge just above the 3rd lake that makes for a great spot to have your lunch. Nearby hikes include Carnarvon Lake Hike, Lake of the Horns Hike, Loomis Lake Hike, Ptarmigan Cirque Hike, Running Rain Lake Hike, Mist Ridge Hike and Lineham Ridge Hike. You are in bear country.