Edworthy Falls

Overview

Edworthy Falls is the quiet reward just past popular Elbow Lake—an elegant ~20 m cascade dropping into a clear, turquoise pool. It’s a moderate outing that strings together a quick climb to the lake and an easy meadow walk before a short, steep descent to the water’s edge. If you’re already visiting Elbow Lake, the falls are the natural, less‑crowded bonus.

Route at a Glance (when the road is open)

• Start at Elbow Pass (Elbow Lake) Day Use on Hwy 40.
• Climb about 1.3–1.5 km to Elbow Lake (roughly 120–125 m gain).
• Continue west on the Elbow Pass/Big Elbow Trail through open meadows for ~2.7 km.
• Watch for a rock cairn and take the unsigned spur ~200 m to the falls; the last bit drops steeply to the pool. From the lake, it’s roughly a 30‑minute walk to the falls.

Expect ~9–11 km round‑trip with 300–400 m total gain, taking most hikers about 3–4 hours depending on side trips and where you pick up the spur.

Facilities, Passes, and Rules

• Parking and vault toilets are at the Elbow Pass Day Use; pit toilets also sit at the Elbow Lake backcountry campground.
• A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park anywhere in Kananaskis.
• Dogs are allowed on leash. The trail is multi‑use: you may meet mountain bikes and horseback riders—yield accordingly.
• Backcountry camping at Elbow Lake requires a reservation/permit.

Seasonal Access and Current Context

Vehicle access to this stretch of Hwy 40 closes annually starting December 1. As of December 2, 2025, you cannot drive to the Elbow Pass trailhead; plan for summer/fall after the seasonal reopening (typically mid to late June). In winter the falls often freeze; off‑season approaches require a much longer ski/snowshoe from the winter gate and are for well‑prepared parties only.

Safety Notes

• The spur to the falls is unsigned; pay attention to the cairn and tread.
• The final slope to the viewpoint/pool is steep and can be loose—take care, especially when wet or icy.
• In shoulder season, bring traction (microspikes), poles, and layers; snowshoes may be needed after storms.
• Check the avalanche forecast before any snow‑season outing.
• Carry bear spray year‑round; bears can be intermittently active even in winter.
• Cell service is spotty to non‑existent along Hwy 40—sort passes and plans before you go.

Is It Worth It?

Yes—especially if you’re already going to Elbow Lake. The lake and meadows are lovely, and the falls add a serene, photogenic finale without much extra effort. It’s a touch of solitude after the crowds thin past the shoreline.

Best Time to Visit

Go after the highway reopens in mid/late June through fall for dry trail and flowing water. On summer weekends, arrive early—the Elbow Pass lot is large but can fill. Late afternoon often brings softer light on the pool; mornings are quieter for the approach through the campground and meadows.