Pros & cons
PROS
- Shortest, steady approach to Elbow Lake (about 1.3–1.4 km one way)
- Easy springboard to a bigger day toward Tombstone Lakes
CONS
- Highway 40 vehicle access is closed December 1–June 14
- Wind off Elbow Lake can be bitterly cold
Overview
Elbow Pass is the quick, no‑nonsense gateway to Elbow Lake and the high meadows beyond. The trail climbs steadily through forest and meadows, with cascades nearby, popping you out at a photogenic alpine lake. It’s a great first taste of the high country, with the option to keep rolling toward Tombstone Lakes if you’ve got the legs.
Primary Routes
- Elbow Lake via Elbow Pass: about 1.3–1.4 km one way with roughly 125 m of gain. The path is wide and well‑maintained—ideal for families or a fast after‑work hike. Vault toilets are available at the backcountry campground by the lake.
- Tombstone Lakes via Elbow Pass: roughly 19.5 km round trip with about 700 m of total gain, typically 6–6.5 hours. Expect rocky and sometimes muddy sections and bring sturdy, waterproof footwear.
Seasonal Access and Closures
Vehicle access to these high‑elevation trailheads on Highway 40 is closed from December 1 to June 14 each year. The Elbow Pass Day Use area operates June 15–November 30. Backcountry campgrounds in this corridor (including Elbow Lake and Tombstone) are also closed December 1–June 14.
Facilities and Logistics
You’ll start from the Elbow Pass Day Use area. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley. At Elbow Lake, the backcountry campground offers pit/vault toilets, 15 tent pads in the forest, food lockers, firepits with firewood, and grey‑water disposal during its operating season.
Conditions, Safety, and Wildlife
Shoulder seasons can bring early snow and ice—microspikes are smart insurance. Winds funneling across Elbow Lake can be sharp, especially on the east side. Bears are common in Peter Lougheed; carry bear spray, make noise, and check current advisories before you go.
A Bit of Landscape Context
Those sweeping U‑shaped valleys and toothy ridgelines are the handiwork of the last ice age about 12,000 years ago—thick ice carved and scoured this whole corridor, which is why it feels so big and open above treeline.
Best Time to Visit
Go between June 15 and November 30 when the day‑use area and vehicle access are open; outside those dates you can’t drive to the trailhead. In late fall, expect snow and icing on shaded sections. For current status or questions, Alberta Parks’ information line can help (1‑877‑537‑2757).
Where it is
50.6334, -115.0109Tips for Elbow Pass
- 01Plan around the Highway 40 gate: no vehicle access Dec 1–Jun 14.
- 02Bring waterproof boots for the Tombstone Lakes extension’s muddy, rocky bits.
- 03Pack microspikes in shoulder season—ice and early snow are common.
- 04Carry bear spray and check current park advisories before you go.
- 05Expect strong, cold winds at Elbow Lake; add an extra warm layer.
Amenities
Near Elbow Pass
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayElbow LakeQuick, steep climb to a lakeshore stroll with horse traffic.Easy · 2.5 mi · 1.3 hr
0.3 mi awayElbow Lake Backcountry CampgroundEasy hike-in alpine lake camp with lockers and communal fire pitsRestroom · Campground
0.6 mi awayElbow LakeA short, steep walk to a jade lake with big mountain dramaRestroom · Campground
0.9 mi awayRae GlacierShort approach to a living glacier via turquoise Elbow LakeModerate · 5.4 mi · 3.5 hr
0.9 mi awayEdworthy FallsSteep start to a turquoise lake and 20 m waterfallModerate · 6.1 mi · 3.5 hr
0.9 mi awayRae LakeQuiet alpine lake beyond busy Elbow Lake, with larches in fall.Challenging · 10.9 mi · 6.5 hr
0.9 mi awayRae GlacierRugged hike to close-up glacier views above Elbow LakeScenic Viewpoint
0.9 mi awayEdworthy FallsA serene turquoise plunge pool below a graceful alpine fallsParking · Restroom
