Pros & cons
PROS
- Moderate approach: about 7.5 km with ~550 m gain
- Backpacker-friendly with nearby Forks and Turbine Canyon campgrounds
CONS
- No facilities at the lakes—plan to treat water and pack out waste
- Not winter-maintained; expect ice, open water, and avalanche hazards
Overview
Maude Lake and Lawson Lake lie in the high backcountry beyond the Forks and Turbine Canyon area. They are separate alpine lakes, with Maude Lake farther west and north. This marker is at Maude Lake.
Access
The Maude-Lawson trail is part of the backcountry network reached from the Upper Kananaskis Lake area. Reaching the lakes requires a substantial mountain outing and additional navigation beyond a short lakeside walk. Consult the Alberta Parks trail map and current access information when choosing a route; the map marker alone does not define a maintained trail to both lakes.
On the ground
Expect alpine terrain and changing mountain weather. Bring navigation, adequate food and water, and appropriate backcountry equipment. Nearby backcountry campgrounds are separate bookable destinations.
Where it is
50.6895, -115.2936Tips for Maude and Lawson Lakes
- 01Follow the re‑routed line west of the Forks when signs indicate the change.
- 02Carry a filter—there are no taps; all lake and creek water must be treated.
- 03Use North Interlakes Day Use for pit toilets; Upper Lake Day Use has a hand‑pump.
- 04For winter, choose the groomed ski/snowshoe network instead and check the day’s grooming and the avalanche bulletin.
- 05Overnighters: Turbine Canyon Backcountry Campground is closed Dec 1–June 23.
Near Maude and Lawson Lakes
All places →All trails →
0.8 mi awayTurbine Canyon Backcountry CampgroundQuiet backcountry camp near a dramatic alpine canyonRestroom · Campground
0.9 mi awayTurbine CanyonRemote, narrow canyon beside a serviced backcountry campgroundScenic Viewpoint · Campground
2.2 mi awayMount Black PrinceA rugged 2,932-metre summit above Black Prince CirqueTrailhead · Restroom
3.5 mi awaySouth Kananaskis PassA wild, view-rich saddle linking Three Isle to Beatty basinScenic Viewpoint
4.3 mi awayBlack Prince Cirque InterpretiveFamily-friendly 4.2 km loop to Warspite Lake beneath Black Prince CirqueEasy · 2.6 mi · 2 hr
4.4 mi awayWarspite Lake (Black Prince Cirque)Family-friendly lollipop walk to Warspite Lake beneath Black Prince CirqueEasy · 2.6 mi · 1.5 hr
4.6 mi awayMaude-LawsonSteep alpine climb from Forks to Turbine CanyonChallenging · 4.8 mi · 2.5 hr
5.2 mi awayBlackshale Suspension Bridge TrailShort loop to a 73 m suspension bridge over Blackshale Creek.Easy · 0.6 mi · 30 min
