Rae Lake

Overview

Rae Lake is a small, quiet alpine bowl tucked above a broad valley—rewarding but not instant‑gratification. Expect a long approach on a wide multi‑use trail before a short, faint path winds through larch thickets and meadows to the water. It’s a classic PLPP day that feels wild without technical difficulty.

Route at a Glance

• Distance/elevation: roughly 17–18 km round trip with about 350–400 m of gain; plan for a full day.
• Difficulty: easy to moderate—the length and a short off‑trail, brushy section are the main challenges.
• Route‑finding: look for a large cairn marking the turn from the main valley trail; from there a boot‑beaten track leads to the lake with occasional muddy/boggy patches and small creek crossings.
• Pro tip: many people bike the wide multi‑use portion to the cairn, lock the bikes, then hike the final leg.

Getting There & Facilities

Most hikers start from the Elbow Pass/Elbow Lake trailhead on Highway 40. Another common approach uses the Elk Pass Day Use area, with Upper Lake Day Use as a nearby backup if lots are full. Day‑use areas typically have pit/vault toilets. For flush facilities, the Peter Lougheed Discovery Centre on Kananaskis Lakes Road offers them during winter hours (Dec 1–Mar 31) daily 9:00 am–4:15 pm, closed Dec 25.

What You’ll See

The approach follows an open alpine valley with big‑sky views, summer wildflowers, and a quiet cirque‑style lake at the end. Nearby larches add a golden ring in early fall—worth timing if you’re a color‑chaser.

Wildlife & Trail Etiquette

This is typical Kananaskis country: carry bear spray, make noise, and manage food properly. The valley trail is shared with hikers, cyclists, and sometimes horses—yield appropriately and keep groups tight.

Camping

There are established backcountry sites at Elbow Lake, but none at Rae Lake. Treat Rae as a day trip and leave no trace at the shoreline.

Best Time to Visit

Mid/late summer through early fall is ideal once snow’s gone; early fall adds larch color. Start early to build in time for the distance and to sidestep common afternoon thunderstorm risk. In winter, expect limited building hours for facilities and be extra diligent about current access and conditions.

Logistics Checklist

Before you go, check: seasonal access on Highway 40, any park advisories or closures, current trail conditions, weather (especially storms), and whether a vehicle pass is required for Kananaskis parking.