High Rockies Trail (Peter Lougheed Section)

This 16.8 km (10.4 mi) section of the High Rockies Trail is a southbound point-to-point traverse from the Pocaterra Dam crossing to Elk Pass on the Alberta–British Columbia boundary. It threads existing park paths through Canyon Campground and Elkwood, passes Marl Lake and Boulton Creek, then follows the Fox Creek valley to the powerline gate at the pass. Allow about six hours on foot. This is a long forest-and-creek link in the Great Trail corridor, with fewer open views than the rockslide sections farther north.

The distance is one way, not a return hike. Walking back on the same line doubles the day to about 33.5 km, so arrange your own pickup or a confirmed return route before setting out; no public shuttle was verified. Pocaterra Dam is just north of Peninsula Day Use, and Elk Pass Day Use is the southern access. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for parked vehicles in the area.

The route shares its corridor with cyclists. Expect paved multi-use paths through the campground network, then dirt track, cutline and ski-trail connectors around Boulton and Fox Creeks. The Boulton trail network has several intersecting paths, so keep to the southbound High Rockies line toward Elk Pass. The final approach is a moderately steep climb beside the powerline.

South of Boulton Creek the route becomes quieter and more enclosed, following a narrow, lichen-hung forest path beside Fox Creek before widening near the pass. The Boulton-to-Elk Pass stretch is mainly about the shaded creek corridor rather than big viewpoints; the clearest opening comes at the powerline gate marking the provincial boundary. The route continues beyond the gate toward Elk Lakes, outside this segment.