Hogarth Lakes Loop

Hogarth Lakes Loop is a low-climb winter circuit from Burstall Pass Day Use Area, circling Mud Lake and several smaller Hogarth Lakes through forest and open shorelines. Plan about 4.3 km (2.7 mi) and roughly 1–2 hours. Alberta Parks lists 3.9 km; the connected mapped route measures about 4.3 km including the Burstall trail access segment, close to other route estimates of 4.2–4.5 km. Use the longer figure to plan the full walk.

The clockwise route passes a dam, turns by Mud Lake, follows its shore under forest, then bends toward the first Hogarth Lake. Snowshoe markers lead through trees and along several small lakes. Shoreline openings look toward the surrounding peaks, including Commonwealth Peak. From an open shore, keep some lake in the foreground to show how the mountains rise above the trees.

The return crosses Burstall Creek and follows the marked line through trees and across the Mud Lake area before turning back toward the parking lot. Check the markers at junctions rather than following other tracks; the winter route can be easy to leave if you miss a marker.

Alberta Parks labels the route Winter Only and lists winter hiking, snowshoeing and fat biking. Other descriptions call it year-round, but summer use is not consistently supported and the route is not presented as a maintained summer hiking path. Treat this as a winter outing. Its 30 m of reported elevation gain keeps the grade gentle, though snow conditions and route markers still affect the walk.

Start at Burstall Pass Day Use Area on Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road, across from the Chester Lake trailhead parking area. Pit/vault toilets are listed there; drinking water was not found. Vehicles parked in Kananaskis need a Conservation Pass. Dogs are allowed on leash, and Alberta Parks sets a 35-person group limit for this trail. Stay on the Hogarth loop at the shared access; Burstall Pass is a separate, much longer hike.