Little Highwood Pass Trail

Little Highwood Pass is a rough 9 km (5.6 mi) out-and-back from Highwood Meadows Day Use to a high saddle at about 2,550 m. Allow around four hours. The route runs through Pocaterra Cirque, passes a small tarn, then climbs to the pass for broad views toward Pocaterra Ridge, Tyrwhitt Cirque and Grizzly Col. The 4.5 km figure is one way to the saddle; turn around there and retrace the same route.

Start on the established Highwood Meadows path and stay on it through the fragile alpine meadow rather than cutting across it. Beyond the large boulder, the route climbs through trees, drops across an avalanche path to a small creek, then rises west into the cirque. Skirt the tarn and follow the grassy strip beside talus to find the northbound line to the pass. The trail becomes faint away from the established path, so route-finding is part of the hike.

The last approach crosses rough grass, talus and snow patches; the snow can change what the tread looks like. At the saddle, Pocaterra Creek drops northwest and Pocaterra Ridge stands to the east. Look south across Pocaterra and Tyrwhitt cirques toward Grizzly Col. This is the natural place to pause for a wide photo that shows the pass and the cirques; then return the way you came.

Use the Highwood Meadows Day Use lot on Highway 40; pit/vault toilets are listed there. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for vehicles parked in the area. Highway 40 over Highwood Pass closes annually from December 1 through June 14 inclusive, so check the road status before planning the drive. Dogs are allowed on leash. No dependable water source is documented along the route.