Events - Event View

The hike to Chester Lake will be rescheduled at a later date due to annual seasonal closure to allow the area to dry and prevent damage and reduce environmental degradation.  Stay tuned. 

Description:  The Watridge Lake and Karst Spring Hike is an easy 9.2 kilometer walk to a beautifully lake and is one of the finest Cutthroat Lakes in Alberta.  The trail is along a wide pathway with minimal elevation changes and there is lots to look at and enjoy.

This trail offers spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies with a truly magical hiking experience. If you are looking for a quiet hike with very few people, this is the one for you, with even some fantastic wildlife-viewing opportunities. The route is well maintained and clearly marked, and is mostly not difficult for most users. The first couple of kilometers are on a wide trail before entering into thick forest.

Once we reach the lake, Karston Trail travels father into the forest. Between the filtering light, moss covered rocks and towering trees and streams run alongside the trail, making this a very unique hike into some old growth forest which is an experience less common in most Rocky Mountain parks. At the end, there is a short steep climb which takes you to a waterfall for great photo opportunity during the warm season.

•  Events are subject to cancellation or change on short notice due to changes in government   

   restrictions.

•  Carpooling - use at your own discretion and what you are comfortable with.

•  No food / snack sharing.

•  Bring your own wipes and hand sanitizer and a mask.

•  Social distancing and any other rules set out by authorities must be followed. Please respect

   others.

•  Washrooms may not be available - please be prepared to pack out what you bring in, such as

   Toilet paper, etc.

•  Please make yourself aware of the risks in participating in this sort of event and decide

   accordingly.

•  Don`t forget the usual items; bear spray, proper clothing, water, food, equipment and first aid kit.

•  Trip participants are asked to provide their cell contact information and emergency contact

    information to the trip coordinator, prior to, due to the 'meet at trail head' requirement.

•  Please do not sign up if you are experiencing any flu like, cold, or Covid19 symptoms.

Hiking Distance:                  9.2 Kilometers / 3 to 4 Hours (Return Trip)

Elevation Gain:                    60 Meters / 200 Feet

Maximum Elevation Gain:  1798 Meters / 5900 Feet

Travel Distance:                  153 Kilometers One Way / 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

Difficulty Level:                   Easy to Moderate

Rendezvous Point:  North Edworthy Park, northeast corner.  Please arrive 15 minutes before so a vehicle convey can be arranged, as we will be leaving at 8:00 a.m. sharp.  

Event Coordinator:  For inquiries, please contact the event coordinator Lori at (403) 283-7386 or by email ldavidson@telus.net.  On the day of the event, call or text me at (403) 803-2953 if your plans have changed.

Guest Policy:  The Club is currently discouraging guests of a member, from outside the club, attending an event at this time due to the pandemic situation and potential liability issues.  Once the government has lifted and has relaxed restrictions, guests are more than welcome to attend two events, as per the Calgary Ski Club Policy. 

Carpooling Costs:

Policy on Pets:  As this is a busy and popular trail, pets will not be allowed.  

Please ensure that you have purchased your Kananaskis Conservation Pass ahead of time.