Distance: 13.8km

Elevation: 766m

Rating: Moderate

Remoteness: This is a busy hike, we recommend sunrise or sunset here to avoid the crowds!

Distance from Calgary: 66km, 1 hour

Moose Mountain is a fantastic hike for all ages and experience levels. It’s also a great trail running route. It’s namesake comes from its resemblance to a resting moose’s form on the horizon. The trailhead access is 7km up Moose Mountain road from Highway 66. Moose Mountain road is closed December 1-May 14, but is still accessible by bike. This being said, be weary of mountain bikers while driving up this road, as there are many popular mountain biking pathways here.

The first 4km of this hike meanders on wide trail through the forest. This is a great leg warm up, as there is only 138m of elevation. Eventually, you come to a large bend in the path heading west. This is where the forest opens up and the real fun begins.

The easy-to-follow trail becomes more rocky and follows short switch backs for another 1.8km (282m of elevation) until the Northeast peak of Moose Mountain. The surrounding grassy peaks, and views of the prairies are gorgeous! The wind can be pretty treacherous up here, as there are no higher surrounding peaks to block the wind. Bring layers even on a warm day!

The final push to the summit is another 1.1km (113m of elevation). This can look daunting form the Northeast peak, but is highly worth doing! Good thing there’s lots to look at on your breaks!

The top of this peak has an active fire lookout hut responsible for over 5000 square km of forest. Be respectful of this hut, as there are staff living there. There is also a picnic table on the peak giving you a not-so-rustic place to eat your snacks and drink your beer!

Keep an eye out for Bighorn Sheep, as they frequent the grassy slopes!

I highly recommend doing this hike at sunrise or sunset at least once. I mean…look at that view! This mountain takes golden hour seriously!