Raspberry Ridge Trail: best hike to see wildflowers
Raspberry Ridge Trail is a lesser-known trail in the Kananaskis area. This moderately-challenging hike offers a unique perspective of the Kananaskis Valley and is my absolute favourite. Even the name of the trail is cute!
I didn’t see any raspberries along the way, but there were beautiful summer wildflowers dancing in the meadows all along the trail. I did this hike in July and it was such a dream to walk along the mountains peaks that seemed to go on forever in the distance. If you’re looking for more hikes to do in Kananaskis, here are 7 summer hikes you also need to visit.
Distance: 10 km round trip
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation: 650 m
Difficulty: moderate
Raspberry Ridge Trail Hiking Guide
- How to get to the Raspberry Ridge Trailhead
- Purchase a Kananaskis park pass
- Best time to hike Raspberry Ridge trail
- What to pack on your day hike
- Beautiful viewpoint along Raspberry Ridge Trail
Getting to Raspberry Ridge Trail
Google map the Raspberry Ridge trailhead which is along Range Rd 52A near Longview, AB. It is a 1 hour and 35 minute drive south of the city of Calgary. When you are near the trail, you’ll see a small pull off on the right of the gravel road. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see a red sign beside a road gate that leads to another gravel road – this is the start of your hike.
How to get a pass to visit Kananaskis area
Since Raspberry Ridge is in the Kananaskis region of Alberta, you will need the Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in this area. The funds help support the Alberta Parks in the region to help maintain the area for future generations.
If you are planning just a day trip to Kananaskis, you can purchase the pass online for $15.75. If you plan on visiting Kananaskis Country & The Bow Valley Corridor more than once during your summer, consider getting the annual pass which is $94.50. There is also an option of purchasing a multi-day pass if you intend on staying overnight to do some camping.
I would suggest you purchasing your pass online when you have cell service, as the reception can be limited.
Best time to hike Raspberry Ridge
The best times to visit this trail is definitely in the summer months between June to September. Mid-July is the best time to see all the beautiful wildflowers. If you’re hiking in the peak summer days, make sure you pack all your essential items including your sunhat, sunscreen, bug spray and hydration flask.
The Raspberry Ridge trail does open up in May, however, you are likely to still see snow and the wildflowers are not going to be in full bloom just yet. If you do hike early in the season, check out AllTrails for trail updates and be prepared for wet and muddy conditions during this time. Bear activity is also more frequent during May, so be sure to be prepared and check the latest updates from Parks Alberta.
Other hikes to do in kananaskis
What to pack on your day hike
- hiking shoes
- hiking backpack
- water, snacks and lunch
- tissues, hand wipes
- sunscreen + mosquito repellant
- bear spray
- comfortable clothing/layers/rain jacket (weather may change quickly)
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Beautiful Viewpoints along Raspberry Ridge Trail
Raspberry Ridge Trail is my all time favourite Alberta hike because of the delicate summer wildflowers that dance in the meadows. The views here are so incredible that it feels like I’ve left Canada and am transported to the mountains of Switzerland. I hope you give this hike a try this summer and you’ll quickly see why Raspberry Ridge trail is one of those hidden gems in Kananaskis.
