Fossil Falls Hike. Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country.

Fossil Falls are located approximately 170km south west of the city of Calgary in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Kananaskis Country. This hike is considered difficult with an elevation gain of under 647 Meters. Approximate distance to the falls is 9km allow 6.5 hours for a return trip. The trailhead is unmarked and can be found at the south east end of Hidden Lake. See the Hidden Lake page for directions to Hidden Lake. Once you reach Hidden Lake work your way towards the south east corner of the lake. There you will find two large leaning spruce trees forming what looks like a tall pointed arch over a well worn trail. This is the trail that leads to Fossil Falls and Aster Lake. The trail is muddy and steep with several obstacles along the way. Keep working your way up the trail through the old growth forest until you reach the tree line. From here the trail forks left towards a headwall below Aster Lake and right towards Fossil Falls. Views of Fossil Falls and back towards Hidden Lake, Upper Kananaskis Lake and Mount Invincible are unforgettable. You can now clearly hear the sound of the waterfall and see the mist rising around it's base. This is a nice spot to stop for lunch. You can reach the base of the falls by working your way left along the talus slope. Trailheads to Rawson Lake, Hidden Lake, Astor Lake and Three Isle Lake are all located in this area. Nearby campgrounds are Boulton Creek campground, Lower Lake Campground, Canyon Creek campground, Elkwood campground and Mount Sarrail campground. You are in bear country.