Hidden Lake Hike. Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Kananaskis Country.

Hidden Lake is located approximately 170km south west of the city of Calgary in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park Kananaskis Country. This hike is considered moderate with an elevation gain under 200 Meters. Approximate distance to the lake is 7km allow 5.5 hours for a return trip. The trailhead is unmarked and can be found approximately half way around the Upper Kananaskis Lake trail. You can start at either of two parking lots found on the Upper Kananaskis Lake. One on the east side of the lake and the other on the north west side of the Upper Kananaskis Lake. Once you're on the Upper Kananaskis Lake trail you want to head for the north west point of Upper Kananaskis Lake and look for a simple walking sign that has Hidden Lake etched on it by other hikers. There is no official sign pointing the way into Hidden Lake. I guess for some unknown reason they want to keep it hidden. Once you find this etched sign follow a southerly well worn trail a short distance to Hidden Lake. Hidden Lake is somewhat disappointing. It's an intermittent lake and it's water is dull grey in color. The entire lake seems void of any wildlife and it certainly is not inviting. The bare shore line shows it fluctuates in height and it looks man made although it isn't. I've been told that Hidden Lake recedes in late fall then turns into a muddy flat. It supposedly has a hole in the middle of the lake bed where Fossil Creek drains underground into the Upper Kananaskis Lake. If you work your way towards the south east corner of Hidden Lake you will find the trailhead leading towards Fossil Falls and Astor Lake. Trailheads to Fossil Falls, Rawson 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.