Amazing Larches at Pocaterra Ridge (and Pocaterra Cirque)
It's a glorious mid-September day and Pocaterra Ridge trail is full of hikers. We share a common goal: to see golden larch trees. In short order, we will be rewarded with not only amazing larches, but a cirque, tarn, and stunning ridge walk. If you don't have time to complete the ridge walk, the first summit is a scenic stopping point. Even Pocaterra Cirque, 2.5 km from the parking lot, gets you into larch country! Return the way you came, or complete the ridge walk (car shuttle recommended), as time and energy allow.
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View from Pocaterra Ridge, Kananaskis |
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Shaking hands with a larch tree! (You can because the needles are soft.) |
Pocaterra Cirque and Pocaterra Ridge Trip Report
From Highwood Meadows Trail, after 200 metres we cross a little bridge and arrive at the turnoff to Pocaterra Ridge (on your left). We follow the narrow trail through the meadow, then head left into the woods. The trail is heavily shaded and the trees are laden with Old Man's Beard.![]() |
Turn off Highwood Meadows Trail here |
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Pocaterra Cirque is at centre and Pocaterra Ridge is the brown slope on the right. |
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Gaining elevation on Pocaterra Ridge Trail |
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Sun shines through the larches |
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Bouldering on Pocaterra Ridge Trail |
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Tarn in Pocaterra Cirque |
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Marko, Amelie and I on Pocaterra Ridge |
Pocaterra Ridge is a spectacular hike year round, but even better during larch season. To avoid the crowds, go early or midweek!
Pocaterra Cirque/Ridge Trail at a Glance
- To the tarn: 2.1 km, 200 m elevation gain
- To the cirque: 2.5 km to the cirque, 225 m
- To the ridge: 4 km, 450 m
- To Little Highwood Pass Day Use Area: 8.9 km, 950 m
- Start at Highwood Pass to save 300 m elevation gain.
- Cumulative elevation gain is significantly greater than 950 m as you go over several humps, including 4 summits.
- There is a creek crossing and some route finding at the north end of the trail (near Little Highwood Pass).
Washrooms? Pit toilets at parking lot
Parking: Highwood Pass Parking Lot (leave a car/bike at Little Highwood Pass Day Use Area if doing a car shuttle and completing the whole ridgewalk)
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Pocaterra Ridge Trail |
Getting There
Pocaterra Ridge Trail starts at Highwood Pass 140 km SW of Calgary. Take Highway 1 west out of town to the Kananaskis Trail/Hwy 40 turnoff. Stay on Hwy 40 for 67 km. The marked parking lot - Highwood Pass - will be on your right.
Nearby Amenities
Kananaskis Village (26 km south of Hwy 1) has dining and lodging.
Fortress Junction (42 km south of Hwy 1) is your last chance for gas, water, and snacks.
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More Larch Hikes
- Year Round Fun at Chester Lake, Kananaskis
- Ptarmigan Cirque: The Best Short Hike in Kananaskis
- Saddleback and Mount Fairview, Lake Louise
- Larch Valley & Sentinel Pass, Lake Louise
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