Heart Mountain is a pretty great hike because it is challenging, close to Calgary, and it has less snow in the late spring and fall months due to its location. The mountain got its name from its distinctive heart shaped peak, and it is easily easily distinguishable on the south side of the highway.
We did our hike in late September and lucked out on some pretty great weather. That being said, the face was really windy and was a bit scary for some of the people in our group. This mountain is also not for the beginner hiker, since there is a lof of scrambling on the way up to the first summit.
Info
- Difficulty: Moderate/Scramble
- Distance: 12km return
- Altitude: 2,200 m
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Elevation Gain: 986m
Trailhead
There are a couple ways to hike Heart Mountain, but we chose to do the full Horseshoe loop. The other option is to just hike to the first summit of Heart Mountain and come right back down. The loop adds another 6km to the hike, but it provides 2 different summit views and a hike along the ridgeline. Additionally, going back down the face seemed a bit more dangerous to us than completing the full loop because of the steep rocky descent. The loop provided a more gradual decline and you will obviously see different scenery along the way.
Summit
The trail climbs steeply up the Heart mountain and it provides gorgeous views of the Bow Valley and Heart Creek Valley. Once you reach the first summit you will have superb views of Lac des Arc and Grotto Mountain. This is a really great flat spot to enjoy the alpine view and take a break.
The traverse along the ridge line is a couple kilometers and it will bring you to the second summit, which is called Grant MacEwan peak. The traverse has steep slopes on either side bit it is a fairly simple hike, you just have to be careful. Atop the second summit you will find a large inuksuk with a summit book where you can log your journey. This view overlooks Barrier Lake, Mt Baldy and the Kananaskis area.
Driving Directions
The trailhead is off Lac Des Arc overpass on Highway #1. Take Highway 1 west from Calgary past Deadmans Flats to the Seebe / Exshaw exit. The parking lot is at the start of Heart Lake Trail, and you will see signs along the highway for the turn off. The google driving direction location is Heart Creek Trail Parking Lot.
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Heart Mountain is not well marked, but it is pretty easy to find your way. You start off by following the Heart Creek Trail and after about a kilometer in you cross over creek on a wooden bridge. At this fork you turn left and there will be a small sign after about 50 meters that will direct you up the Heart Mountain Trail. This trail goes straight up the mountain to the first summit. This is where all of the scrambling on the hike occurs, so you definitely have to watch your step and take your time. About 2/3 of the way up the trail runs into a crux, It is about 2.5 meters high and is marked with a red arrow. This area can seem intimidating but it is actually fine as long as you focus on your footing.
When you get to the top, you will have reached the first summit. You can either go back down Heart Mountain or make your way along the Horse Shoe to the peak of Grant MacEwan to do the whole loop.
To finish the loop you will head south east, and there will be a distinctive trail to follow along the ridgeline to the second summit. It was pretty snowy when we did it.
You will then start your descent down the mountain and the first couple 100 meters has a bit of loose rock and shale.
When you get to the base of the mountain, you will follow the Quaite Creek trail. It passes under power lines and along side a swamp until you reach the parking area.
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Gorgeous
Thanks it was definitely beautiful from the top
Looks like a challenging hike. Great views of my old friend, the Bow River (right?)
Yes it is challenging but definitely worth the great views! Do you have any good hike suggestions in the area??
Now you’re challenging my memory because it has been quite a while since my last visit to Alberta. But, I really liked hiking along the Maligne Canyon near Jasper. My brother, who is more athletic than me, liked hiking near Peyto Lake and said it was a good exercise to descend from the lookout parking lot to lakeside and climb back. About 2,000 feet change in elevation, I believe, but I’m trusting my sometimes suspect memory. 🙂
Oh awesome, Ill look this up:)