The best running trails around Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake)

There are over 19 dedicated jogging routes in Area A, encompassing Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the Kinbasket Lake region. These routes offer a diverse range of experiences, from easy riverside paths to challenging alpine trails.

Yes, Area A offers several easy options. The Wapta Falls loop from Wapta Falls Parking is an easy 2.4-mile (3.9 km) trail through the forest. Additionally, the Rotary Trail system in Golden provides gentle, flat routes alongside the Kicking Horse River, perfect for a relaxed run. At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the CPR Ridge Trail and 'It's a Ten' are also considered easy options.

Absolutely! The Wapta Falls loop from Wapta Falls Parking leads directly to the impressive Wapta Falls. The Kinbasket Lake area is also known for its glacial-fed waters and numerous creeks and waterfalls, offering beautiful natural features to discover during your run.

Joggers in Area A are treated to breathtaking scenery. You can expect majestic views of the Rocky Mountains, the expansive Columbia River Wetlands, and the Blaeberry and Columbia River Valleys. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers panoramic alpine vistas and wildflower meadows, while routes near Golden provide picturesque views of the Kicking Horse River. The vast Kinbasket Lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, offering a rugged wilderness backdrop.

Yes, for experienced trail runners seeking a challenge, Area A has plenty to offer. The The Secretary-Treasurer – Laughing Falls loop from Takakkaw Falls is a difficult 12.7-mile (20.4 km) path with significant elevation gain through dramatic mountain scenery. Another demanding option is the Peaceful Pond – Yoho Lake loop from Emerald Lake, which covers over 12 miles (20 km) with substantial elevation changes.

Yes, many of the routes in Area A are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Running loop from Emerald Lake, the Wapta Falls loop from Wapta Falls Parking, and the challenging The Secretary-Treasurer – Laughing Falls loop from Takakkaw Falls.

While running, you might encounter several interesting landmarks. Near Golden, the Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge, Canada's longest freestanding timber frame bridge, offers a scenic river crossing. At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, the Eagle's Eye Restaurant, Canada's highest elevated restaurant, is a unique sight. You can also find natural attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the broader region.

Yes, the region offers options for families. The easier trails, such as the Rotary Trail system in Golden or the CPR Ridge Trail at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, are generally well-maintained and have gentler gradients, making them suitable for families with children or those looking for a less strenuous outing.

The best time for jogging in Area A is typically during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months (May to October). During this period, trails are generally clear of snow, and the weather is pleasant. Alpine trails at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort are best enjoyed in summer when wildflowers are in bloom and access is easiest. Always check local trail conditions before heading out, especially in shoulder seasons.

Absolutely. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort provides excellent opportunities for alpine running. You can often take a gondola to higher elevations, allowing you to quickly access alpine meadows and ridge lines. This provides immediate access to trails with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains without the strenuous initial climb, such as the CPR Ridge Trail.

Yes, the region is rich with water features. The Rotary Trail system in Golden meanders alongside the Kicking Horse River, offering a beautiful, flat route. The Running loop from Emerald Lake provides scenic views around the lake. Kinbasket Lake itself, a vast reservoir, offers opportunities for longer, more rugged runs along its extensive shoreline and forestry roads.

The terrain in Area A is highly varied. You'll find everything from flat, paved paths along riverfronts to single-track trails through dense forests and rugged alpine environments. Elevation changes can range from minimal on routes like the Rotary Trail to significant gains of over 780 meters (2,500 feet) on challenging mountain trails such as The Secretary-Treasurer – Laughing Falls loop.