The trailhead for KCR begins almost directly across Highway 40 from the Kananaskis Lakes turn-off. There's a short road leading down to a parking lot, but depending on the time of year there might be a gate blocking it off. If this is the case you can just pull off on the side of the highway.

After immediately crossing over King Creek, the trail leaves the highway and quickly gains elevation up to KCR's southern end. There were lots of crisscrossing and interweaving trails, all of which should eventually lead to the same place. Thanks to the steepness of the trail, it wasn't long before we were already enjoying beautiful morning views across to Mount Lawson to the north and the Kananaskis Lakes to the south.

We quickly gained elevation up the trail, weaving our way through the pretty wildflower-covered slopes, and soon reached the ridge, at which point the slope eased off significantly and we started the traverse to the summit, still a couple kilometers away.

Having already done most of the work - gaining the majority of the elevation in the first 1.5 km - we took our time easily strolling up the ridge, soaking in the absolutely stunning views around us. The view back to Mount Wintour was absolutely incredible throughout the traverse, but equally impressive was the scene across the vibrant, hidden valley to the east with the jagged Opal Range rearing up on the opposite side!

Before long we arrived at the false summit where we took some more time to admire that beautiful K-Country scenery before continuing along the final short traverse to the ever-so-slightly higher true summit.

As one would expect, views from the true summit were nearly identical to those from the false summit, and after signing the register we promptly started back down the ridge in search of a route down to the saddle to climb peak #2!

Photo Gallery

Looking up to KCR from the trailhead.

Hundreds of pretty wildflowers line the trail as we climb KCR's west slopes.

Steep trail = early views! Looking across to Mounts Lawson, Inflexible, and James Walker shortly after starting out.

Kaitlyn continues up the trail, with the views improving with every step.

Beautiful morning views across to Kananaskis Lakes.

It wasn't long before we reached the ridge, where the slope eased off significantly as we started the traverse to the summit. While we'd already gained most of the elevation, the summit was still about 1.7 km away.

The view back to Mount Wintour was absolutely incredible throughout the traverse!

Mount Brock rises across the beautifully green valley, tucked away to the east.

Mount Warspite's unique shape is hard to miss.

Continuing up the ridge. Photo credit: Dad

First view up to our main objective, Mount Hood, rising across the valley.

The highest point of the Opal Range, Mount Evan-Thomas, rises ahead.

Mount Packenham is a daunting peak!

The sun illuminates the uniquely grassy slopes below!

Taking the final steps to reach the false summit.

Lawson, Inflexible, James Walker, and The Fortress form a long wall on the opposite side of Highway 40.

Fox, Foch, Sarrail, Joffre, Mangin, Indefatigable, Lyautey, and Invincible impress beyond Kananaskis Lakes!

A closer look at the 11,000er, Mount Joffre.

Talk about an impressive mountain range! Mounts Burney, Jerram, Elpoca, and Wintour (L to R)!

Given the simplicity of KCR, it's got to be one of the most "bang for your buck" hikes in Kananaskis! (No doubt why it's so popular!) Hood, Brock, Blane, Barney, Elpoca and Wintour (L to R).

Grizzly Peak rises beyond the innocent looking Packenham Junior...Our ascent of that little peak was much more exciting than it should have been 😂.

Kaitlyn and my dad take a break on the false summit, studying the route up our next objective.

Evan-Thomas, Packenham, and Hood tower over KCR's true summit, in the shadows below.

Continuing the extra few meters to reach the true summit.

Our entry in the summit register.

Another group of hiker's arrive at the false summit.

Mount Lawson's long south ridge stretches out across the highway.

These close-up Opal Range views are absolutely stunning!

Feel's like we're in the Alps!

Time to get back on the road and climb that!

But first we've got to find a way down to the saddle...