Larch Hike @ Arethusa Cirque Route

Join Josh for a casual autumn hike through the larches and alpine scenery of Arethusa Cirque in Kananaskis! We’ll enjoy mountain views, fresh air and good company, with time for photos along the way.
We’re hiking after peak larch season, so the colours may not be as vibrant as earlier in the fall. Come for the mountain scenery and company, with any remaining golden larches as a bonus!
To officially RSVP, book your ticket here:
https://adventurecalgary.com/events/?s=larch-hike-arethusa-cirque-route
Choose a FREE self-drive ticket or a PAID carpool ticket for a seat with Josh. Marking yourself “Going” on Facebook does not complete your RSVP.
• 8:45 am: Those carpooling with Josh meet at his place in Crestmont.
• 9:00 am: Depart Calgary from Crestmont. Josh’s carpool leaves promptly.
• 10:30 am: Meet at the Arethusa Cirque trailhead.
• 10:45 am: Hiking starts promptly. No exceptions. Please be parked, geared up and ready to go.
The route is approximately 4.5 km with 380 m of elevation gain, following a loop rated moderate on AllTrails. Allow roughly 2–3 hours of hiking, with additional time for breaks, photos and conditions. This is an unofficial, unmaintained route with limited signage, uneven ground, loose rock and some steep sections.
View the route on AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/arethusa-cirque-route
Although this is a relatively short hike, this outing is for people with previous hiking experience and a reasonable level of fitness. No novice hikers or first-timers, please. You should be comfortable hiking uphill and downhill on rough terrain and managing your own equipment and needs.
From Calgary, take Highway 1 west, then Exit 118 onto Highway 40 south. Continue approximately 1.4 km beyond Highwood Meadows Day Use/Highwood Pass and look for the unmarked dirt parking area on the left/east side. The trail begins at the north end of this parking area. Allow extra time for traffic and parking. There are no toilets at the trailhead; plan your washroom stop beforehand. Download your map and directions before leaving, as cell coverage is unreliable.
At the time of writing, the weekend weather is looking promising, but the preceding days have brought snowfall. Alberta Parks is also reporting wet trails and snow at higher elevations in the area. Prepare for changing conditions, including snow, ice, mud, wind and cold, even if Calgary feels warm.
Bring:
• Microspikes and sturdy hiking footwear.
• Bear spray, readily accessible, and know how to use it.
• Warm layers, a waterproof outer layer, gloves and a warm hat.
• Water, lunch/snacks, a headlamp and your usual hiking essentials.
• An offline trail map. Hiking poles are recommended.
We may adjust the route, turn back or cancel if conditions make proceeding unsuitable.
Carpooling with Josh is available for a contribution toward gas. Reserve your paid carpool ticket through the event link above. Departure is from the Crestmont neighbourhood in Calgary; inquire for the exact address. Street parking is available near Josh’s house.
Expect a full vehicle and limited luggage space. Pack light and expect to hold your backpack on your lap, while still bringing all essential hiking gear.
There is no charge to attend if you drive yourself, but please reserve your free self-drive ticket. Vehicles parked at the trailhead require a valid Kananaskis Conservation Pass, unless exempt. Passes are $15 per vehicle for a day or $90 annually. This is a vehicle requirement, so passengers do not each need their own pass.
Arrange your pass before leaving:
https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass
This is a casual, informal hike, not a professionally guided event. Josh has approximately two decades of personal hiking experience, but no professional guiding experience or first-aid qualifications. Everyone participates voluntarily at their own risk and is responsible for their own safety, preparation, decisions and ability to complete the hike.