Green Monster Icefall via Evan-Thomas Creek Trail

Date: January 10, 2026
Hike Start Time: 8:00AM
Hike Finish Time: 1pm-2pm (approximate)
Distance: 12km
Elevation gain: 500m
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

If you missed Sibel's recent hike to Green Monster, here is another chance.

The Green Monster hike is one of the most popular hikes in Kananaskis Country. It is about 12km round trip and follows the Evan-Thomas Creek which will lead us all the way to the Green Monster waterfall/icefall. The terrain is mostly flat however we will be crossing the creek several times and microspikes will come in handy for this hike. Please make sure you bring them with you. There is one tricky section with a steep hill and a very narrow exposed ledge. However, there are chains and ropes attached to the rockface to assist with crossing this section of the trail. Since we are hiking out and back be prepared to navigate this section twice.

Note: We are starting at 8am to avoid the bottleneck at the chains. It is a much nicer experience without the crowds and worth the early start.

What to bring:

• Hiking shoes/boots with good treads.
• Hiking poles if you like to use them or for better control and balance.
• Microspikes.
• Foam pad (many options out there - shop around)
• Please dress in layers.
• Plenty of water - For winter hiking: use an insulated mug to keep your water from freezing or getting too cold to drink. If you use a water bladder, use an Insulation sleeve for the hose. Have some extra water (or hot tea) in your car to enjoy after the hike.
• Nutritious, energy-boosting lunch/snack.
• Bear spray. Many have asked 'why in winter'? Here is a good article, and here is another. Also, our group sometimes separates into smaller groups, so if you ever end up in a group of two or three it is important that at least one person has bear spray.
• Personal first aid kit.
• Toilet paper (and a bag to carry it out after use).

Carpooling/Park Pass

If anyone needs a ride from the city, please make arrangements with fellow hikers and consider a contribution to your driver for gas and Kananaskis park pass. Unfortunately, I am unable to offer rides at this time.

Weather

Evan-Thomas Creek Weather

Meeting Spot - Meet at the trailhead at 8AM

Evan-Thomas Day Use Area (use this link for navigation)

References

Green Monster - Evan Thomas - Loop (Alltrails)
Kananaskis Pass
Be Bear Smart
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
GROW Kananaskis
Highway Conditions
Avalanche Canada

Contact

If you have any questions please call/text me at 416-876-1765.

Waiver - by signing up for this event you acknowledge and accept the following:

"I acknowledge that this activity in which I am participating, organized by Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and/or its members, involves risks which are beyond the control of the group. Notwithstanding the acknowledgement of such risks, I hereby release the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures and its organizers from all claims for damage however so arising as a result of my participation in this and any other activity organized by the Alpine Wellness Hiking Adventures. I affirm that I am aware of the nature of this activity, its length, duration and degrees of difficulty and that I am properly equipped and physically able to participate. I have no medical or other condition which might preclude my participation. I agree to pay the cost of emergency evacuation of my person and/or my belongings that may be necessary. I agree to follow the directions of the organizer(s) and any assistants at all times."

Photo Credit: Andrew Sproate - Alltrails (Green Monster Hike)