Rawson Lake is a beautiful green lake sitting below the sheer cliffs of Mt. Sarrail in Kananaskis Country. The trail starts at the upper Kananaskis Lake parking area and leads off west along the lakeshore. At about 1km (past Sarrail Falls), turn left up the slope. The trail is fairly steep, but only for about 1.5km.
Once at the lake you can fish, relax or explore. Some have gone up the grassy slope at the SW corner of the lake. Although very steep, it is short and affords great views back to the lake.
Be aware that grizzlies have been spotted at the south end of the lake. Watch for pikas in the rocks as you walk around the lake.
NTS Map: 082J11
Elevation Gain: 305 m (1,000 ft).
Directions:
Park at the upper Kananaskis Lake parking area and take the trail to the west (left).
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ByPosted By: 6mcneills
- Mon Sep 05 23:18:22 EDT 2011
Not Rated
UpsideAbsolutely stunning views at the top. The lake nestled in with the mountains truly was gorgeous.
DownsideElevation gain was 1000 feet over about 1.5 - 2 km of trail...in other words it is steep for us out of shape folk and I truly nearly blacked out. My extra 75 lbs of baggage (aka my butt) was probably the main issue.
CommentI am so proud that my 4 kids and I all made it up this climb. Bring lots of water.
ByPosted By: longleggedhiker
- Tue Jan 11 15:25:32 EST 2011
UpsideDefinitley one of the best day hikes in Kananaskis Country. The trail isnt overly strenous and the scenic value is outstanding!
DownsideThere really is no downside to this hike other than the fact that it is quite popular.
CommentThis is a must hike for anyone is the area. You start out on the easy Upper Kananskis Lake trail for 1.2 km before heading up the hill for 2.7 km to Rawson Lake. You are in the shade most of the time so this is ideal for a hot summers day!
Hiking to the lake an back takes only about 2 hours so you should give yourself an extra hour to spend sitting arround at the lake and enjoying the area!
ByPosted By: mountain momma
- Sat Aug 08 14:19:43 EDT 2009
Not Rated
UpsideBeautiful, easy snowshoe
DownsideShort
CommentI have snowshoed this multiple times & love it. It's always a great day out!
ByPosted By: adoukas
- Mon Jun 08 13:34:24 EDT 2009
UpsideThis was a fun hike that would have been fairly easy (probably too easy) if it weren't for the few feet of snow near the top. I'm sure the lake is beautiful when it's not snow-covered! A fairly short hike to get the season started, and even half-covered in snow it wasn't difficult.
DownsideThe lake was still snow and ice-covered on June 7!
CommentFun hike - it would have been better if the lake hadn't still been inundated with snow, but it was a novelty to be knee-deep in the white stuff again getting into the middle of June.
ByPosted By: outofshape
- Tue Sep 16 19:25:04 EDT 2008
UpsideGreat walk to do with kids - 5.5 year old made it there in 1.5 hours....
Downsidedon't let kids run on the scree!!!!!
CommentLoved it - great introduction to what K-Country has to offer!!!!
ByPosted By: Mapitfirst
- Mon Sep 17 17:51:44 EDT 2007
UpsideScenic value is excellent for the amount of effort required to get there.
DownsideA little too busy if you want a quiet get-away
CommentA perfect hike for kids. My six year old made it no troubles although lots of snack breaks and distractions are required. The four year old that was with us had to go in the carrier for the last half kilometer.
ByPosted By: brauks
- Mon Aug 15 09:55:16 EDT 2005
UpsideA good short challenge for beginners, with a nice reward at the end. Absolutely fantastic fishing, as the no keep limit has allowed the trout to get to a nice size.
DownsideAs it is fairly short, it is fairly popular.
CommentMakes for a great late afternoon hike. Round trip can be done in under 3 hours.
ByPosted By: sdecarie
- Tue Aug 02 13:34:03 EDT 2005
UpsideExcellent views of lake when you arrive
DownsideTrail is steep in places
CommentIt's relatively easy walk and can be crowded at times
Posted By: 6mcneills
Posted By: longleggedhiker
Posted By: mountain momma
Posted By: brauks
Posted By: sdecarie
