Hike Alberta
500 m N
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Plateau Mountain Trail

Near Elkford · Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 45 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

1 km Open the map

About this trail

Plateau Mountain Trail is a 12.8 km out and back trail near Elkford in Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve. It runs 6.4 km each way. The route gains 303 m in total and tops out at 2,491 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 4 hours of moving time. It meets Plateau Mountain Alternate Route at 3.4 km, and passes four other mapped junctions. Two side branches with the same name split off the route, at 4.7 km and 6.4 km. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Also used for mountain biking.

Length
12.8km
6.4 km each way
Elevation gain
303m
Estimated time
4h
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,491m
Lowest point
2,244m

Elevation profile

2,244 m to 2,491 m
2,4912,244 0 km6.4 km

Highest point 2,491 m, lowest 2,244 m, 303 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 11% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

43% LTE · 57% 5G

Longest modelled gap
0.0 km
Model
2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Good for

  • Hiking, Mountain biking
  • Views, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 50.2255° N, 114.5549° W.

Driving directions

Kananaskis Conservation Pass

Vehicle pass required when parking

Buy pass

Pass details

Vehicles parked at provincial park and public land sites in Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley need this pass. It is registered to the licence plate. People arriving without a vehicle do not need one, and official exemptions and free days may apply.

$15 daily for one vehicle · $90 yearly for up to three vehicles

Information and prices checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 5 trails in Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30