Kananaskis Fire Lookout

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

This run gently climbs to a fire lookout with views of the rugged mountains and lakes in all directions. Several mountains are on the Great Divide. Views go on past the Great Divide, into British Columbia.

The fire lookout is a modern, operating fire lookout. It is visitor friendly, but please don't disturb the staff, their buildings, their equipment, or their vehicles. With that said, be sure to check the mailbox that invites visitors to sign the visitor logbook. Other goodies that enhance the visitor experience, are also in the mailbox.

This is Kananaskis Country. A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required for motor vehicle access.

This run to Kananaskis Fire Lookout begins at the Boulton Creek Store on Whiskey Jack Trail. When the end of Whiskey Jack Trail is reached, turn right onto Kananaskis Fire Tower Lookout Trail for the last 1.5 miles to arrive at the Kananaskis Fire Lookout.

Details:

Whiskey Jack Trail (first 2.4 miles)
Whiskey Jack Trail starts at the Boulton Creek Store. From the parking lot, head toward the store and the raised outdoor area with picnic tables. Circle around on the pavement behind the picnic tables, bearing left to continue on the pavement behind the store, and then continue straight ahead. Although there is no trailhead sign, this is the start of Whiskey Jack Trail. There are occasional small Whiskey Jack Trail signs along the way, if one looks closely.

Whiskey Jack Trail runs through Boulton Creek Campground for its first 0.6 miles. Two paved campground roads are crossed. After passing some campground maintenance buildings to the left, the trail leaves civilization behind.

Climbing gradually, now on a wide dirt path, the trail is surrounded by forest. Occasionally there are mountain views ahead on this wide open trail. After a total of 2.4 miles, a trail junction with a picnic table is reached. Marking the end of Whiskey Jack Trail, this is a good place to take a break.

Kananaskis Fire Tower Lookout Trail (last 1.5 miles)
From Whiskey Jack Trail, go right onto Kananaskis Fire Tower Lookout Trail. Although still in the forest, continuing to climb, the views get better and better. After a last bend in the trail, the Fire Lookout buildings come into view about a tenth of a mile away. The trail leaves the forest for this last push, thus the views are even better.

Kananaskis Fire Lookout
This is a great place to spend some time. Sign in at the mailbox. Familiarize yourself with the various mountains and lakes. Look, admire, but don't touch the fire lookout buildings, equipment, and everything else that keeps us safe from wildfires.

When done, return the way you came.

Forest - lodgepole pines and other conifers.