Hang around any hiking group long enough and you will come across a thread or two asking for directions or intel on Mist Mountain’s so-called secret hot springs. It’s one of the most talked about/popular places in Kananaskis with the casual hiking crowds.
Since Sue and I were in the area, we decided to hit up the hot springs, the next day after Mist Ridge. The weather was not looking promising but the hike was quite short (about 12K return) so we didn’t worry too much. We had packed our rain gear so we were ready to go.
A soundtrack of thunder welcomed us to the trail. We could see the dark clouds in the distance so we didn’t dally. It was a fast hike up through the trees until we reached the vast green valleys. A few times we remarked how similar the elevation profile felt like Prairie Mountain.
Once in the valley, the views and the meadows were striking – what a difference the views were compared to Mist Ridge. The hike itself is not technical with its switchbacks and wide trails. The bit through the trees can feel a little closed in and felt a little eerie to be honest. We talked to a couple who had backpacked near the hot springs the night before. They had given us clearer directions to reach the hot springs and the summit.
Our plan was to visit the hot springs before we headed up the summit. We passed a large group of about 10 people who came from the hot springs. They didn’t go to the summit so they were no help with directions. There were trails leading everywhere, and we wanted to avoid the rally shaley bits.
We could see the trail to the springs clearly. We had to cross a big patch of snow that (thankfully) was thick enough to hold our weight. The weather was changing quickly so we didn’t spend much time at the springs.
There were two groups that were hanging out at the springs. One pool was crazy small – maybe two very slim people could fit in it. The second pool had four people in it when I arrived. I decided just to put my feet in the luke warm water.
One woman told me she has been here at times when there were line ups of people waiting to get that Instagram photo in the “secret” springs. Maybe I am just jaded but I didn’t think they were that exciting. Or maybe it was the lightning that suddenly began to echo in the distance.
Time to get off the damn mountain.
All plans of reaching the summit were thrown out the window as the lightning crashed and the hail began to pellet everything within its reach. Sue and I ran hard down to the trees. The rain came so crazy fast. The lightning was so scary. There was no time for polite conversation. It was go time.
Thankfully we made quick time reaching the trees. I had taken my poles out for the downhill. Maybe it wasn’t a great idea because of the metal but I survived!
We passed a lot of people heading up while we were scrambling to get out of the lightning’s path. The last place I want to be is on a mountain during a thunder and lighting storm but who I am to judge a person’s quest for the perfect Instagram photo?
I would have liked to reach the summit. Then it would have changed my mind of what I thought was an okay hike. Don’t get me wrong. It was beautiful. Most of the hike was in the trees which isn’t too exciting. I am not sure I would go back to the springs but possibly to the summit.
Not for the lukewarm springs – I can’t imagine being up there on a hot day with 30 other people waiting to relax in the springs.
Have you ever discovered hot springs in the mountains? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.