Hiking

Mount Warrior

Contributed by Scrambles in Rockies with Andrey

10 October 2026

Kananaskis Country, Alberta / British Columbia border, Canada

A long day hike and scramble up Mount Warrior from the Upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot, passing Aster Lake and ascending loose rock walls to the 2,973-metre summit.

Distance: 30.7
Hours: 16.5
High point: 2973

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The route started from Upper Lake parking lot. We hiked along the lakeshore for about 5 km, then took the route toward Aster Lake, hiking through the forest, moving across rock scree, and passing a headwall with a moderate scramble in one place. From there, we hiked along losing and gaining elevation until reaching the base of the mountain.

Ascending, we moved up on rocky terrain. Snow patches and ice formations were avoided, so no microspikes were needed this time. There was a moderate scramble on the rock wall with loose rocks, where a helmet was mandatory. Finally, we walked up to the summit of Mount Warrior at 2,973 m. The snow was not deep. As I saw the connecting ridge to Mount Cordonier was covered by snow, I abandoned the idea of doing the traverse, as I did not want junior to face any risks.

Descending, we found two cairns on the connecting ridge. From this point, we scrambled down to the bottom line between the ice and snow formation (the glacier) and the rock wall. We stayed close to the rock wall without touching the ice, and scrambled and hiked all the way down while avoiding any snow or ice patches. There was a hole on the rocky terrain; with snow cover, it presents a potential fall hazard. This is a glacier with ice under the rock terrain rather than cave tunnels, and crevasses sit beneath the snow.

Finally we hit the real crux of the day: the never-ending long walk back to the parking lot. We spent the last two hours walking in darkness with headlamps.

Warrior on the top of the Mount Warrior. Junior on summit

Our way back to parking, long walk. View not far from Aster Lake campground

Looking back Mount Indefatigable raised up over Upper Lake. Hidden Lake hiding as always

We keep moving, direction to Warrior Mountain base

Looking back. Mounts Northover and Pushover are on the left. Junior is coming

Upper Lake, Aster Lake, Mounts Sarrail and Foch

Summit Mount Warrior. Mounts Joffre and Mount Cordonier on the back plan

What we found is the prove. You not able to see it ,if this area will be covered by snow.

Upper Lake and Mount Indefatigable in the center at early morning

Closing thoughts

Thanks guys. The end.

Trail Notes

Start from Upper Lake parking lot and follow the lakeshore trail for roughly 5 km before branching off toward Aster Lake.
The approach passes through forest, crosses rock scree, and climbs a headwall with moderate scrambling in one section.
Expect rolling terrain with elevation loss and gain between Aster Lake and the base of the mountain.
The summit push on Mount Warrior involves moderate scrambling on loose rock walls and scree.

Gear

A helmet is mandatory due to frequent loose rock on the scrambles.
Headlamps are necessary for the long approach and return in the dark.
If the glacier and upper slopes are covered in snow, proper glacier gear (rope, ice axe, crampons) is required.

Hazards

Loose rock is present on the scrambling sections of the mountain wall; a helmet is essential.
The descent skirts a small glacier with hidden ice under rock terrain and crevasses under snow patches.
Holes between rocks and snow bridges present serious fall hazards if covered in fresh snow.
The connecting ridge toward Mount Cordonier can hold hazardous snow cover.

Access

Trailhead parking is located at the Upper Kananaskis Lake parking lot.