Miner’s Peak is essentially the same hike as Ha Ling, with fewer people, better views, and no scrambling. It’s close to Canmore, offers a maintained trail, and has a paved parking lot with outhouse facilities.
I’m not sure why this gem isn’t more popular, because it’s clearly one of the best options for a day hike as far as I’m concerned. I actually prefer the views from Miner’s Peak as well. But that’s ok; it can be our best kept little secret.
If you’re looking for an easy dog-friendly and kid-friendly summit, consider giving Miner’s Peak a try.
What is Miner’s Peak?
Miner’s Peak is the mountain summit just east of Ha Ling Peak, and is visible from almost anywhere in the town of Canmore.
It is connected to Ha Ling Peak by a “col” (also known as a saddle, meaning a low point between two peaks).
Ha Ling has become increasingly popular over the years, but for some reason, most visitors don’t seem to wander over to the neighboring Miner’s Peak, even though you can easily hike both peaks in one day. It will likely take you an extra 35 minutes of hiking to check off both summits.
Is Miner’s Peak Open in 2024?
Yes, Miner’s Peak is open for 2024! You can hike the entire trail and park in the new paved parking lot!
For the most up-to-date information on the closure, check out Alberta Parks Advisiories.
Miner’s Peak Stats
- Distance – 8.2km / 5.1mi
- Elevation Gain – 872m / 2861ft
- Approximate Time – 3-6 hours
- All Season Hike? Yes.
- Dog Friendly? Yes
- Kid Friendly? Yes
- Beginner Friendly? Yes
- Cell Service? Only at the summit.
- Wildlife Encounters? Minimal, likely Colombian Ground Squirrels and maybe Bighorn Sheep
- Access to Water? Only at the beginning.
- Bathrooms? Outhouses at the parking lot.
- Chance of getting lost? Extremely low.
Driving Directions For Miner’s Peak
Drive through the town of Canmore, up towards the Nordic Center. As you drive past the Nordic Center, the road will wind around a beautiful reservoir, past the Grassi Lakes parking lots, and will turn into a gravel road.
Continue (slowly) up this winding mountainous road – there are often large potholes and boulders to maneuver around!
As you drive uphill, you will pass Whiteman’s Pond on the driver’s side. Continue past the pond and it’s shoreside parking until the road starts to dip downhill. A large paved parking lot, called Goat Creek parking lot should appear on your right. This is where you want to park.
In the summer, the parking lot can fill up quickly! I recommend getting there early in the morning or later in the afternoon, particularly on summer weekends.
How to Get to the Miner’s Peak Trailhead
There are several trails that are accessed from the Goat Creek parking lot, so ensuring you start on the proper trail is crucial.
From the main paved parking lot, cross back over the gravel road at the pedestrian sign, heading up towards a gravel hill with a gate.
Hike up this hill, past the gate, and you should see a concrete bridge that crosses over a small reservoir. Take the bridge and head towards the trees.
Once you’re at the trees, there should be a large signpost and an obvious wide trail leading you up into the forest. This is the trailhead for both the Ha Ling and Miner’s Peak hikes.
How To Hike Miner’s Peak Successfully
The Ha Ling Trail
The majority of the Miner’s Peak trail is the same as the Ha Ling trail. (Check out my post on Ha Ling for more detailed information!)
Follow the Ha Ling trail up through the switchbacks, the chain section, the lookout, and the stairs. Once you break the tree line, the trail will guide you up to the “saddle” or col. This is the low point between Ha Ling Peak and Miner’s Peak.
You can also cut up to the right earlier than the saddle, right after you finish the third staircase, but I would only recommend this for experienced hikers as the direct path is steep and slippery with loose rock.
The “Saddle” or Col
The col is a lovely place to stop and have a break as it is often more wind-sheltered than the summit. Standing in this low point, you will be able to look over the edge of the mountain for the first time, with the entire town of Canmore lying below.
If you’re looking over the mountain at the town of Canmore, Ha Ling Peak will be up to your left, and Miner’s Peak is up to your right.
This is where you want to follow the faint trail up to your right, away from all the crowds.
There is a faint trail for the majority of the way to the summit, however, it can be hard to distinguish at times. Luckily there is no tricky terrain here and you can see your objective. Simply head to the high point any way you please.
The True Summit
Once you leave the col and start heading towards Miner’s Peak, it can be slightly confusing on where to go, as there is a high point to the north, and a high point to the south.
The true summit of Miner’s Peak is the high point to the north (the one closer to the town of Canmore).
The walk up to this true summit is really lovely, particularly in the springtime when the flowers are in bloom.
There is no scrambling (no hand use needed), no tricky terrain, and nothing difficult about the hike up to Miner’s Peak. When you get to the summit, you’re treated with stunning views of the town, and really spectacular views of Ha Ling which rises sharply in the background.
The False Summit
If you have the time and the energy, I encourage you to walk back to the high point to the south as well. This knob doesn’t have any official name, so reference it however you please. Locals call it “the three miners”; but I call it “the false summit”.
This false summit can seem a little daunting, as the walk up appears steep. Depending on how balanced you’re feeling, you might need a hand or two to support you as you scramble up, but might not always be needed, particularly in the winter when the snow bridges the rock steps.
The benefits of heading up to the false summit are the views you get of the valley from where you ascended. As well, because the path up is a bit steeper, I think the pictures do a bit of justice to the effort it took to get you up there.
This false summit isn’t a necessary part of the hike, but it’s a truly special moment in it’s own right.
Descending From Miner’s Peak
Unfortunately, you have to descend the way you came up from Miner’s Peak. It is not safe to descend any other way. However, it is easier to descend from Miner’s Peak than Ha Ling Peak since there’s no scrambling!
There aren’t really any hazards on the way down, except for the staircase just before the saddle, which can become slippery in the winter. Also, remember to stay away from the edge of the saddle as it might contain unsupported snow, known as a cornice.
The descent might be busy as other parties are heading up and down from Ha Ling Peak as well. Remember that hikers on their way up have the right of way.
Consider using hiking poles to protect your knees and cushion your joints as you head downhill, particularly if this is the first mountain you’ve summited. The steep incline can be harder on joints than expected.
Miner’s Peak vs. Ha Ling Peak
| Pros | Cons | |
| Miner’s Peak | -Fewer people -No scrambling -Dog-friendly -Kid-friendly -Easier summit -More space on the summit -Photo variation | -Looks less like a mountaintop -Views to the west obstructed by Ha Ling -Lesser known -Higher elevation and gain -More distance |
| Ha Ling Peak | -Better views to the west -Looks more like a mountaintop -Feels more like a challenge -More well-known | -More people -Scrambling to summit -Tough for dogs -Tough for kids -Harder summit |
For me, I much prefer Miner’s Peak. I prefer having fewer people at the mountain summit, and I prefer the views, though that is simply personal preference.
Because there’s no scrambling involved, I find summiting Miner’s Peak faster than summiting Ha Ling, and to me, the greater distance and elevation is actually a benefit because I’m getting more of a workout.
Both peaks are stunning in their own ways, but I definitely recommend giving Miner’s Peak a try!
3 Things to Bring When Hiking Miner’s Peak
You don’t need any special tools or equipment to summit Miner’s Peak. I have seen people summit in most clothing and shoe choices, and with both maximum and minimum preparation.
However, to have the safest and most enjoyable experience, there are a few things I always make sure I have:
- Bear Spray – Although it is unlikely that you will encounter bears or other large wildlife on the Miner’s Peak trail, it is always a good idea to carry bear spray and have it easily accessible while in the backcountry. Purchase at the Canadian Tire in Canmore.
- Band-Aids – If this is one of your first big hikes, throw two Band-Aids or a roll of skin tape in your pack as there is a high chance of you getting blisters on your toes or heels.
- Layers – The summit can often be cold and windy, even in the summer. Throw some warm layers and gloves in your pack to be able to enjoy the summit views!
- Hiking Poles – Miner’s Peak is steep, which can be hard work on your muscles and joints. To decrease the stress on your body, hiking poles (also known as trekking poles) are extremely useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Hike Miner’s Peak in the Winter?
Yes, you can hike Miner’s Peak in the winter! Miner’s Peak is often more beautiful in the winter. Don’t forget your microspikes and warm layers!
How Hard is it to Hike Miner’s Peak?
Miner’s Peak is one of the easiest mountain summits you can do, though it will still be strenuous exercise. Walking uphill is tiring, be prepared to sweat a lot and get your heartrate up!
Can You Do Miner’s Peak as a Sunrise/Sunset Hike?
Yes, you can do Miner’s Peak as a sunrise or sunset hike, though the views will be obstructed by mountains on either side. It’s an excellent hike for your first time in the dark, but I would recommend EEOR for better views.
Is Miner’s Peak Dog-Friendly?
Miner’s Peak is absolutely dog friendly, though they must remain on a leash during the entire hike. Please remember to clean up after your pet as well.
Do You Need a Kananaskis Pass to Hike Miner’s Peak?
You do need a Kananaskis Pass to hike Miner’s Peak if you are going to park a car. A pass is not required if you are getting dropped off. For more information or to purchase a digital pass, follow this link.
Other Questions?
Do you have more questions about Miner’s Peak? Is there something I didn’t get quite right? Drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Happy trails!