Arethusa Cirque Hike: The Best EASY Trail for Larches

Arethusa Cirque is one of Kananaskis Country’s hidden gems, a beautiful 4.5 km loop nestled beneath dramatic peaks that weaves through forests, meadows, and the rocky remains of ancient glaciers.

Not as well-known as neighboring Ptarmigan or Pocaterra Cirques, but equally spectacular, Arethusa Cirque offers an incredibly rewarding experience for relatively low effort. The short distance makes this hike accessible to both novice and experienced hikers, and we consider it one of the easier Kananaskis hikes you can enjoy. With varied terrain and sweeping panoramas that provide an unforgettable adventure in the Rockies, all members of the family will enjoy this one!

*Notice: Alberta Parks is asking hikers to avoid the Highwood Pass area of Kananaskis during the 2024 larch season. Ongoing construction there will result in very limited parking and intermittent closures. Roadside parking is not allowed. This includes the Highwoods Meadow Interpretive Trail, and the popular Pocaterra Cirque and Ridge Routes, Arethusa Cirque, and Ptarmigan Cirque.* The trail is NOT CLOSED, but parking may be challenging during this time.

That’s not to say that Arethusa Cirque is an unheard of hike, by any means. Once the road through Highwood Pass opens in June, plenty of people get out to enjoy this beautiful part of the park. Arethusa Cirque is exceptionally beautiful during the last few weeks of September and the beginning of October, thanks to its thousands of larches in the valley.

When the needles start to turn yellow this is one of the main areas hikers head for the great larch march.

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Arethusa Cirque Hike Key Stats

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Arethusa Cirque Route Description

Arethusa Cirque is located in Highwood Pass, almost 70km south of the Trans-Canada Highway. Buckle up for a scenic 1.5 hour drive from Calgary or Banff (just over 1 hour from Canmore) to this remote area of Kananaskis. If driving southbound on Highway 40, keep an eye out for the trailhead after reaching the top of Highwood Pass and continue beyond the parking for Ptarmigan and Pocaterra.

As an unofficial trail, Arethusa Cirque lacks signage of its own and the trailhead is little more than a gravel lot off the side of the road. There are no amenities at the trailhead and the closest toilets and garbage bins are located about 1km away at the Ptarmigan Cirque lot.

The start of the hike is equally nondescript. From the north end of the parking area, a narrow well-worn path leads into the trees and gently ascends through dense forest in parallel with a babbling creek.

Where the trail meets the creek, the trees open up to a spectacular amphitheater that cradles a brilliant array of alpine vegetation, from wildflowers to evergreens. In the fall, you’ll be welcomed by the larches’ warm golden glow.

From here, the trail forks to loop around the cirque and can be followed either clockwise or counterclockwise. The advantages of one direction over the other are often debated and largely depend on preferences for navigating steep hills – up or down?

Those who prefer to take the uphill head-on should follow the clockwise direction by crossing the creek and proceeding along the dirt path that veers left into the trees. A steep incline follows soon after. Traveling counterclockwise defers this segment to the descent at the end of the loop.

While many find it easier to go up a steep incline, we opted for the counterclockwise route, considering it to be the path of least resistance with easier route-finding. But there’s no wrong choice and either direction will provide breathtaking scenes!

To loop counterclockwise, take the right fork at the creek along the narrow path that meanders into the meadow. While you’ll avoid this initial creek crossing, two others will follow as the trail and stream approach the rockpiles. A first crossing just below a small waterfall leads to the left bank for a brief stretch before the trail re-crosses the stream and returns to the boulder field.

The narrow trail then ascends steeply towards the jagged peaks, providing expansive views back down as you rise above the trees. Sharp eyes, offline maps, and some route-finding skills are useful when you reach the top of the hill as the trail becomes less defined in the alpine bowl.

Keep left to follow the unmarked route that encircles the amphitheater, alternating from scree to grass as you round the ridge towards Little Arethusa to the west. The walk along the cirque is a real highlight, with evolving displays of the prominent peaks that tower over the lush basin.

As you approach the opposite end of the cirque, a gully opens up on the left side. From here, you can continue straight up to Little Arethusa or turn left to descend along the dirt trail on the west side of the gully.

Poles may be helpful here as it’s easy to slip on the dirt trail that leads back down to the meadow and the start of the loop. Cross the creek and you’ll rejoin the evergreen forest trail that returns to the parking lot.

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Little Arethusa Add On

For those seeking a more challenging hike and the thrill of a summit, the adjacent Little Arethusa is a stunning extension that will add about 2km of distance and an extra 350m of elevation to your journey. The stats may seem fairly modest on paper, but be prepared for a heart-pumping shot up a scree slope along a minimally defined route.

To reach the path that leads up Little Arethusa, take the trail that branches west of Arethusa Cirque above the tree-line. If you opt for the clockwise route into the cirque, you’ll head left once you’ve reached the top of the gully. Alternatively, if following the counterclockwise route, stay straight from the ridge.

The narrow path traverses the meadow above the tree-line for a few hundred meters before zig-zagging up the scree. From the summit ridge, there’s a steep drop towards Mount Arethusa, but this exposure is easily avoided by keeping left and following the trail that leads up just below the rock slabs.

From the small summit, jaw-dropping scenes stretch out in all directions, providing a bird’s eye view of Mount Arethusa, Storm Mountain, the Highwood Range, Pocaterra and Ptarmigan Cirques.

While there are many stunning hikes to be found in the Canadian Rockies, achieving unobstructed, 360-degree panoramas within such a short timeframe is a real treat. Little Arethusa also serves as a superb introduction to steeper Alberta hikes you can find throughout the Rockies, including classics like Tent Ridge, Windtower, and EEOR.

To return from the summit, simply retrace your steps back down the rocky slope until you reunite with the Arethusa Cirque trail at the tree-line.

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When Can You Hike Arethusa Cirque?

Arethusa Cirque can be hiked after the June 15 opening of the Highwood Pass road. The summer months offer a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers, turning to warmer shades in the fall when the larches don their stunning gold hues. Undoubtedly, mid to late September is one of the best times to visit to enjoy this seasonal spectacle. You will encounter more crowds during this popular hiking period, so visit on a weekday for more solitude.

Given its high elevation, snow usually blankets the trail starting in October and into November. Once the Highwood Pass road closes on December 1, access is restricted to all but the most adventurous skiers and bikers until the re-opening in June.

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How Long Does it Take to Hike Arethusa Cirque?

Arethusa Cirque is short but sweet. Novice hikers should budget about 3 hours to complete the circuit, while more experienced hikers can probably make the tour in 2 hours. Fitness, route-finding abilities, trail conditions will all influence the hiking timeline and it’s worth it to add a few snack and photography breaks.

For a longer day, summiting Little Arethusa will add another 2 to 3 hours of hike time (making about 5 hours in total). Always remember to plan a timeline based on your own abilities and experience. Pack a headlamp if hiking later in the day and set a turn around time to avoid getting caught out after dark.

If you want a long day out and the larches are in full swing, consider adding Ptarmigan Cirque to your day as it’s another short and sweet hike, and you are right there!

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How Hard is it to Hike Arethusa Cirque?

With a short distance and modest elevation gain, Arethusa Cirque is a reasonably accessible hike by Canadian Rockies standards, and consider it one of the easier larch hikes in Alberta. That being said, it could be classified as a moderate trail given the presence of some steeper inclines and rugged terrain that requires occasional route-finding.

Arethusa Cirque is a great option for hikers who want to build experience on different terrain or who want a bit more pizzazz than a forest walk. Those with a good level of physical fitness will find the trail more fun than strenuous. Summiting Little Arethusa would bump this hike into a more difficult category, albeit still relatively moderate given the absence of major technical challenges.

Note that variable weather conditions significantly affect trail difficulty. While I easily managed Arethusa Cirque in trail shoes without poles during dry conditions, I would certainly opt for boots and poles if expecting any mud. It also never hurts to have poles for balance on creek crossings and to relieve knee pressure on steep descents!

Microspikes and poles would be essential to safely navigate ice, while snowshoes may be needed later in the fall. Consult trail reports in advance to help prepare appropriately and pack the right gear. You can also check this post for tips on what to wear hiking.

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Is the Hike to Arethusa Cirque Family and Dog Friendly?

Arethusa Cirque is great for furry companions and for families with school-aged children keen to tackle a few challenges like small creek crossings, inclines, and rocks.

Most of the trail is packed dirt, but the short rocky sections could cause discomfort for sensitive paws. Remember to always keep dogs leashed in the mountains for their own safety as well as that of wildlife and fellow hikers. You’ll also need to pack out all waste.

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How Busy is Arethusa Cirque?

Arethusa Cirque is not as well known as other Kananaskis trails and offers relative tranquility. Depending on how other hikers move around the loop, you may not even cross paths.

I’ve opted to hike this area early in the fall before sunset and have only ever encountered a handful of hikers. However, larch season can attract crowds, particularly over weekends, and I’ve heard reports of full parking during such times.

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Hiking Tips for the Canadian Rockies

• Check the weather and trail conditions before leaving home. AllTrails is a great resource with reviews from those who recently completed the trail. Alberta Parks also posts highway and wildlife advisories on its website.
• There is no cellular service on the trail or surrounding area so it’s important to plan ahead and consider bringing a satellite communicator in case of emergency.
• Be aware of wildlife and always carry bear spray. You can also stay safe in bear country by respecting advisories, maintaining an awareness of surroundings, making noise on the trail, hiking in groups, and packing out all food and waste.
• Plan for your own level of fitness and comfort. Make sure you budget enough time to travel at your own pace and pack plenty of food and water to keep you sustained. If hiking later in the day, set a turn around time to avoid getting caught out in the dark.
• Dress for variable conditions with layers. Check out this post for advice on what to wear while hiking in the Rockies. I also love to leave a bag with clean clothes, extra water, and salty snacks in the car to feel refreshed on the post-hike drive.
• Adhere to leave no trace principles while hiking, including packing out all waste and staying on trails. Helping preserve the sensitive mountain ecology will ensure that future generations of humans and wildlife can continue to enjoy these spectacular places.
• Lastly, a GPS tracker could save your life – it’s one of those backpacking essentials I like to have on me just in case I need to hit SOS. Alltrails is our favorite app to have on a hike. It shows the correct trail way, elevation, and other hiker reviews. We paid the subscription fee so that we could download all the data we need to our phones.

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Other Awesome Kananaskis Hikes

There are so many more great hikes in the Kananaskis Country Provincial Park. A few of my favorites are Tent Ridge, Windtower, Ha Ling, and EEOR. There is always Pocaterra Ridge and Ptarmigan Cirque nearby too!

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Other Great Larch Hikes

Arethusa Cirque is one of the best hikes to enjoy when the larches turn golden every September. Though there are plenty of others we love including Pocaterra Ridge nearby, but there are others in Banff we absolutely love. Our favorites include Taylor Lake, Arnica Lake, and Saddleback Pass!