For years I’d seen pictures of the winter hike that ends at the Green Monster – a beautiful frozen, green icefall also known as Cascade Falls in Kananaskis Country.
My husband and I have hiked along the Evan-Thomas Creek a couple of times in winter but had always stopped where the trail narrows in the canyon. You’ll find steep ice here but no way forward – at least safely.
I hadn’t clued in that all you had to do to get to the Green Monster from here was hike up a narrow trail above the canyon (with some exposure) – and continue on a straightforward flat trail to reach the beautiful icefall. Read the full description below.
I enthusiastically recommend the winter hike to the Green Monster now that I’ve done it – with one caveat. If you’re truly afraid of any type of exposure – even when there are chains and ropes to help you through an airy section, you should probably give it a pass. We did see lots of families with younger kids – and many dogs, so it’s very doable for a good number of you. The Green Monster is an amazing sight to see, so I hope you’re able to safely conquer your fears.
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Green Monster winter hike summary
Distance: Approximately 11 – 14 km return, depending on if you do a loop rather than an out and back hike – which is what we did.
Elevation gain: Approximately 330 m (if you do the loop) but mostly very gentle going.
Level of difficulty: Easy, save for the canyon chokepoint section where chains and ropes are in place to help you get up and down. That will be a no-go for some of you.
Time needed: 3 – 5 hours, depending on how many stops you make, how much time you spend at the Green Monster, and whether there’s a lineup to get around the chokepoint.
Green Monster location (approximate): Google Maps
Permit: You will need a Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Purchase it at the Barrier Lake Visitor Information Centre or online. Day passes are $15 and yearly passes $90.
Trail reports: Before you go check out the Kananaskis Trail reports. You could also stop in and speak to a ranger at the Barrier Lake Visitor Information Centre on Highway 40.
Best time to do the Green Monster winter hike: Somewhere around Christmas (especially if it’s been cold) until late March – early April.
Dogs: Allowed on a leash.
Don’t forget:Microspikesare a necessity for the narrow exposed section. Also pack the 10 hiking essentials.
Maps: The route is on Organic Maps – an offline hiking/biking app. Green Monster is referred to as Cascade de glace.
Weather forecast: Before you go, check the weather forecast. Highway 40 isn’t a lot of fun to drive in a major snowstorm.
Green Monster trailhead directions
To get to the trailhead from the Trans-Canada Highway, turn south on Highway 40 by the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino. Continue for about 27.5 km to a turnoff on your left. You’ll see signage on the highway for the Evan-Thomas Day-use Area after passing the Kananaskis Country Golf Course.
If you’re driving north on Highway 40, look for the parking lot on your right about 22.5 km from the intersection of Highway 741 and Highway 40.
There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.
Route description for the Green Monster winter hike
From the parking lot at the Evan Thomas Day-Use Area, head off on the main trail (Old Baldy) you see to the right of the outhouse. There is a track-set ski trail you (and dogs/kids) will need to avoid. At about the 1.2 km point, take the trail off to the right that isn’t track-set. It follows the embankment of Evan-Thomas Creek and offers good mountain views.
At a junction, keep right, cross a small bridge and descend to the open flats around Evan Thomas Creek, approximately 1.6 km into the hike. You’ll see a picnic table here and ski tracks that head southwest to Wedge Pond. Don’t follow them.
Instead, stay left after the bridge and follow a well tramped down trail (with big snowbanks if you step off it by mid-winter) crossing the creek – usually via snow bridges in a couple of places. Continue up the canyon, passing first Chantilly Falls and then Moonlight Falls. There’s a good chance you’ll see ice climbers in action. When the canyon narrows pick up the bypass trail to the Green Monster on your left.
Depending on snow conditions, you may want to snowshoe rather than hike until you reach the crux of the Green Monster hike – where I’d recommend you put your microspikes on.
The crux of the winter hike to the Green Monster
On the north side of Evan-Thomas Creek look for a trail heading up above the canyon. You’ll likely see people on a winter weekend – and footprints if it hasn’t snowed. If there is no one around thank your lucky stars as this is the crux of the winter hike to Green Monster, and I for one hate to be rushed when there is exposure.
There is often a bottleneck here, because people are coming and going in both directions.
Chains will make you feel more secure going up, and ropes certainly help on the descent back to the creek. If there is no one in front of you then you’ll be back on flat ground within about 5 minutes and home free. It’s easy going the rest of the way to the Green Monster.
I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND you wear microspikes through the airy section in case it’s slippery.
The Green Monster
The Green Monster is an awe-inspiring greenish-blue frozen icefall. When we visited there were numerous people behind the ice curtain, but because it was a warm day, I didn’t want to take any chances. In the height of winter, I’d do it but not at the end of the season.
Maybe you’ll get lucky when you get here and see some ice climbers in action. I’d recommend finding a place back from the icefall and enjoying lunch with a view. It’s far more magnificent than any picture suggests.
The return hike in winter from the Green Monster
Simply retrace your steps if you’re planning to do the out and back hike. I haven’t done the loop hike yet – and it doesn’t sound like a lot of fun since much of it is in the forest with fewer views, lots of deadfall – and more elevation gain too. Reportedly you take a right at the first fork on the way back to access it.
The following photos are on the return hike through to the end of the chains section.
Essential gear for the winter hike to the Green Monster
The Green Monster is a winter hike and as such you should dress warmly and pack layers. Early in winter, the sun goes down early so much of the trail on the way out will be in shadow.
I wore warm hiking boots and long underwear with a waterproof, windproof shell on top. I likemerino wool topson my upper body along with a fleece on top of that. If it’s not too cold, I’ll wear alightweight down vest– as I often peel off my down winter coat after 15 – 20 minutes of hiking. Pack a neck warmer, a toque and awarm pair of mitts. I always carryhandwarmersjust in case I get chilled.
Pack somehigh energy foodand aHydroflaskof something hot to drink.
If there’s fresh snow pack someleg gaiterstoo. Some of you might like hiking poles and even snowshoes if the snow is deep. I do find the Evan Thomas trail gets packed down quickly because it’s popular with both ice climbers and winter hikers.
You might like: 15 Expert Winter Hiking Tips to Stay Warm & Safe
Where to stay in Kananaskis Country in winter
If you want to use your RV in winter, then check out the nearby Mount Kidd RV Park.
Near the Nakiska Ski Area you can stay at theKananaskis Mountain Lodge– and if you plan in advance you could include a visit to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
If you are 65 and over and reside in Alberta, you can book a cabin or a room at a very reasonable rate at the William Watson Lodge in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Reservations can only be made 60 days out as people with disabilities have priority.
Final thoughts on the Green Monster winter hike
If you’ve never done the Green Monster winter hike, I highly recommend it if you’re cool with some exposure. Once you reach the flats by Evan-Thomas Creek, the scenery is good all the way through to the icefall. For a winter outing close to Canmore and Calgary, you can’t beat it. For something that’s also likely to give you a little adrenalin rush, check out the McGillivray Canyon Hike near Canmore.
Interested in more winter activities in Alberta?
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