Why Hike Cox Hill in Winter?
Cox Hill is a popular hiking and mountain biking trail in Kananaskis during the summer and fall, but in winter, it transforms into a private snowy wonderland.
Last Sunday, my husband and I, along with our friends AJ and his wife, decided to take on the Cox Hill winter hike. The weather was perfect—clear blue skies and a high of 12°C. The hike was challenging but absolutely worth it, and we even had the summit all to ourselves!
Cox Hill Winter Hike & How to Get There
Trail Stats
On Alltrails, the full name of the trail is “Cox Hill via Cox Hill Trail”.
- Distance: 12.9 km (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: 900 m
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard (steep sections and deep snow)
- Time Required: 5–6.5 hours (depends on snow conditions)
- Summit Elevation: 2,190 m (highest point of Trans Canada Trail)
Directions to Cox Hill Winter Hike Trailhead
You can set “Dawson Provincial Recreation Area” on google map.
- From Cochrane or Calgary, drive west on Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) towards Hwy 68 which is Sibbald Creek Trail.
- Follow Hwy 68 for 23 km (partial unpaved road), then turn left onto Powderface Trail (unpaved road).
- A couple kms to reach the parking lot/trailhead: Dawson Provincial Recreation Area.
Important Notes:
1. Winter Road Conditions: Powderface Trail is a gravel road and can be icy. Road is closed south of Dawson Provincial Recreation Area in Winter. AWD cars or winter tires are recommended.
2. Parking: Dawson Provincial Recreation Area on Google Map.
3. Kananaskis Conservation Pass: Required for parking. A day pass at C$15 or annual pass at C$90 can be purchased online.
Cox Hill Winter Hike Experience
Snowy Forest & Frozen Streams
Cox Hill winter hike begins on Tom Snow Trail, leading through a dense, snow-covered forest. The first section takes you across Jumpingpound Creek, which is often frozen in winter. We took on our ice cleats and walked on the frozen creek at the trailhead, and back on the bridge over Jumpingpound Creek.
The air is crisp, and the only sounds are the crunch of snow underfoot. Squirrels are the only animal we saw on the trail.
Steep Climbs & Deep Snow
As the trail climbs higher, the snow gets deeper. The last 1 km is entirely covered in thick snow. We followed the zigzag trail to the top. Microspikes were a lifesaver!
AJ found a shortcut where someone wrote on the snow: the fun way up…. He tried the shortcut but it was so challenging on knee deep snow on the steep!
Reaching the Summit: 360° Mountain Views
Finally, we made it to the Cox Hill Summit. The views were absolutely breathtaking! A 360° panorama of snow-capped peaks stretched out in all directions, with Moose Mountain clearly visible in the distance. The sky was a perfect deep blue, and with zero wind, it was surprisingly warm at the top.
AJ launched his drone which is the highlight of our Cox Hill winter hike! Standing at the highest point on the Trans Canada Trail, we couldn’t help but feel on top of the world!
FAT BIKES in the Snow!
Just when we thought we had seen it all, a guy appeared—pushing his fat bike up the steep, snowy slope! Cox Hill is a well-known mountain biking route, but we never expected to see cyclists braving it in deep winter.
Descent & Important Safety Tips
The Icy Descent
Going down was harder than expected. Some part of the packed snow was slippery, and without careful footing, we would’ve easily slipped. We took small steps and relied on hiking poles to stay balanced.
- Take your time—don’t rush downhill
- Wear microspikes for better grip
- Watch out for hidden icy patches
Winter Hiking Safety Tips
Check Winter Hiking Essentials You Should Carry and
✅ Essential Gear: Microspikes, trekking poles, insulated layers, a windproof jacket, and a thermos of hot tea.
✅ Check the Wind & Temperature: The summit can be windy & much colder than the base.
✅ Avalanche Awareness: While Cox Hill is not a high-risk avalanche zone, avoid cornices and unstable snow sections.
✅ Bears & Wildlife: Even in winter, bears can be active on warm days. Always carry a bear spray.
Is Cox Hill Winter Hike Worth it?
Absolutely! This hike offers a unique winter experience with:
✔ Tranquil snowy forest trails
✔ A challenging but rewarding snow climb
✔ An epic 360° summit view
If you’re looking for a moderate-to-hard winter hike with breathtaking scenery, Cox Hill winter hike is a must-do!
If you like hiking in Kananaskis country, here are the hikes that are within 50 minutes drive from Calgary:
Elbow Valley Trail Winter Hike | A Scenic 8.3 KM Loop in Kananaskis
