Best Ridge Hikes

Looking south from the top of "T Far" to the Columbia Valley and River below. You can actually keep going on this trail and make your way to Canyon Creek and eventually Golden below.

This area is a hidden gem for ridge hikes in the summer.  Visitors are more than aware of the great hiking in Yoho and Glacier National Parks which are within a half an hour or so of Golden.  No denying the hiking in these parks are unparalled in this country.  But having said that, the ridge hikes off the top of Kicking Horse Resort are absolutely fabulous.  You can head off from the top of the gondola in either direction.  The trails are not perfectly made with stepping stones and switchbacks so there is some extra challenge, but that is what makes them so special and unique.  They are basically game trails but the animals know the best route to take. 
To the North you can go all the way to Gorman Lake which is best done in two days but I know people who have done it in 1 long day.  Last year a group of us headed out that way but only made it to Holts Lakes which in itself is one of the most amazing spots I have been too.  This ridge hike took us about 9 hours and we were smart enough to get a helicopter to pick us up.  We were hoping to get to Gorman Lake but Holts Lakes was as far as we got.  
Yesterday I did a ridge hike to the south from the top of the gondola.  A few parts of the trail are not great  but as long as you take your time it should not be an issue.  Just basically some lose gravel and dirt on a few of the steep sections.  Actually worse going down than up.  I did about a 2 and a half hour hike to something a friend calls "T Far"  Amazing views in all directions with a lot of signs of mountain goats.  Even some mountain bikers were up there which is a little crazy.  They looked like they were doing more carrying than riding but from the top you can eventually access some mountain biking trails which will take you to Golden. 
I have added the short video of our trip to Holts Lakes from last summer and photos from my hike to "T Far" from yesterday. 

Golden below looking East towards Kicking Horse River.

North view looking at the top of T2 which is my favourite ski run. You can see the hiking trail on the right side.

Looking south from top of T2. Again you can see the game trail I took on left side of image.

You may be able to pick out the top of the ski area and Eagle's Eye Restaurant way in the background on the left side of photo.

Top of T2 looking North.