Green Monster Icefall Hike: A Winter Hiking Adventure in Kananaskis Country
- Adrianna Skori
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Winter hiking and unmaintained trails come with added risks. Always be fully prepared, carry the ten essentials, and assess conditions before and during your hike. You are responsible for your own safety and decisions. Always be prepared in Winter for extreme winter conditions. Practice Leave No Trace, respect shared use areas, don't walk on ski tracks, always have a permit or park pass, and give climbers, wildlife, and other trail users plenty of space. Always check the weather and stop at the local Alberta Parks Visitor Centre to be best prepared.
Trail Facts:
Location: Evan Thomas Creek area, Kananaskis Country
Distance: Approximately 12 kilometres round trip
Difficulty: Moderate winter hike with exposed sections
Time: 4-5 hours typically (my time was 3 hours without kids)
Elevation gain: 531 m (our watches said 210 m)
Season: Winter only
Trail Type: Out and back
Parking: Limited parking at trailhead. Arrive early
Bathrooms: Outhouse style toilets at trailhead. No running water
Best For: Confident winter hikers comfortable with ice
Not Ideal For: Strollers, toddlers, or those uncomfortable with heights
Trail Snapshot:
First, do not forget your micro spikes! I have a microspike guide if you need help choosing a decent pair.
Green Monster Icefall is located in the Evan Thomas Creek area of Kananaskis Country and is a realistic day trip for those based in Calgary and nearby communities. The drive is typically just over an hour, depending on road and winter conditions, and feels like a true transition from prairies into the Canadian Rockies. The Green Monster trail leads to one of the most striking winter features in the area. The trail takes its name from the towering frozen waterfall at the end, which often carries an emerald green tint as the ice builds layer by layer through the winter months. Standing beneath it, the scale and colour feel almost unreal, especially against the muted tones of the surrounding valley.
This is a winter specific hike. When the creek and surrounding landscape freeze, access opens in a way that is not possible during other seasons. It is one of those places that only exists for a short window each year, making it feel both fleeting and special. There is a lot of running and open water to navigate and the trail runs along the side of the creek bed.
Along the way, the trail passes several smaller icefalls and frozen features that make the journey feel just as rewarding as the destination. In winter, the creek, ice, and canyon walls transform the landscape into something entirely different from the summer experience. By the time you reach the Green Monster itself, the space feels dramatic and alive, with hikers pausing to take it in and ice climbers carefully making their way up the frozen face.
It is this combination of quiet winter travel, frozen waterfalls, and shared use with climbers that gives the Green Monster its reputation as a memorable seasonal hike. It is not just about reaching the final ice formation, but about experiencing how winter reshapes the entire creek corridor along the way.
For trail conditions and reports, I always check Alberta Parks trail reports. For planning, maps, and navigation to the trail, I use the AllTrails listing for Green Monster Icefall as a helpful resource. I personally rely on AllTrails often, especially when navigating directions to the trailhead and staying on the trail. You can use my discount code KidsWhoExplore to receive 30 percent off an AllTrails membership, which allows you to download maps offline and navigate confidently as cell service isn't always a thing. I also take time to read recent reviews to pick up on route warnings and get a better sense of current conditions.
Why I Chose the Green Monster Hike
Green Monster Icefall has lived on my winter bucket list for years. Every season I felt drawn to it, and every season I hesitated. The ropes, chains, exposure, and the idea of babywearing through certain sections kept it just outside my comfort zone. It also felt longer than the hikes I usually choose with a baby. Still, it stayed on my list.
I do weekly self care hikes with my girlfriends, and each winter we build a shared bucket list of places we want to experience together. Green Monster Icefall was one of them. We love frozen waterfalls, watching ice climbers in motion, and wandering along creeks in winter.
This hike was about leaning into winter instead of resisting it. About choosing curiosity, community, and the quiet magic that only exists in this season.
The Green Monster Icefall Experience
The trail begins along what was once a fire road, following Evan Thomas Creek through open terrain. Early on, it feels gentle and steady. The trail feels open and easy to settle into, with plenty of space to move at a comfortable pace as the mountains quietly surround you.
As you continue, the trail slowly shifts. The route becomes less defined. Ice begins to edge the path. The sound of frozen water surrounds you and it does sound magical but also a little unsettling. What starts as a simple winter walk becomes something that asks for a lot more awareness and intention.
Approaching the Green Monster, the landscape changes dramatically. Ice towers above you. The canyon narrows. The air feels colder. Climbers move deliberately up the frozen wall, each movement careful and focused. It is impossible to rush here and there will be many waiting moments for other hikers as there is a bottleneck once you reach the chains. This is a place that asks you to slow down and notice.
Who This Hike Is Great For
This hike is best suited for confident winter hikers who are comfortable with icy terrain, exposure, and unmaintained routes. I did get nervous and I would have panicked if I had my toddler with me for sure. Many moms in the Kids Who Explore community have done this hike with babies and kids so it is possible. But always lean into your own intuition and do what is best for you and your family.
This is not a good fit for strollers, toddlers walking independently, or anyone who feels uneasy around steep terrain or heights. Choosing to stop early is always a strong and responsible decision. There is so much beauty on this trail no matter how far you go and remember, you can choose your own summit and sometimes you don't even leave the parking area.
Trail Details and Logistics
Parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and clear winter days. Arriving early will ensure that you will be able to park close to the trailhead.
The trail is only maintained to the former crossing of Evan Thomas Creek, approximately two kilometres from the parking area. A bridge no longer exists. Conditions at the crossing vary depending on temperature and recent weather, and extra caution is required, especially in early winter.
The route follows a former fire road that once continued toward Evan Thomas Pass. Beyond the maintained section, the trail was heavily impacted by the 2013 flood and is no longer officially maintained. Conditions can change quickly and should never be assumed.
Elevation gain depends on season and route choice. In summer, hikers may add elevation through side routes. In winter, elevation totals may be lower due to safety considerations and route limitations.
Parking and Facilities
Parking is located near the trailhead and is limited in capacity. It fills quickly on popular winter days. I opt for another hike if the trailhead is full because that is the capacity for that trail.
There are four outhouse style toilets at the trailhead. There is no running water. Plan accordingly and bring hand sanitizer and water as needed.
Seasonal Access
Green Monster Icefall is a winter destination. Access relies on frozen ground, stable ice, and winter conditions that allow safe travel. This route should not be attempted during freeze thaw cycles or periods of unstable ice.
Winter traction, waterproof footwear, and appropriate cold weather layers are essential.
What I Packed: My Winter Hiking Gear
Winter hiking boots with insulation
Warm layers with wind protection
Gloves & toque appropriate for cold conditions
A pack that allowed hands free movement
Extra time and the willingness to turn back
Poles
Snack bars and water
What I felt on the Trail
The first portion of the trail feels manageable and is a good stopping point for those wanting to experience the area without committing to the more exposed sections. Turning back near the first smaller falls is a completely valid choice.
Beyond that point, the trail becomes more serious. There are chains, narrow sections near steep drop offs, and areas where careful foot placement matters. While the hike is not technically difficult, it requires comfort with exposure and attention to footing.
If heights or narrow paths cause anxiety, it is best to enjoy the lower section and skip continuing to the Green Monster itself.
Ice Climbers and Safety Awareness
Green Monster Icefall is a popular winter ice climbing destination and requires extra awareness from hikers. Never walk or stand directly underneath ice climbers. As climbers place their tools into the ice, large chunks can break free and fall without warning. Giving climbers plenty of space is essential.
Along the trail and near the base of the icefall, watch carefully for large pieces of ice on the ground. These chunks can be difficult to see and extremely slippery if stepped on.
The area near the icefall often becomes a natural gathering point. It is important to avoid overcrowding and to respect climbers and their equipment. Photos are best taken from farther back, often near where climbers leave their packs rather than directly below the ice.
Staying well back from edges is critical. Ideally, anyone spending time near active ice climbing areas should be wearing a climbing helmet for additional protection.
One Honest Thing to Know
This hike requires full attention. While the distance itself is manageable, the exposure, ice, and unmaintained sections mean this is not a casual outing. Conditions can change quickly, and turning around early is always a wise choice.
Would I Do This Again
Yes. With the same approach. An early start. Calm weather. Proper gear. And a mindset that values awareness over completion. Green Monster Icefall is a reminder that winter holds its own kind of magic.
Gentle Reminder
This post reflects my experience on one very chilly winter day in Jan (This trail is ideal in late December to early March but always check weather). Trail conditions can change quickly. Always assess current weather, conditions, and your own comfort level before attempting winter hikes, especially on unmaintained routes and near ice climbing areas.
Trail Map: Green Monster Icefall
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