Mount Sparrowhawk boasts some of the best views in Kananaskis Country. It is the highest peak in the area. 360 panoramic views of the Spray Lakes area are simply breathtaking. Our total trip time was closer to 9 hours when a 2 hour summit stay was factored into consideration.

The same comments could not be said about an earlier attempt in June (below left). Wait until the snow melts. The summit tends to be socked in with snow early in the year, which can foil summit attempts. Given, the quality of the views at the summit,  this hike is best done on a sunny day. In the event of bad weather, Read's Ridge (right) provides a very  pleasant alternative, and boasts very nice views in its own right 

ROUTE:

From the Parking lot, cross the road, and bushwack your way directly up. As long as you don't cross the creeks to your left and right (Sparrowhawk creek) you will do fine. Eventually, you will come to some blue ribbons, which you can attempt to follow (much easier finding them coming down than up). 

This approach requires bushwacking, but provides spectacular views of Mount Nestor:

Alternatively, you can take the Sparrowhawk creek trail, but you must pay attention for a poorly marked turn off to the left. There may be  blue ribbons on tree next to the turn off, but they frequently fall off.  

Instead, someone had scratched a tree (not me) to mark the path. The views of Mount Nestor aren't quite  as impressive using this approach.

Eventually, if you keep climbing up, you will come to a plateau area with a gully up front and Read's Ridge to the right. During bad weather take the right most path and ascend Read's Ridge. 

To go to Mt Sparrowhawk, you must ascend up the gulley. Keep right, but I would avoid going all the way to the right, since I found the rock a little too loose adjacent to Read's Ridge. As you reach the top of the gulley the summit of Mt Sparrowhawk comes into view. It looks daunting from the front, but follow the path around behind. There is a short scramble (scree), and congratulations, you have reached the summit!