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Hikes and walks
Yoho National Park
With waterfalls, glaciers and expansive valley views, Yoho National Park is a hikers' paradise. Trails range from easy to difficult, offering a suitable option for first-time hikers and seasoned adventurers alike. Plan your trip using the trail descriptions and safety information below.
For more information and trail recommendations, visit the Yoho Visitor Centre or purchase a hiking guide book and topographical map. There is limited cellular service in Yoho National Park.
Note: The Takakkaw and Emerald Lake parking areas are extremely popular and fill up early during the summer months and on weekends. To avoid disappointment, come prepared with a backup plan in case your destination is full.
Plan your day and stay safe
Day hikes and short walks in Yoho National Park
| Trail name |
Distance (one-way) | Estimated time (return) | Elevation gain* | Elevation loss* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wapta Falls |
2.2 km | 1.5 hours | 80 m | 115 m |
|
Kicking Horse Fire Road |
6.9 km | 4 hours | 60 m | 140 m |
|
Emerald Lakeshore |
5.2 km loop | 2 hours | minimal | minimal |
|
Tally-Ho |
3.2 km | 2 hours | 90 m | 115 m |
|
Takakkaw Falls |
0.9 km | 30 minutes | minimal | minimal |
|
Centennial |
1 km | 45 minutes | 55 m | 35 m |
Yoho Valley |
Up to 6.4 km | 4 hours | 270 m | 110 m |
|
Great Divide (to Lake Louise) |
9.8 km | 2 hours (biking) | 210 m | 120 m |
|
Ross Lake |
2.9 km | 2 hours | 140 m | 20 m |
|
Paget Lookout |
3.5 km | 3 hours | 525 m | 15 m |
|
Sherbrooke Lake |
4.3 km | 3 hours | 280 m | 75 m |
|
Emerald Basin |
4.8 km | 3.5 hours | 305 m | 100 m |
|
Emerald River |
9 km | 7 hours | 250 m | 335 m |
|
Yoho Glacier Moraine |
8.6 km | 7 hours | 425 m | 195 m |
|
Little Yoho Valley |
9.8 km | 7 hours | 690 m | 140 m |
|
Hoodoos |
3.2 km | 2.5 hours | 400 m | 55 m |
|
Mt. Hunter Lower Lookout |
3.5 km | 3 hours | 495 m | 15 m |
Mt. Hunter Upper Lookout |
5.7 km | 5.5 hours | 940 m | 30 m |
|
Hamilton Lake |
5.1 km | 5 hours | 915 m | 70 m |
|
Ottertail Valley |
14.5 km | 9 hours | 705 m | 400 m |
|
Yoho Lake |
4.9 km | 3 hours | 435 m | 130 m |
|
Tocher Ridge |
17.9 km | 8+ hours (hike and bike) | 1,385 m | 265 m |
|
Emerald Triangle |
18.8 km loop | 8 hours | 1,285 m | 1,285 m |
|
Iceline via Little Yoho |
20.3 km loop | 8 hours | 1,090 m | 1,090 m |
|
Iceline via Celeste Lake |
17.4 km loop | 7 hours | 970 m | 970 m |
|
Whaleback |
20.5 km loop | 7.5 hours | 1,110 m | 1,110 m |
*Note: On most trails you will gain and lose elevation before you reach your destination. Elevation gain represents all the up and elevation loss represents all the down you will experience on a one-way hike.
Trail Descriptions
Wapta Falls
Description: A forested trail to the widest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River. Watch for roots and be cautious on the steep final trail section to reach the base of the falls.
Distance (one way): 2.2 km
Estimated time (return): 1.5 hours
Elevation gain: 80 m | Elevation loss: 115 m
Trailhead: Wapta Falls Day-use area, 26 km west of Field, B.C. and 32 km east of Golden, B.C. on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway. Highway 1 eastbound access only. The trailhead is not marked for westbound traffic as there is no left turn lane here. If you are travelling west, continue for another 5.5 km to the park's west boundary, turn right at the Beaverfoot exit, and come back on Highway 1 east.
Note: The 2 km Wapta Falls Road is closed from late October to late May.
Kicking Horse Fire Road
Description: Walk or cycle on an old, forested road to a picnic site at 1.8 km. An old bridge across the Otterhead River marks the end of the trail.
Distance (one way): 6.9 km
Estimated time (return): 4 hours hiking or 2 hours biking
Elevation gain: 60 m | Elevation loss: 140 m
Trailhead: Natural Bridge parking area, 4 km west of Field, B.C. on Emerald Lake Road.
Emerald Lakeshore
Description: Pleasant gravel trail along the shore of Emerald Lake, surrounded by mountain and glacier views. Come prepared for muddy and rooty conditions along the east side of the loop.
Distance (one way): 5.2 km loop
Estimated time (return): 2 hours
Elevation gain: minimal | Elevation loss: minimal
Trailhead: Emerald Lake parking lot, 10 km west of Field, B.C. via Trans-Canada Highway and Emerald Lake Road. Alternatively, park at the Burgess Pass trailhead at the unsigned turnoff on Trans-Canada Highway 1.5 km east of Field, B.C.
Tally-Ho
Description: Park at the Natural Bridge parking lot and cross Emerald Lake Road to access the Tally-Ho Trail.
Distance (one way): 3.2 km
Estimated time (return): 2 hours
Elevation gain: 90 m | Elevation loss: 115 m
Trailhead: Natural Bridge parking area, 4 km west of Field, B.C. on Emerald Lake Road.
Takakkaw Falls
Description: Easy stroll along a flat, paved path to the base of Canada's second highest waterfall. Do not climb on the rocks!
Distance (one way): 0.9 km
Estimated time (return): 30 minutes
Elevation gain: minimal | Elevation loss: minimal
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot, 17 km northeast of Field, B.C. at the end of Yoho Valley Road.
Note: Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) in length must reverse to navigate around the tight switchbacks. Trailers are not permitted.
Centennial
Description: Follow a narrow path along the north side of Yoho Valley Road. The trail begins just before the bridge. Shaded trail along the Kicking Horse River that is known for wildflowers.
Distance (one way): 1 km
Estimated time (return): 45 minutes
Elevation gain: 55 m | Elevation loss: 35 m
Trailhead: Parking lot across from Monarch Campground.
Yoho Valley
Description: Valley bottom trail along the Yoho River.
Easy trail: Packed gravel path with minor elevation gain. Take short side trips to Point Lace Falls, Angels Staircase Falls Viewpoint, and Duchesnay Lake.
Moderate trail: Reach Laughing Falls at 4.5 km. Continue on for 3.9 km to Twin Falls, with an option to loop back to Laughing Falls via Marpole Lake.
Distance (one way): Up to 6.4 km (to the North end of the Yoho Valley)
Estimated time (return): 4 hours
Elevation gain: 270 m | Elevation loss: 110 m
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot, 17 km northeast of Field, B.C. at the end of Yoho Valley Road.
Note: Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) in length must reverse to navigate around the tight switchbacks. Trailers are not permitted.
Backpacking: This trail leads past the Laughing Falls backcountry campground and is an access point for popular multiday backpacking routes.
Great Divide (to Lake Louise)
Description: Perfect for biking! Paved road to the historic archway marking the Continental Divide at 2.7 km. Continue for another 7.1 km to Lake Louise Drive.
Distance (one way): 9.8 km
Estimated time (return): 2 hours (biking)
Elevation gain: 210 m | Elevation loss: 120 m
Trailhead: Lake O'Hara parking lot.
Ross Lake
Description: Stay on the Great Divide Trail for 2 km before turning onto a forested trail to a lake at the headwall of Narao Peak. Option to loop back via Lake O'Hara Road.
Distance (one way): 2.9 km
Estimated time (return): 2 hours
Elevation gain: 140 m | Elevation loss: 20 m
Trailhead: Lake O'Hara parking lot.
Paget Lookout
Description: Steep, rocky trail to an old fire lookout with stunning views of the Bow, Cataract Brook, and Kicking Horse valleys.
Distance (one way): 3.5 km
Estimated time (return): 3 hours
Elevation gain: 525 m | Elevation loss: 15 m
Trailhead: Sherbrooke Lake parking lot on the north side of the Trans-Canada Highway, 11 km east of Field, B.C. Highway 1 westbound access only.
Note: The parking lot is not marked for eastbound traffic, as the highway is divided. If travelling east, continue for another 2 km to the Lake O’Hara Road, turn around, and come back on Highway 1 west.
Sherbrooke Lake
Description: Forested hike to a beautiful glacial lake rimmed with thick vegetation and avalanche debris.
Distance (one way): 4.3 km
Estimated time (return): 3 hours
Elevation gain: 280 m | Elevation loss: 75 m
Trailhead: Sherbrooke Lake parking lot on the north side of the Trans-Canada Highway, 11 km east of Field, B.C. Highway 1 westbound access only.
Note: The parking lot is not marked for eastbound traffic, as the highway is divided. If travelling east, continue for another 2 km to the Lake O’Hara Road, turn around, and come back on Highway 1 west.
Emerald Basin
Description: Start along the shore of Emerald Lake, then travel through ancient stands of hemlock and cedar to a natural amphitheatre.
Distance (one way): 4.8 km
Estimated time (return): 3.5 hours
Elevation gain: 305 m | Elevation loss: 100 m
Trailhead: Emerald Lake parking lot, 10 km west of Field, B.C. via Trans-Canada Highway and Emerald Lake Road. Alternatively, park at the Burgess Pass trailhead at the unsigned turnoff on Trans-Canada Highway 1.5 km east of Field, B.C.
Emerald River
Description: Connect from Emerald Lake to the Natural Bridge on this shaded riverside trail. Watch for narrow and steep sections.
Distance (one way): 9 km
Estimated time (return): 7 hours
Elevation gain: 250 m | Elevation loss: 335 m
Trailhead: Emerald Lake parking lot, 10 km west of Field, B.C. via Trans-Canada Highway and Emerald Lake Road. Alternatively, park at the Burgess Pass trailhead at the unsigned turnoff on Trans-Canada Highway 1.5 km east of Field, B.C.
Yoho Glacier Moraine
Description: Explore varied terrain, from lush forests in the Yoho Valley to the stark, rocky landscape of a receding glacier.
Distance (one way): 8.6 km
Estimated time (return): 7 hours or 2 days
Elevation gain: 425 m | Elevation loss: 195 m
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot, 17 km northeast of Field, B.C. at the end of Yoho Valley Road.
Note: Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) in length must reverse to navigate around the tight switchbacks. Trailers are not permitted.
Backpacking: This trail is a great day hike option for backcountry campers staying at the Laughing Falls and Twin Falls backcountry campgrounds.
Little Yoho Valley
Description: Moderate to steep forested hike into a scenic hanging valley via Laughing Falls.
Distance (one way): 9.8 km
Estimated time (return): 7 hours or 2 days
Elevation gain: 690 m | Elevation loss: 140 m
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot, 17 km northeast of Field, B.C. at the end of Yoho Valley Road.
Note: Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) in length must reverse to navigate around the tight switchbacks. Trailers are not permitted.
Backpacking: This trail includes the Laughing Falls and Little Yoho backcountry campgrounds, as well as Stanley Mitchell Hut. Reservations for the hut are required and can be made in advance through the Alpine Club of Canada.
Hoodoos
Description: Follow the closed campground road for 1.2 km. Steep, dry, and exposed trail (2 km) leading to hoodoos, or capped pillars of glacial debris.
Distance (one way): 3.2 km
Estimated time (return): 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 400 m | Elevation loss: 55 m
Trailhead: Hoodoo Creek Campground.
Mt. Hunter Lower Lookout
Description: Cross the highway to access the trailhead. A steep trail through an open forest to a historic fire lookout tower.
Distance (one way): 3.5 km
Estimated time (return): 3 hours
Elevation gain: 495 m | Elevation loss: 15 m
Trailhead: Park at the Wapta Falls Day-use area, 26 km west of Field, B.C. and 32 km east of Golden, B.C. on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway. Cross the highway to the trailhead.
Note: Highway 1 eastbound access only. The trailhead is not marked for westbound traffic as there is no left turn lane here. If you are travelling west, continue for another 5.5 km to the park's west boundary, turn right at the Beaverfoot exit, and come back on Highway 1 east.
Mt. Hunter Upper Lookout
Description: Continue past the lower lookout to rewarding views of the Kicking Horse and Beaverfoot valleys.
Distance (one way): 5.7 km
Estimated time (return): 5.5 hours
Elevation gain: 940 m | Elevation loss: 30 m
Trailhead: Park at the Wapta Falls Day-use area, 26 km west of Field, B.C. and 32 km east of Golden, B.C. on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway. Cross the highway to the trailhead.
Note: Highway 1 eastbound access only. The trailhead is not marked for westbound traffic as there is no left turn lane here. If you are travelling west, continue for another 5.5 km to the park's west boundary, turn right at the Beaverfoot exit, and come back on Highway 1 east.
Hamilton Lake
Description: Steep and steady climb to a cliff-circled alpine tarn. Check out Hamilton Falls at 0.8 km.
Distance (one way): 5.1 km
Estimated time (return): 5 hours
Elevation gain: 915 m | Elevation loss: 70 m
Trailhead: Emerald Lake parking lot, 10 km west of Field, B.C. via Trans-Canada Highway and Emerald Lake Road. Alternatively, park at the Burgess Pass trailhead at the unsigned turnoff on Trans-Canada Highway 1.5 km east of Field, B.C.
Ottertail Valley
Description: Old forested road along the Ottertail River to its confluence with McArthur Creek.
Distance (one way): 14.5 km
Estimated time (return): 9 hours or 2 days
Elevation gain: 705 m | Elevation loss: 400 m
Trailhead: Ottertail Valley parking lot, 8.3 km west of Field, B.C. on the south side of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Note: Highway 1 eastbound access only. The trailhead is not marked for westbound traffic as there is no left turn lane here.
Backpacking: This trail leads to the McArthur Creek backcountry campground.
Yoho Lake
Description: A steep out-and-back hike to a peaceful backcountry lake. Take a rest at the Red Chairs and enjoy the reflection of Wapta Mountain.
Distance (one way): 4.9 km
Estimated time (return): 3 hours
Elevation gain: 435 m | Elevation loss: 130 m
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot, 17 km northeast of Field, B.C. at the end of Yoho Valley Road.
Note: Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) in length must reverse to navigate around the tight switchbacks. Trailers are not permitted.
Tocher Ridge
Description: Recommended for very strong hikers only! Follow 12.3 km of riverside trails (biking permitted) before you begin the very steep and rugged climb (5.4 km, 915 m elevation gain) to an old fire lookout.
Distance (one way): 17.9 km
Estimated time (return): 8+ hours (hike and bike)
Elevation gain: 1,385 m | Elevation loss: 265 m
Trailhead: Natural Bridge parking area, 4 km west of Field, B.C. on Emerald Lake Road.
Emerald Triangle
Description: Popular loop hike with steady climbs from Emerald Lake to Yoho Pass, following the Wapta Highline to Burgess Pass before returning to Emerald Lake. Grand views of the Emerald Valley.
Distance (one way): 18.8 km loop
Estimated time (return): 8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,285 m | Elevation loss: 1,285 m
Trailhead: Emerald Lake parking lot, 10 km west of Field, B.C. via Trans-Canada Highway and Emerald Lake Road. Alternatively, park at the Burgess Pass trailhead at the unsigned turnoff on Trans-Canada Highway 1.5 km east of Field, B.C.
Iceline via Little Yoho
Description: Signature circuit from Takakkaw Falls along the Iceline to a high bench with spectacular glacier views, descending to meadows in the Little Yoho Valley and returning via Laughing Falls.
Distance (one way): 20.3 km loop
Estimated time (return): 8 hours or 2 days
Elevation gain: 1,090 m | Elevation loss: 1,090 m
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot, 17 km northeast of Field, B.C. at the end of Yoho Valley Road.
Note: Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) in length must reverse to navigate around the tight switchbacks. Trailers are not permitted.
Backpacking: This trail passes the Yoho Lake, Little Yoho, and Laughing Falls backcountry campgrounds.
Iceline via Celeste Lake
Description: Slightly shorter descent from the Iceline, bypassing the Little Yoho Valley but taking in Celeste Lake, alpine meadows, and sub-alpine forest.
Distance (one way): 17.4 km loop
Estimated time (return): 7 hours or 2 days
Elevation gain: 970 m | Elevation loss: 970 m
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot, 17 km northeast of Field, B.C. at the end of Yoho Valley Road.
Note: Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) in length must reverse to navigate around the tight switchbacks. Trailers are not permitted.
Backpacking: This trail passes the Laughing Falls backcountry campground.
Whaleback
Description: Classic circuit taking in the Yoho Valley and Twin Falls from both below and above. Counter-clockwise direction recommended. Check the trail conditions report to ensure the seasonal suspension bridge is in.
Distance (one way): 20.5 km loop
Estimated time (return): 7.5 hours or 2 days
Elevation gain: 1,110 m | Elevation loss: 1,110 m
Trailhead: Takakkaw Falls parking lot, 17 km northeast of Field, B.C. at the end of Yoho Valley Road.
Note: Yoho Valley Road is open mid-June through mid-October. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) in length must reverse to navigate around the tight switchbacks. Trailers are not permitted.
Backpacking: This trail leads past the Laughing Falls and Twin Falls backcountry campgrounds.