USA Canada region: Northwest Southwest Midwest South Northeast

trailpeak sea kayaking routes in Alberta

trailpeak kite boarding, wind surfing and surfing locations in Alberta

trailpeak canoeing and white water rafting and kayaking routes in Alberta

trailpeak mountain bike trails in Alberta

trailpeak rock climbing routes in Alberta

trailpeak crosscountry skiing trails in Alberta

trailpeak backcountry skiing routes in Alberta

trailpeak snow shoeing trails in Alberta

Helen Lake/ Dolomite Pass

Helen Lake/ Dolomite Pass near Banff, AB

Print page Email to a friend New Trail View

This trail was given a rating of 5 out of 5 stars

12 kms
4hours
moderate
Snowshoeing, Hiking
Fall, Summer
Banff, AB

trailpeak

LARGER MAP

NTS Map: 082N09

The trip distance is return to Helen Lake. Dolomite pass is an additional 3km (18 total) away.

The trail starts out meandering through a shady, rooted forest, then cuts up the side of an open slope where you gain most of your 455m.

As the trail rounds the hillside, you are popped into a low, wide meadow with lovely views. From here the hike is awesome. You leave the last of the trees behind as you tuck gently up the valley, then cross a lively stream to some tarns, and soon, Helen lake (6km). The ground here can be mucky, and people have widened the trail to over 2 meters! in some spots to avoid the slop - don't be another wayward footprint.

Just beyond the lake, a short and sweet 100m ascent takes you to the roof of the valley. Brilliant! Perfect spot for a snack - 360' views and not a stain of civilization in sight.

The route to Dolomite pass is easy to figure out - you descend into the valley beyond, toward Kathleen lake in the near distance. The terrain is a colourful moonscape. 3km along and you will see the rocky pinnacles of Dolomite Pass.

Easy access, short trip to alpine, and stunning views the entire way. Camping is allowed beyond the pass above Helen Lake - the bowls and peaks of this area are a scramblers dream - basic routefinding skills are all you need!

In winter please check the Avaluator (Online Trip Planner) rating is: Challenging. See more trip planner route details here.

Current conditions:

Directions:

Take Icefields parkway 33km north of the Lake Louise junction. Watch for signs for the crowfoot glacier viewpoint, trailhead parking is across the highway (on your right if heading north). I recommended Waterfowl Lakes campground for the night, and get an early start in the morning - trail can get busy (but on this one, I really didn't mind sharing).

By Posted By: MChaisson - Mon Jul 13 16:57:44 EDT 2009 Not Rated Upside Weather was exceptional. Trail was in very good condition. Typical amazing views 360 degrees. Watched a grizzly on the ridge south of the lake 200m or so from us eating a freshly caught hoary marmot. Downside Very busy....we went on July 11th this year and we were first ones on the trail but by the time we came back from Dolomite pass there were enough dozens more at the lake. Trail is 4 and 5 abreast in places!! Comment Other than the crowds this hike is well worth the effort and one of the nicer hikes i've been on to date.

By Posted By: vpigeon - Thu Sep 13 00:07:36 EDT 2007 Upside Another premier hike in the Canadian Rockies. Downside Parking lot is somewhat secluded and possibly a target for thieves. Preferable to park at the Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint parking area, just on the west side of the highway. Comment A beautiful, and quite easy hike of 6-7 k each way, 450-500 m up, budget approx 4 hours.