Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail
Table of contents
Hiking to the Hidden Lake Campground is a great way to ease your way into backpacking or give your little ones a taste of sleeping in the woods. It is a short distance from the trailhead and boasts subalpine terrain, wildlife viewing, an alpine lake, and wildflower meadows along the way. For a short trail, Hidden Lake Trail is not to be missed!
Route Description for Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail
The trip to Hidden Lake Campground is one that appeals to a variety of mountain-goers. This route is excellent for first-timers, families, and those who put smiles before miles. Its short distance makes access a bit easier for many, yet rather than crawling through the forest, this trail is set in the subalpine and opens up nicely for views and changing scenery. This is also a great option for either Skoki Loop backpackers looking to get a head start in the late hours of the day or scramblers hoping to bag Mount Richardson, Pika Peak, and Ptarmigan Peak.
Hikers will make their way up Fish Creek Road to Temple Ski Lodge before following Corral Creek towards Hidden Lake. Continuing through the meadows, you will come to a junction at a historic cabin. Take the trail to the left, where there is a sign for Hidden Lake and you will find your camp within minutes. The historic cabin is called the Halfway Hut and served as a respite for those making the trek to Skoki Lodge in the past. Skiers and hikers still frequent this supposedly haunted cabin on day trips.
When camping at Hidden Lake, be sure to take the 2.3 km trail to Hidden Lake, as well as the 1.4 km trail up Boulder Pass to Ptarmigan Lake from the main trail.
Sample Itinerary:
- Day 1
Trailhead to Hidden Lake
Distance: 7.2 km + optional day hikes
Elevation gain: 669 m
Campground: Hidden Lake Sk5 - Day 2
Hidden Lake to Trailhead
Distance: 7.2 km + optional day hikes
Elevation gain: 669 m loss
Campground: None
Getting to the Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail Trailhead
To get to Hidden Lake, you will begin at the Fish Creek Trailhead behind the Lake Louise Ski Resort. From Banff, take the Trans-Canada Highway westbound for 57.0 km. Take the exit ramp for Lake Louise and merge right. Continue on this road until you reach Fish Creek Road. There will be signs for Skoki Lodge here that can’t be missed. Take on the gravel road that climbs uphill behind the ski resort to a parking lot. This is your trailhead.
Route Information
When to do:
June-September
Backcountry Campsites:
Hidden Lake Sk5
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail Elevation Graph
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