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Backpacking/Canada/Alberta/Banff National Park
Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail

Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
669 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
16.5 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2 days
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
10.0 (1 reviews)
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead
Google Maps
Apple Maps
See Map
Measurement:

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 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 for Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail

  • 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

Weather Forecast

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Reviews for Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail

10.0
1 reviews
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GiedreJuly 2021

The Skoki Area is amazing and doing some dayhikes from here is a must. Few great options: 1. Zigadenus and Myosotis lakes (ideally going forward via Deception pass, going down and crossing the river near Merlin Meadows, and back along the lakes via Packer Pass). 2. Redoubt lake: pleasant and rather short walk along the Ptarmigan Lake and up to the beautiful valley with another lake. That's around 5km's. 3. Hidden Lake, just a kilometre above the campground.

Overall Rating
10
Trip Length
04:00
Technical Difficulty
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.

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Last Updated: July 20, 2026

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