Skoki Mountain Loop Backpacking Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
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.
3-4 days
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
37.6 km
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.
1,795 m
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Directions to Trailhead
Beautiful canadian rocky mountian lake hiking Skoki Mountain Loop Banff National Park

The Skoki Mountain Loop is an excellent and variable backpacking trip for all. It can be done in either direction and can be completed over 3-5 days, depending on your choice of campsites. Be sure to stop into the rustic Skoki Lodge, which is now defined as a National Historic Site.

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Route Description for Skoki Mountain Loop Backpacking Trail

The Skoki Mountain Loop is a must-do backpacking trail. It is one of the most incredible trail segments in the park that boasts continual natural entertainment. Many famed backcountry destinations require a slog through the trees or an old fire road to reach. The Skoki area is full of ever-changing vistas that will distract you from your screaming shoulders.

From the parking lot, make your way up the gravel road to Temple Lodge, where you will find signs for Skoki Lodge. Follow these up Corral Creek and up Boulder Pass. As you crest Boulder Pass, you will see the picturesque Ptarmigan Lake below massive Mount Redoubt. Continue on the main trail around the left side of the lake until reaching a junction. You will be heading to Baker Lake (Sk11) for the night. Take the trail to the right and continue until you reach camp.

Take in the scenery at camp before making your way to your next camp at Merlin Meadows (Sk18). Rather than retracing your steps, you will follow the trail signs towards Red Deer Lakes and not Deception Pass. Before reaching Red Deer Lakes, you will come to a junction that is nestled between Fossil Mountain and Skoki Mountain. Follow the trail to the left towards Skoki Lodge and your next camp Merlin Meadows (Sk18). Set up camp leaving your gear behind before returning the way you came for 700 m to Skoki Lodge. Tackle the grand Skoki Mountain scramble from here. After a night catching up on rest at Merlin Meadows, hike out past Skoki Lodge and up Deception Pass. Descend the pass to find yourself at the junction that took you to Baker Lake. Stay right and rejoin the trail here, forming a lollipop.

Getting to the Skoki Mountain Loop Backpacking Trail Trailhead

To begin the Skoki Mountain loop trail, take the Trans-Canada Highway westbound from Banff for 57.0 km. Take the exit for Lake Louise and merge right in the direction of the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Turn right onto Fish Creek Road, where you will see obvious signs for Skoki Lodge. Drive up the gravel road until you reach the parking lot. Park here and begin your hike up the rest of the road.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June-September

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Baker Lake Sk11, Merlin Meadows Sk18

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Skoki Mountain Loop Backpacking Trail Elevation Graph

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