Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Devon Lakes

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Very 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.
    4 days
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    61.0 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.
    2,032 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    10.0
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Panorama from Devon Lake backpacking trail in Banff National Park

    The Devon Lakes backpack is a journey to two remote alpine lakes in the heart of Banff National Park. This backpack is beautifully isolated, being over 30.0 km from the nearest road and with 3 mountain passes in-between. This backpacking trip isn't only about the destination, however, as a full 22.0 km of the journey (over 40.0 km round trip!) is essentially above treeline with alpine meadows stretching as far as you can see.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Devon Lakes on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Devon Lakes

    Day 1: Trailhead to Fish Lakes camp

    The trail to Devon Lakes starts on the east side of the Icefields Parkway across from the Mosquito Creek Hostel. An initial steep climb quickly dissipates into a gentle ascent, reaching Mosquito Creek backcountry campground in 5.0 km.

    After the campground the trail steepens and deteriorates, becoming a mix of roots, mud, and streambed that distracts you from the fact that you're slogging through the forest.

    Around the 8.0 km mark, however, you emerge into the expansive meadows below North Molar Pass and from this point forward, with a few minor exceptions, you will be above treeline. Molar Meadows simply defy description; crossing the meadow you just entered requires an hour or more. Tarns, streams, and flowers are everywhere.

    The approach to North Molar Pass is obvious and the final ascent up the rocky slopes is far easier and much shorter than it appears from a distance. Upon crossing the pass, you are greeted with about 3.0 km more of meadows and towering peaks.

    Your campground for tonight is the Fish Lakes campground, which is about 3.5 km away at this point, down through the gap visible to the left in the distance. It should be noted that near the bottom of the descent a stream will be encountered (size will vary depending on the time of year) that is usually too deep to rock-hop. The trail obviously continues on the other side; you can de-boot and easily cross here, or there is a bridge a little farther downstream that can be used to cross.

    Fish Lakes campground (MO18) has space for 5 tents and can be booked on the Parks Canada Site. It lies on the northern shore of Upper Fish Lake near the eastern end of the lake. There are no defined tent pads, but there is room for 5 tents. While we didn't notice until we left, the campground appears to have once been much larger and a little exploring to the northeast from the obvious "set your tent up here" spot reveals a few other nice areas to pitch a tent. The campground also has 4 picnic tables, a bear pole, and a surprisingly clean outhouse.

    Day 2: Fish Lakes to Devon Lakes

    Most people do today as a one-way trip to Devon lakes, though it can be done as a massive day to go to Devon Lakes and back to Fish Lakes, but we recommend staying at Devon Lakes, if you can get a random camping permit from Parks Canada.

    You will need to call Parks Canada (Banff or Lake Louise offices) and get a permit for random camping at Devon Lakes well in advance.

    If you plan to go to Devon Lakes as a day trip from Fish Lakes, start early to maximize how far you can get. By leaving your backpacking gear at Fish Lakes you can do a big day. Take lots of food and even if you only get to Pipestone or Clearwater Passes you’ll be happy with your day! This is a massive day, and you may be tempted to rough-camp at Devon lake, however, this is not allowed without Parks Canada approval.

    The route to Devon Lakes from Fish Lakes Campground is typically done by descending into the Pipestone River valley and then ascending to Pipestone Pass, that is not the route we recommend. To get to Devon Lakes, we recommend taking the highline route. This trail is much higher than the Pipestone route and offers vastly superior scenery and far less elevation gain and loss. Unfortunately, it’s not as clear of a trail. To find the trail, head roughly north (downhill) from the outhouse, cross the stream, then ascend the hill. It’s steep, but less than 100 m up.

    As you climb, curve north-northeastwards. With a little route-finding, you will encounter a trail that contours to the north, then descends to Moose Lake. (If you come to the top of a cliff, just follow it north and you’ll connect up with the trail). The trail shortly becomes very obvious as it gently undulates through meadows filled with patchy trees, tarns, and streams.

    From this point forward just follow the trail over Pipestone Pass and into Clearwater Pass. The scenery again defies the description. A few forks in the trail on the approach to Pipestone Pass all reconnect later on; just be sure you’re aiming for the actual pass – it is the gap to the east (right), not the west.

    Clearwater Pass lies to the north of the broad mountain (Devon Mountain) flanking Pipestone Pass to the east. When it starts to look like there might be a route around it, keep your eye out for a fork in the trail doing just this. It is marked with a small cairn and while the main trail will also eventually head into Clearwater Pass this shortcut avoids losing elevation that would need to be regained.

    Clearwater Pass is a huge alpine meadow. Near the eastern end are the two Devon Lakes; the further one being the smaller of the two and about 30m lower. It’s a shame there isn’t a backcountry campground here, as there are superb areas to pitch a tent all around. Random Camping is allowed around Devon Lakes, and you will need to get permission from Parks Canada to camp here.

    As a testament to how isolated this area truly is, we spent 20 minutes watching a wolverine forage in the bushes near our tent! Surprisingly, other common wildlife was much more skittish, and we only saw marmots and ptarmigan during the trip. The entire trip, however, is prime bear country and evidence of this is everywhere. Be certain to make lots of noise as you hike!

    If you have a permit and are staying at Devon Lakes, set up camp and enjoy the area.

    If you need to get back to Fish Lakes, then you won’t be able to stay here too long, as you’ll need to hike back to Fish Lakes – take the same route back and enjoy the new views looking backwards, it’s still spectacular. It’s a long day heading back to Fish Lakes, so bring your dinner and have one of the best dinner views on your return journey.

    Day 3: Devon Lakes to Fish Lakes

    If you stayed at Devon Lakes, return back to Fish Lakes today. You can take either the regular route or the highline route, though the highline is more spectacular.

    Day 4: Fish Lakes to Trailhead

    Return the way you came from Fish Lakes Campground to your car.

    Sample Itinerary:

    • Day 1: Trailhead to Fish Lakes camp (15.5 km/ +780 m, -420 m)
    • Day 2: Fish Lakes to Devon Lakes (15.7 km/ +550 m, -550 m)
    • Day 3: Devon Lakes to Fish Lakes (15.7 km/ +550 m, -550 m)
    • Day 4: Fish Lakes to Trailhead (14.8 km/ +780 m, -420 m)

    Insider Hints for Devon Lakes

    • Spending a night in the backcountry in Banff National Park requires a permit, which can details can be found on the Parks Canada site.
    • Spend a few nights at the HI Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel to explore more trails in the area!
    • For a great meal head north to The Crossing Resort for three different food options, all casual and all delicious.

    Getting to the Devon Lakes Trailhead

    From Lake Louise take highway 93, the Icefields Parkway, north for 23.3 km to the Mosquito Creek Hostel. The trip starts at the trailhead across the road.

    Route Information

    • Re-supply points

      None

    • When to do

      Mid July - September

    • Mountain Huts

      No

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Yes

    • Toilets

      Trailhead, backcountry campgrounds

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Devon Lakes Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Devon Lakes Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter