Saddle Mountain
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Table of contents
Saddle Mountain Hike is a simple and quick add-on to Saddleback Pass trail. You’ll be able to see the peak from the pass, and is an accessible way to get some great views across the Bow Valley and into Sheol Valley. This is an excellent moderate hike in the Lake Louise area on the less-populated side of the lake.
Route Description for Saddle Mountain
Saddle Mountain sits on the less popular side of the Lake Louise trail system. Most visitors will head to the right of the lake aiming for the lakeshore trail and the historic teahouses. The left side is often much less crowded and sees only more serious hikers.
From the parking lot, join the trail leading uphill to the left. At 100 m, you will find a junction and you’ll stay on the trail to the left. The right leads to a short and popular trail to Fairview Lookout Hike.
Stay on the left trail as it climbs up the side of Fairview Mountain. You’ll pass some avalanche paths that open up to views of the valley below. Watch for debris in the spring left from winter. Trail crews have a lot to clean up after destructive avalanche cycles, so if you don’t want to climb over some logs save this trail for mid-summer.
After 2.0 km, there is a junction with an old wooden sign leading to an easy or steep option. We like to take the steep option on the way up and loop around the easy one on the way down. This adds a little bit of a loop to the trail making it more exciting. The trail begins to level out through the larch forest and boulder fields that rest at the base of Fairview Mountain. Look out for wildlife here as plenty of creatures love playing in the boulders.
Once you reach the pass, you’ll see Saddle Mountain to your left. Follow the trail straight up to the peak and return the way you came. Saddle Mountain gets its name from the shape it forms with Saddleback Pass and Fairview Mountain. When hiking in the Skoki area or visiting the Lake Louise Ski Resort across the valley, you’ll be able to pick out the saddle easily. For a big day choose to add on Fairview Mountain to complete the whole saddle!
Want to find more amazing Lake Louise hikes? Check out the Plain of the 6 Glaciers, Sentinel Pass, Morraine Lake or the Skoki Lakes hike.
Getting to the Saddle Mountain Trailhead
From the Village of Lake Louise, take Lake Louise Drive towards the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Continue through the four-way stop, and drive up the hill, passing Paradise Bungalows and Deer Lodge. Once you reach the Fairmont hotel, take a left into the visitor parking. Continue to the upper parking lot to save yourself a few steps. From the parking lot, head towards the trees by the bathroom, and you will be able to join the trail here.
Route Information
When to do:
June-September
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Saddle Mountain Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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