Avalanche Crest 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.
6.5-9h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
12.7 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.
1,574 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Avalanche Crest Trail

Hike along the Avalanche Crest Trail to experience beautiful mountain top views and spot many of the frigid glaciers that can be found within Glacier National Park. Along the trail, you will hike through scenic rainforests of cedar and hemlock on the way to an amazing lookout over the alpine landscape. The end of this trail is a bit technical and challenging, but the views along the way are definitely worth the effort.

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Route Description for Avalanche Crest Trail

The Avalanche Crest Trail is a wonderfully scenic hiking route in Glacier National Park that will take you on an uphill climb through a stretch of cedar and hemlock forest on the way to Avalanche Mountain. Along this route, you will catch glimpses of nearby glaciers through the dense cover of the rainforest before arriving at an alpine bowl with amazing views of Avalanche Glacier. Near the top of the route, the trail splits off in two directions, with the right path setting out on a loop along the ridge to Avalanche Mountain.

This is not an official route, and it eventually becomes challenging to traverse. There are beautiful views in all directions, so don’t worry about pressing on around the loop and only take the trail as far as you comfortably can. Looking out to the west from this amazing vantage point, you will be able to see Cheops and Grizzly mountains, and to the east, Uto Peak and Mount Sir Donald will be standing before you. When you have had enough of the spectacular mountain top views, head back down the Avalanche Crest Trail to return to your vehicle below

Getting to the Avalanche Crest Trail Trailhead

To get to the parking area for the Avalanche Crest Trail from Revelstoke, drive east on BC-1 E for 61.0 km and turn right to access the parking area and trailhead at Illecillewaet Campground.

Route Information

  • When to do

    May-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    illecillewaet Campground

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Avalanche Crest Trail Elevation Graph

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