Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Crypt Lake Hike

    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.
    5-7h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    17.4 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.
    690 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.
    9.8
    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.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more 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.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Crypt lake hike views in Waterton

    Waterton’s Crypt Lake hike is a spectacular trail that has it all. It begins with a boat ride to the trailhead, passing four waterfalls en route. There is a ladder, a tunnel, and a chain you cling to as you traverse a cliff, you may want to hold off on the chains if you aren’t comfortable with heights though. For experienced hikers, this is a must-do adventure route and one of the Triple Crown hikes in Waterton.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Crypt Lake Hike on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Crypt Lake Hike

    Start the Crypt Lake Hike by taking a 20-minute ferry ride across Upper Waterton Lake from the marina to Crypt Landing. Although the trailhead is also approachable by hiking – a level trail on the eastern shoreline – save yourself the added 15.0 km trek and take the ferry. You won’t regret it.

    Taking a ferry with 40 or so other passengers means you won’t be alone on this hike. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. When travelling through a park with a large grizzly population, there’s safety in numbers.

    After being dropped off at Crypt Landing, look for the signed trailhead on your right. The trail initially travels through forests of pine and fir on moderately graded switchbacks. In just 400 m from the trailhead, you’ll reach a junction with Hell Roaring Falls. Stay left at the Hell Roaring Falls junction to stay on the main trail.

    To get to the falls, take a side trip through the gorge on a narrow, rustic trail. It is less than 2.0 km, but it is best done on the return from Crypt Lake (if time allows), as it is a strenuous grind re-joining the main trail. If you do take the side trip now, at 3.0 km the Hell Roaring Falls trail merges back on the main trail; continue to stay left for the main trail.

    At 3.7 km, you’ll reach a junction for Twin Falls. Take the short detour to gaze at the falls before returning to the junction and staying left for the main trail. Continue through the forest on a pleasant path, crossing several creeks. Eventually the path will become rockier until you emerge from the trees at 5.5 km. From here you’ll have impressive views of Burnt Rock Falls ahead.

    The rocky trail gains elevation rapidly for the next 2.0 km as you climb above the falls to views of the striking Crypt Falls, that drops 152 m to the basin below. In the basin above Crypt Falls lies Crypt Lake – the destination – and above the basin towers Wilson Range in Glacier National Park. To the left of the trail is Vimy Ridge, and to the right Mount Boswell dominates the view.

    The trail switchbacks up rocky talus slopes, gaining elevation fairly rapidly; we find soaking in the atmosphere helps alleviate the challenge of the ascent. The view astounds and confuses; how does one reach the basin above the falls? As you get closer, you can see the trail crossing a talus slope in the distance, then disappearing. But first, you’ll re-enter the forest and pass the now-closed Crypt Lake campground where a pit toilet is still functional on the left side of the trail.

    Exiting the trees, you will cross a stream on large rocks before turning South across the gray talus slope spied from a distance. Although the trail is narrow and crosses a long, steep slope, it is angled towards the mountain, giving a sense of safety. The path continues to a small flat landing area with a metal ladder, bolted to the rock. This leads you into a tunnel blasted into the cliff wall. The 20 m tunnel is wide but not tall, maxing out at 1m, requiring an awkward crouch to travel through.

    Airy views and another challenge awaits on the other side of the tunnel. After crawling through, drop down several feet to the rocky ledge clinging to the side of the cliff wall with a 200 m drop-off. The 12 m long path is fairly wide and has a steel cable along its length, reducing the risk. However, those with a fear of heights may struggle at this point and are advised to turn back.

    The final push to the lake is fairly level. At the junction, stay left for Crypt Lake – right is a short jaunt to view Crypt Falls as it plunges down to the lake below. The main trail has one last little climb over some rocks before the lake comes into view and the trail drops to meet the lake. The lake is surrounded by headwalls and is a beautiful place to sit and enjoy some well-earned rest. If you still have some energy, there is an international path around the lake – the south end of the lake crosses the border into Montana.

    After some refreshment and water refills, return the way you came. Count on half an hour less than the time it took to arrive at the lake to return to Crypt Landing.

    Hiking trail highlights

    Crypt Lake

    Crypt Lake is a stunning emerald green lake that houses one of the most thrilling trails in the world according to National Geographic.

    Crypt Falls

    Crypt Falls is found along Crypt Lake Trail and pours down from Crypt Lake into smaller pools below.

    Hell-Roaring Falls

    Follow the Crypt Lake Trail on a steep ascent to get a glimpse of Hell Roaring Falls that cascades through the trees and down rock formations.

    Other amazing walks in Waterton Lakes National Park

    Check out our guides to Bertha LakeCameron Lake or Red Rock Canyon. Or see all our hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park on 10Adventures.

    Insider Hints for Crypt Lake Hike

    • The ferry price is $25 for adults and boats depart daily in the summer months at 8:30, 9:00 and 10:00AM. Return rides depart from the Crypt Landing at 4:00 and 5:30PM. Check out the schedule and pricing at Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company
    • Focus on the time on this hike, because if you miss the last ferry back to Waterton townsite from Crypt Landing, you’ll be spending the night huddled on the shoreline. Remember you’re on a schedule and give yourself plenty of time to make the return from Crypt Lake to the landing.
    • If you have a strong fear of heights, you may prefer to end the hike before the tunnel and ladder section; the chain traverse is not the time to conquer acrophobia. However, many folks with a mild fear of heights have no difficulty with this at all. Get advice from someone who knows you and the trail.
    • After hiking to Crypt Lake, rehydrate with an adult beverage at the Thirsty Bear Socialhouse in Waterton townsite.

    Getting to the Crypt Lake Hike Trailhead

    Crypt Lake requires a ferry crossing to reach the trailhead which departs from the Waterton Marina in Waterton townsite. See “Insider Tips” for booking details.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      July to late September

    • Backcountry Campsites

      No (closed)

    • Toilets

      Yes, at closed backcountry campground

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Crypt Lake Hike Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Crypt Lake Hike 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