Emerald Peak Loop

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.
5.5-7.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
11.6 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.
1,260 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

Hiking the Emerald Peak Loop is a fantastic experience in Yoho National Park that will take you up to the summit of Emerald Peak for breathtaking views overlooking the surrounding mountains and lakes. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill along the trail to Hamilton Lake, at which point you will branch off on a lightly travelled and difficult to locate path leading up to the summit of Emerald Peak for views over Emerald Lake below. This is a gorgeous hike that will provide a full afternoon of fun on the trails and an amazing perspective of the majestic landscapes of the park.

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Route Description for Emerald Peak Loop

Hiking the Emerald Peak Loop is a fun route in Yoho National Park that will provide some amazing views over the rugged mountainous landscape, although you will need to use some route finding skills to locate the upper portion of the trails past Hamilton Lake. There are a few challenging portions of uphill hiking along steep switchbacks and a section of light scrambling as well, but these are more than manageable for reasonably fit hikers. Be sure to wear proper hiking footwear with good ankle support and bring any necessary gear like gaiters or crampons if hiking during the shoulder seasons.

From the car park, follow the trail uphill through the forest to the southwest, as it passes by the cascading waters of Hamilton Falls before traversing a series of long switchbacks to the shores of Hamilton Lake. After enjoying the views across the calm water, you will need to search for the route leading up to the summit of Emerald Peak. Head to the east along the lake until you come to a part of the trail with some nice views overlooking the water, at which point you will need to keep left to make the steep ascent of the summit. After making a brief scramble to the top of Emerald Peak, you will have some amazing views looking down on Emerald Lake below, with Wapta Mountain, Mount Field, Walcott Peak, and Mount Burgess off to the southeast. From here, make your descent to the southeast along the rugged terrain of the mountain to once again pass through the forest on the way back to the trailhead where you began your adventure.

Getting to the Emerald Peak Loop Trailhead

To access the parking area for the Emerald Peak Loop from the town of Field, head to the southwest on Trans Canada Highway/BC-1 for 1.6 km and make a right onto Emerald Lake Road. Continue on for 9.0 km, where you will find the parking area on the left hand side.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June-September

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Emerald Peak Loop Elevation Graph

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