Description

Distance: 12.78km
Elevation Gain: 1056m
Surface: Maintained Trail
Trail Type: Loop
Parking: Fireside Picnic Area

Often regarded as one of Banff’s most difficult hikes, the Cory Pass trail offers spectacular scenery just a few minutes’ drive from the town of Banff. A highlight of this trip is traversing below the awe-inspiring Mount Louis, a towering and sheer mountain that has captivated the hearts of rock climbers for decades. The mountain was officially named in 1886 after an early Canadian Rockies surveyor and was first ascended in 1916 by Conrad Kain, a legendary Canadian climber.

It is strongly recommended to run this loop clockwise. The initial trail to Cory Pass is steep, hard-packed dirt, and in places it can be extremely slippery when descending. The trail descending from Edith Pass also makes for a great, fun, well-graded descent through the forest that one does not want to miss.

Apart from a bit of scree in between the passes, a short steep rocky section on the ridge leading to south end of Mount Edith, and a steep initial climb, this trail makes for a fast and fun run.