Description

Distance: 19.78km
Elevation Gain: 1172m
Trail Character: Maintained Trail
Trail Type: Loop
Parking: Emerald Lake Parking Lot

With its outstanding views and perfectly flowing single track, the Emerald Triangle is an absolute must-do trail run. On a clear summer’s day, running north along the Wapta Highline Trail section with its slight decline, smooth surface, and beautiful views of Emerald Lake below and the Presidents Group to the north is a truly sublime experience.

The trail is best run in a counter-clockwise direction. By running in this direction, you will start with a steep climb but be rewarded with an amazingly fun, 6 km section of descending trail to Yoho Lake.

Yoho Lake can easily be bypassed, but it’s recommended to make the short out-and-back to it. Yoho Lake has a beautiful campsite at its shores and makes for a great place to cool off on a warm day.

From Yoho Lake onward, the trail makes a steeper descent back towards Emerald Lake. Just before entering the flat section before the lake, the trail crosses a stream descending from the north. The stream crosses an alluvial fan feature and braids out into many branches. Because of this, it can be tricky at times to find the best way across depending on the water level, but in general, with a bit of meandering, you should be able to keep your feet dry.

The Emerald Lake area is quite popular by Canadian Rockies standards and does not have an overly large parking area. Keep this in mind and get there early to get a spot. Also, don’t be surprised to find the lakeshore sections of the trail busy.