Description

Distance: 32.60km
Elevation Gain: 1727m
Trail Character: Steep & Rocky
Trail Type: Loop
Parking: Lake O'Hara Parking

The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit offers some of the most breathtaking and majestic views in the Canadian Rockies. Nestled in a valley on the west side of Mount Victoria, Lake O’Hara sits directly behind the iconic backdrop of Lake Louise. Like Lake Louise, Lake O’Hara is surrounded by dizzying mountain faces, towering peaks, and impressive hanging glaciers. It’s an area anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies should have on their top priority list.

The trails of the Alpine Circuit are very steep and rocky, which may be a positive for some and a negative for others. All but the most aggressive trail runners will likely find themselves hiking large sections of the circuit. A trip or slip from some of the more exposed sections on the ledges of Mount Huber or Yukness could be really dangerous, so it’s the author’s opinion to just take your time and take this route in.

The Lake O’Hara trail network is extensive, offering numerous options for running and exploring the area. The route described here makes for a really fun circuit and traverses the best parts of the region. It’s also easy to piece together a shorter or longer route if you prefer, so it’s a great place to get creative.

Running the circuit clockwise or counterclockwise are both excellent options, as there are steep ascents and descents in both directions, and the views are equally impressive no matter which way you go. The GPS track below goes clockwise.

It’s important to note that the initial section of the route is on a road that you will also have to return on. The road is just under 11 kilometers with about 600 meters of elevation gain. While no personal vehicles are allowed on this road, there is a bus that can be booked to transport you through this section. If you’re fit, the road goes quickly and is fairly scenic. For more information on the bus, click here.