Saddleback Pass Trail

A high-value alpine experience without the crowds of Lake Agnes or Moraine Lake. The “Saddle” is the local’s choice; you’ll have the larches and views of Mount Temple to yourself for nearly 90 minutes before shuttle crowds arrive around 10:00.

The route. Trailhead same as Fairview Lookout: past the boathouse along the lakeshore; signage on the left toward “Saddleback Pass” and “Fairview Mountain.” At approx. 100 m, a split for Fairview Lookout; stay straight/right to continue to the pass. Around 2 km, the trail splits: right fork (steep) is direct and efficient; left fork (easy) uses longer switchbacks. Pro tip: take the steep route up to gain elevation quickly, and the easy route down (it stays closer to the valley edge with superior Bow Valley views).

Topography. Dense Subalpine Fir and Engelmann Spruce; steady switchbacks above the lake. Approx. 1,800 m, the forest thins into grassy avalanche paths (often choked with winter debris in early summer; clear views of the Lake Louise Ski Resort across the valley in late summer). The pass itself is a classic U-shaped saddle.

Views. South: the north face of Mount Temple (3,544 m, highest in the Bow Range), Sheol Mountain, and Haddo Peak. Looking back: the “V” formed by Mount St. Piran and the Big Beehive.

Larch. The “Larch Valley Secret.” While Moraine Lake’s Larch Valley draws thousands in fall, Saddleback offers comparable density of Alpine Larch (Larix lyallii) with far less traffic. The golden window is typically Sept 20 to Oct 5. The final 1.5 km and the pass itself are a dense larch stand; tightly packed, creating a “golden tunnel” effect.

Summit extensions. The pass is a plateau; to summit, choose a side. Mount Fairview (right): an additional 414 m gain, 1.6 km; relentless switchbacks on scree; iconic postcard view straight down on Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier. Saddle Mountain (left): approx. 100 m gain; Class 2 boulder-hop through high larches; superior view of Mount Temple and Paradise Valley; less crowded, more rugged.

Safety. The trail crosses multiple avalanche paths. Do not attempt before mid-June without avalanche training and gear; heavy snowpack lingers and can slide during spring melt. The Sheol Valley/Saddleback area is prime grizzly bear habitat; carry bear spray in an accessible holster (not in your pack) and make noise in the forested switchbacks. American Pika and Hoary Marmot in the boulder fields; keep snacks secure.

Pro timeline. Arrive 6:00; start 6:30; reach the pass by 8:30. You’ll beat shuttle crowds by approx. 90 minutes.

See the Saddleback Pass landmark, Summer logistics for 2026 shuttle and parking, and the summer trail page for stats and nearby trails.