Consolation Lakes
Last updated:
Moraine Lake Area
Two clear alpine lakes below the sheer walls of Mt Babel. Feels genuinely remote despite being 30 minutes from Moraine Lake.
Quieter than the Rockpile and Larch Valley. Group of four restriction often in effect - check the trailhead sign.
Generally accessible June through October. Can be muddy in early summer. Group of four requirements vary - always check trailhead signage.
Read the full guide in Field Notes
A high-reward hike that starts at the busy Rockpile but quickly leaves the crowds behind, leading to two wide alpine lakes at the base of Mount Babel.
The Route Visit
The trail branches off from the Rockpile path and follows a relatively flat route through an old-growth forest. It eventually emerges into a massive boulder field at the edge of the first lake.
- Boulder Hopping: Reaching the shore of the Consolation Lakes requires some easy scrambling over large rocks. Watch your step.
- The View: The lakes are framed by the vertical walls of Mount Babel and the Fay Glacier.
Safety & Logistics
- Group of 4: This trail is frequently under a mandatory group-of-four restriction due to Grizzly bear activity. Fines for non-compliance are up to $25,000.
- Wet Sections: The trail can be quite muddy in early summer. Wear waterproof boots.
Photography Tips
- Mount Babel: The sheer scale of Mount Babel is best captured from the shore of the first lake.
- Wildflowers: In July and August, the meadows along the trail are filled with subalpine wildflowers.
Nearby
Moraine Lake Lakeshore , Rockpile , Larch Valley / Minnestimma Lakes