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Hiking trail

Consolation Lakes

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Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
2.9 km one-way (6 km return)
Elevation
65-135 m
Time
2 h
Area
Moraine Lake

Two clear alpine lakes below the sheer walls of Mt Babel. Feels remote despite being 30 minutes from Moraine Lake.

Quieter than the Rockpile and Larch Valley. Group-size restrictions may be in effect - check official notices and trailhead signs.

Generally accessible June through October. Can be muddy in early summer. Group-size orders may vary; verify official notices and trailhead signage.

Left fork at the bridge (right ascends the Rockpile). Crosses 200 m boulder field at the base of the Rockpile, then old-growth subalpine forest (Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir). Final approach to Lower and Upper lakes requires boulder-hopping over talus. Mount Babel and Fay Glacier dominate the skyline. Walter Wilcox named the lakes in 1899; 'Consolation' contrasted with 'Desolation Valley' at Moraine. Group-size orders may be in effect; verify current Parks Canada wildlife guidance.

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 large 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

  • Wildlife restrictions: This trail can be affected by Parks Canada group-size rules due to grizzly bear activity. Verify the current Parks Canada notice before starting.
  • 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