Wenkchemna Pass
Last updated:
Moraine Lake Area
The Continental Divide at the head of the Ten Peaks - very few people make it here. Views west into Kootenay and north back down the entire valley.
Very quiet beyond Eiffel Lake. One of the least crowded full-day objectives in the Lake Louise area. Start early - this is a long day.
Accessible July through mid-September. Early season snowpack on the final approach can persist into July. Group of four often required on the shared approach.
Read the full guide in Field Notes
A rugged, long-distance objective that takes you to the very head of the Valley of the Ten Peaks and the border between Alberta and British Columbia.
The Route Visit
Continuing past Eiffel Lake, the trail becomes increasingly rocky and remote. The final approach to the pass is a series of steep switchbacks over loose shale.
- The Continental Divide: Stand on the ridge that separates the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds at Wenkchemna Pass.
- Wenkchemna Glacier: You'll have a top-down view of the debris-covered Wenkchemna Glacier.
Safety & Warnings
- Distance: This is a long day (nearly 20 km return). Start early and bring plenty of food and water.
- Remote: You will see far fewer people here than on other trails. Ensure someone knows your plan.
Photography Tips
- Tokumm Creek: The view west into Kootenay National Park and the Tokumm Creek valley is wild and pristine.
- Glacial Debris: Capture the patterns of the moraines and rock glaciers in the upper basin.