Near Arnica Lake Trail
Arnica Lake

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Hike Trail

Arnica Lake Trail

3.0 (1 Rating)
An immediate drop and then steady climb to a backcountry lake in Banff National Park.
2.9
mi
Distance
1,843
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsFishingLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
A daily pass or Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required to recreate in Banff National Park.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.9mi
Distance
1,843ft
Elevation Gain
337ft
Elevation Loss
25%
Max Grade
7,041ft
High Point
5,216ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail immediatly dips down from the trailhead to Vista Lake (keep that in mind for the return!). once at the far end of Vista Lake, you'll cross a footbridge and begin the steady climb to Arnica. The trail climbs through mixed evergreen and larch forest with intermittent views back toward the Parkway and the surrounds to the northeast. In the fall you'll enjoy some spectacular larch color. Arnica Lake has a great shoreline for a lunch stop or break to chat. It is backstopped by the magnanimous Storm Mountain. If you wish, you can continue your hike on to Upper Twin Lakes Trail which passes over the pass to the south. A small offshoot of this trail can be taken at the pass to reach a nice overlook of Arnica Lake.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
McCaide Wooten