+ 180
Takakkaw Falls to Emerald Lake
Hiking Trail
Hard
7.07 mi
1,204 ft
Hike over Yoho Pass to link some of the park’s most iconic sights in half a day.
With a vehicle shuttle you can hike one-way between Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, surmounting Yoho Pass in between. Either direction is good, but starting from Takakkaw might be preferable, to have less elevation gain and to get almost all the uphill out of the way early. From Takakkaw Falls, the trail to Yoho Pass quickly leaves the crowds behind and zigzags up through thick forest. Eventually, the gradient lessens and becomes rolling terrain, leading eventually to the foot of an avalanche path and an impressive view of Wapta Moutain’s vertical cliffs. Just around the corner is Yoho Lake, a peaceful pond cradled in thick forest. The top of the pass is just a bit farther from there. It’s all forested, but after starting the descent the trail soon emerges on avalanche-cleared slopes above Emerald Lake. The panorama is daunting, with glaciated peaks on every side, and waterfalls streaming toward the blue-green lake at the center of it all. The trail makes an efficient descent to the valley floor, then it’s a relaxed walk across a glacial plain, with scattered trees and wildflowers. It joins with the Lakeshore Trail, and traces the edge of the water among the trees. Finish at Emerald Lake Lodge, where you can enjoy a well-earned meal, then retrieve your vehicle or meet your ride. Source: Written by Jesse Weber
With a vehicle shuttle you can hike one-way between Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, surmounting Yoho Pass in between. Either direction is good, but starting from Takakkaw might be preferable, to have less elevation gain and to get almost all the uphill out of the way early. From Takakkaw Falls, the trail to Yoho Pass quickly leaves the crowds behind and zigzags up through thick forest. Eventually, the gradient lessens and becomes rolling terrain, leading eventually to the foot of an avalanche path and an impressive view of Wapta Moutain’s vertical cliffs. Just around the corner is Yoho Lake, a peaceful pond cradled in thick forest. The top of the pass is just a bit farther from there. It’s all forested, but after starting the descent the trail soon emerges on avalanche-cleared slopes above Emerald Lake. The panorama is daunting, with glaciated peaks on every side, and waterfalls streaming toward the blue-green lake at the center of it all. The trail makes an efficient descent to the valley floor, then it’s a relaxed walk across a glacial plain, with scattered trees and wildflowers. It joins with the Lakeshore Trail, and traces the edge of the water among the trees. Finish at Emerald Lake Lodge, where you can enjoy a well-earned meal, then retrieve your vehicle or meet your ride. Source: Written by Jesse Weber
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icefields Pkwy Climb | 1.48 mi | 866 ft | 11.1% |
| Yoho Lake Turn Off | 0.83 mi | 679 ft | 15.5% |