Badger Pass Trail

The trail steepens soon after the turnoff. Partway up, a stepped waterfall comes into view; higher on the slope, the trees open onto meadows of yellow-flowering shrubby cinquefoil. At the pass, look down the long alpine valley toward Pulsatilla Mountain. The mapped spur reaches close to the named saddle and returns by the same route; the longer Sawback itinerary continues beyond the pass.

Several streams cross the ascent, and some take a little scouting if you want to keep your feet dry. The turnoff is about half a kilometre before Badger Pass Junction Campground. The campground is a separate stop, not the pass, and its access includes another creek crossing. The mapped route ends close to, but does not precisely pin, the saddle, so follow the established tread for the final approach rather than extending the line across open ground. Overnight backcountry travel requires a permit. Dogs must stay leashed, and some Banff trails have dog restrictions, so check current trail information before setting out.