Baker Lake Trail

Baker Lake Trail is a 26 km (16.2 mi) return out-and-back from Fish Creek Trailhead to Baker Lake and back, with about 700 m (2,300 ft) of climbing. Allow 8 to 10 hours for the full walk; the 13 km approach usually takes 3.5 to 5 hours one way. It is a long, high-country outing for fit hikers, with the lake as its payoff. This route ends at Baker Lake and retraces the same corridor. The longer Skoki Loop continues beyond the lake and is a different trip.

From the Fish Creek parking area, the route starts with roughly 4 km uphill on the Temple access road. There is no vehicle access up the road, so this is a walking approach, not a drive to a higher trailhead. The path then climbs through forest; views open after a few kilometres. Halfway Hut is about 7 km from the start, and the turn for Hidden Lake is a separate spur nearby.

Boulder Pass comes at about 8.5 km. From the pass, the route looks toward Ptarmigan Lake, Redoubt Mountain and Mount Temple, then continues past Ptarmigan Lake and down toward Baker Lake. The campground is at the far end of the lake, about 13 km from Fish Creek. On the return, you retrace the route and climb back over the pass before the long walk down the access road.

Start at Fish Creek Trailhead near Lake Louise Ski Area and follow the signed backcountry route toward Baker Lake. Carry a map for the high-country route and allow time for stops. The lake sits around 2,240 m; a calm morning can leave the mountains reflected in the water, and nearby larches turn gold in late September and early October. Treat all natural water before drinking.

A National Park Pass is needed to enter Banff. Overnight stays require an advance backcountry reservation and permit. Dogs are allowed on summer trails unless a specific restriction is posted, and must remain leashed and under control. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.