Ball Pass Trail to Floe Lake (11.2 km, Challenging) – Banff National Park

Overview

About Ball Pass Trail to Floe Lake

Why go

Ball Glacier and the Ball Range frame the high crossing.
A direct backcountry link between Banff and Kootenay.

Heads up

The starting camp is reached only on foot through the backcountry.
The one-way route needs transport plans at both ends.

Map & elevation

The route

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Full map

Elevation1,342–2,196 m

TrailheadBall Pass Junction Camp (Re21)51.13522, -115.96890

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Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

Start at Ball Pass Junction Camp (Re21), reached on foot from the Sunshine–Egypt Lake backcountry route; there is no road access at the camp. The finish is Floe Lake parking lot on Highway 93 South, 72 km east of Radium Hot Springs. Arrange a vehicle transfer before starting this one-way route.

Best time to go

High sections can stay snowbound until early to mid-July, and autumn snow can make the pass difficult. The Ball Range is hoary marmot country; their whistles can carry over the open slopes, though a sighting is never guaranteed. Dogs are allowed on this route but must stay leashed and under control.

Safety

This is a remote high-pass crossing through avalanche paths, with no road exit until Floe Lake parking. Snow can linger at high elevation into July and return in autumn. An overnight backcountry permit and campsite reservation are required for the approach to Ball Pass Junction Camp; dogs must stay leashed and under control.

8 active Banff alerts

ClosureJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area closedJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area are closed to all traffic and travel through December 11, 2026, because construction work requires protecting public and workers’ safety.Official details
ClosureBaker Lake and Hidden Lake campgrounds closed to campingCamping is prohibited at Baker Lake and Hidden Lake campgrounds through December 1, 2026, because a grizzly bear entered campsites and investigated tents and gear; the closures reduce risk to…Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Banff Tour Guide

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Trail guide

Hiking Ball Pass Trail to Floe Lake

The route and commitmentBall Pass Trail to Floe Lake is a 6.

Ball Pass Trail to Floe Lake is a 6.9-mile one-way traverse from Ball Pass Junction Camp in Banff to the Floe Lake parking lot in Kootenay, crossing Ball Pass. Allow about six hours for this 11.2 km link once you are at the camp. It is a hard, remote backcountry route, not a stand-alone day hike from a road. The often-listed 8.9 km figure describes the one-way hike from Floe Lake parking to Ball Pass; this route continues another 2.4 km on the Banff side to Ball Pass Junction Camp.

Reach the start and finishBall Pass Junction Camp (Re21) is the second night on the 41.

Ball Pass Junction Camp (Re21) is the second night on the 41.5 km Sunshine–Egypt Lake–Vista Lake backcountry itinerary. Reach it on foot as part of the longer trip; an overnight backcountry permit and campsite reservation are required. This route ends at Floe Lake parking lot on Highway 93 South, 72 km east of Radium Hot Springs, so arrange transport between the camp and lot before setting out.

At Ball PassFrom camp, the trail climbs to the divide.

From camp, the trail climbs to the divide. Around the pass, the view opens across the Ball Range: Mount Ball and Ball Glacier stand out, with Isabelle Peak, Haiduk Peak and Shadow Lake in the wider panorama. A short walk beyond the pass gives the better view.

Down through meadows and forestOn the Kootenay side, descend through alpine meadows; a stream and July flowers appear near the…

On the Kootenay side, descend through alpine meadows; a stream and July flowers appear near the 8 km point measured up from Floe Lake parking. Lower down, the route crosses avalanche paths, passes a stream with small cascades about 4.4 km from the lot, and enters regenerating forest before reaching the highway.