Devon Lakes Trail

Devon Lakes Trail is a strenuous backcountry out-and-back from the Icefields Parkway to two alpine lakes, crossing North Molar Pass and the Pipestone–Clearwater high country. Plan on about 61 km (38 mi) round trip and roughly 20 hours of walking, normally spread over four days with nights at Fish Lakes and Devon Lakes before returning the same way. Detailed day-by-day distances support the longer figure; shorter headline estimates conflict. The public route trace ends about half a kilometre from the nearest mapped lake shore, so expect to navigate the final approach.

The route starts across the Icefields Parkway from HI Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel. A steep first climb eases toward Mosquito Creek Campground at about 5 km. Past camp, the tread gets rougher, with roots, mud and streambed sections before Molar Meadows opens around 8 km. From there the climb to North Molar Pass is rocky but direct; on the far side, open meadows lead down toward Fish Lakes. A stream near the bottom can be too deep to rock-hop. The crossing depth varies, and a bridge lies farther downstream.

The described route follows the highline from Fish Lakes rather than the lower Pipestone River valley variant. From near the campground outhouse, the way heads north, crosses a stream and climbs steeply for less than 100 m. The tread is faint while it contours toward Moose Lake, so the map and terrain both matter. It becomes clearer through meadows, tarns and small streams, then crosses Pipestone Pass and Clearwater Pass. Watch the route around Devon Mountain to avoid dropping farther into the valley than needed. The two Devon Lakes sit near the eastern end of Clearwater Pass; the farther lake is smaller and about 30 m lower.

A four-day plan breaks the long distance into manageable stages: Mosquito Creek to Fish Lakes, on to Devon Lakes, back to Fish Lakes, then out to the highway. Reserve Fish Lakes campground MO18 through Parks Canada. Devon Lakes has no designated campground; random camping is allowed only in designated areas with a Parks Canada backcountry permit. Those camps must be at least 5 km from a trailhead or designated campground, 50 m from the trail and 70 m from water. Carry all food and supplies; there is no resupply on route. Bear-resistant food containers are required for random camping from April 1 through November 15.