Forty Mile Creek Trail

Why go

If you’re chasing solitude and a classic Rockies backcountry feel, Forty Mile Creek delivers. Starting above Banff at the Mount Norquay area, the route drops into forest and follows the burbling creek upstream toward Mystic Junction, with occasional openings to the Sawback Range. It’s more about the journey than instant panoramas—think mossy forest, clear side streams, and that steady, meditative valley walk.

Expect roughly 9 miles one way (about 14.5 km) from Norquay to Mystic Junction. Grades are mostly gentle and the tread is often wide, so travel is quick for fit hikers, but the length and remoteness make it a moderate effort.

The experience

Early on, the descent from Norquay can feel like a service road; then it settles into singletrack that shadows the creek. Views peek through of Mount Norquay, Cascade Mountain, and rugged Sawback ridges. Water is everywhere—side streams and the main creek—so you can carry less and top up frequently (treat all water). Wildlife is active here; carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Continue beyond Mystic Pass Junction and you’ll reach Forty Mile Summit (about 2,150 m), a worthwhile extension for bigger scenery. From camps along the corridor, day trips to rarely visited lakes—Sawback, Rainbow, Mystic—offer alpine backdrops with real solitude. The short spur up to Rainbow Lake adds a bit of climbing but is often called a standout add‑on.

Route notes

Navigation can be fussy near the start: multiple intersections around Norquay and at least one unsigned junction along the creek. A rough “connector” on the south bank (with past flood wear) leads to a bridge and the main horse trail; after that it’s straightforward. Keep a map/GPS handy. The main Norquay parking lot may be barricaded in summer—plan on an extra ~500 m walk to the current trailhead and follow the ski road past the ranger cabin to pick up the Forty Mile Creek route.

Camping and itineraries

Backcountry camping requires reservations; common options include Cockscomb (FM10) and FM19 near Forty Mile Summit. Many hikers establish a basecamp off Forty Mile Creek and take lighter day trips to lakes and passes rather than hauling full packs over the entire Sawback system.

Best time to hike

This corridor shines early season (late June into July) when higher passes are still holding snow. Late summer through early autumn is also excellent—fewer bugs, cooler temps, and a shot at golden larches higher up. Expect mud in the shoulder seasons and lingering snow in shaded forest into June.

Good to know

• Water is plentiful; many hikers carry 0.5 L and refill often (treat it).
• Dogs are strongly discouraged here, especially for overnights, due to wildlife and backcountry logistics.
• Bring full backcountry kit: bear spray, rain layers, and Leave No Trace habits.

If you want faster payoff views with similar effort, you might be happier on a different Banff-area day hike. But for a quiet approach to passes and lakes in the Sawbacks, this one is underrated.