Giant Steps via Paradise Valley

Why hike it

Looking for a big-day alternative to the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake crowds? This is it. The Giant Steps via Paradise Valley strings together forest, a lively creek corridor, Lake Annette, broad meadows, and a unique, multi-tiered waterfall—all with far fewer people than the area’s marquee trails.

The experience

From the small Paradise Valley trailhead, you follow Paradise Creek on a mostly gentle grade with several bridged crossings. The views start modest in the trees, then open to a classic U-shaped, glacier-carved valley framed by peaks like Mount Temple and Mount Lefroy. Around 6 km in, Lake Annette makes a perfect mid-route breather beneath Temple’s north face. Beyond the lake, expect rougher tread, occasional boulder fields and scree, and a wilder feel as you push deeper into the upper valley. Your turnaround prize is the Giant Steps: Paradise Creek splaying into broad rock terraces that form countless cascades and perfect lunch perches.

This is an out-and-back of about 12.6 miles (20.3 km) total to the Giant Steps. It’s a moderate-to-strenuous day thanks to the distance and roughly 1,330 feet (405 m) of gain, with most effort stacking up after Lake Annette. Plan for 7–8 hours including photo stops and a linger at the falls.

Season and best time

Late June through September is the sweet spot. Snow can linger into early summer—especially past Lake Annette—so expect lingering wet, muddy patches early. Wildflowers peak mid-summer; larches fire up in mid–late September for a golden finale. Start early for cooler temps, steadier lighting in the valley, and a quieter waterfall break before any afternoon weather builds.

Wildlife and geology

You’re walking a textbook glacial valley: big walls, a cirque basin up high, and erosion-resistant rock that creates the Giant Steps terraces. Wildlife is a real draw—this is prime grizzly habitat and you might spot marmots or mountain goats in the upper meadows.

Tips and comparisons

• Footing gets rockier and slower beyond Lake Annette—wear solid boots and bring a map/GPS.
• Carry enough water or a filter; reliable sources are along the creek but treat everything.
• If you’re not up for the full push, Lake Annette is a worthy turnaround with great scenery.
• A junction near the upper valley leads right toward Giant Steps and the nearby backcountry campground; going straight heads toward Sentinel Pass/Larch Valley (orientation only, not part of this route).

Know before you go

Parks Canada sometimes requires tight groups of four here due to grizzly activity—verify current advisories before heading out. The nearby Paradise Valley backcountry campground is commonly closed in July–August for bears. The trailhead has a small, unpaved lot and no toilets, and during peak periods area roads may be traffic-controlled; let staff know you’re using the Paradise Valley trailhead.