Larix Lake and Grizzly Lake Loop

The Larix Lake and Grizzly Lake Loop is a moderate 2.5 km (1.56 mi) circuit in Sunshine Meadows. From Rock Isle Road, it descends through open forest and flower-rich meadow to Grizzly Lake, crosses the narrow inlet bridge, follows the basin edge by Simpson Valley Viewpoint, reaches Larix Lake, then climbs back to the same junction. The stored distance covers the lake circuit only; reaching it from the upper meadow access adds a separate walk.

Start at Sunshine Village and use the seasonal gondola or Sunshine shuttle to reach the upper meadow network, then follow the Rock Isle route to the loop junction. Lift and shuttle schedules and fares change by season, so check access before setting out. Base amenities include mixed paved and gravel parking, flush toilets and benches; no on-route toilet or water refill was identified. The older trail map budgets 2.5 hours while giving a longer 3.6 km circuit figure, so treat that time as a cautious guide and allow more for the access walk and stops.

Parks Canada classifies this as a moderate hike. Sunshine Meadows paths include uneven hard aggregate or gravel, rocks, exposed roots, narrow sections and steps as high as 75 cm. On this loop, a narrow 24 cm bridge has no railing. Pause before crossing and turn back if the footing or bridge does not feel comfortable. Dogs must remain leashed and under control on park trails; check the gondola or shuttle's separate pet rules.

At the loop split beyond Rock Isle Lake's outlet, take the branch down to Grizzly Lake. At its inlet bridge, turn left along the basin lip toward Simpson Valley Viewpoint, then continue to Larix Lake and its shoreline before climbing to the split again. Larix is the larger lake, tucked between meadow and larch forest. Its name comes from Larix lyallii, the alpine larch.

A distant shore of Grizzly Lake still shows scarring from the 2017 wildfire. The Simpson overlook opens into the valley, while Larix makes a close lake-and-mountain view. Rock Isle Lake viewpoint and the Standish viewing area belong to the wider Sunshine Meadows network; adding them changes the outing and its distance.