Moraine Lake Highline Trail in Banff National Park

Banff National Park, AB

Moraine Lake Highline Trail

Difficult Mount Temple singletrack from Moraine Lake Road to Moraine Lake

Length
9.2km
Time
4hr
Elev. change
311m
Difficulty
Challenging
  • Dogs allowed
  • High point 2,037 m

Hear the audio tour

Paradise Valley Trailhead: A Quieter Alternative

Overview

About Moraine Lake Highline Trail

This is the Moraine Lake Highline, a difficult single-track route that climbs onto the shoulder of Mount Temple before descending to Moraine Lake. Expect roots, rocks, narrow side-hill sections, and broad views across the Lake Louise area; the upper trail can feel exposed.

The route is about 5.7 miles (9.3 km) one way from its trailhead 2.5 km up Moraine Lake Road. Parks Canada lists roughly 485 m of climbing and 325 m of descent for the route. The stored line follows the initial access from the signed parking area to the Highline junction, then the Highline to the Moraine Lake day-use area; it is point-to-point, not the Lake Louise lakeshore connector.

Access requires planning. Parking at the trail start is very limited, and there is no parking at the Great Divide lot or the Moraine Lake junction. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles; use permitted Parks Canada shuttle or other licensed transport and arrange a return from the Moraine Lake end. Check current access information before setting out.

This is a demanding mountain route for experienced hikers and mountain bikers. Bear encounters are possible; carry bear spray where permitted and follow current wildlife guidance. Weather changes quickly, and the trail may have seasonal or area restrictions. Verify the current Parks Canada trail conditions, road access, and any closures before your trip.

Why go

  • Demanding single-track traverse over the shoulder of Mount Temple
  • Big mountain views on the approach to Moraine Lake
  • A true point-to-point route for experienced hikers and mountain bikers

Heads up

  • 9.3 km one way with sustained climbing, roots, rocks, and exposed side-hill sections
  • Very limited parking near the start and no parking at the Moraine Lake junction
  • Shuttle or licensed transport planning is required because Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles

Map & elevation

The route

Loading the Banff map
Full map
Elevation1,726–2,037 m
TrailheadMoraine Lake Highline Trailhead51.39603, -116.17201
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Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

The trail begins 2.5 km up Moraine Lake Road. Parking at the trail start is very limited; Parks Canada says there is no parking in the Great Divide lot or at the Moraine Lake junction. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles, so arrange permitted Parks Canada shuttle or licensed transport and a return from the Moraine Lake end.

Safety

This difficult single-track route has roots, rocks, narrow and sometimes exposed side hills, and substantial climbing and descent. Bear encounters are possible; follow current wildlife guidance and carry bear spray where permitted. Mountain weather changes quickly. Check current Parks Canada trail conditions, road access, and any seasonal restrictions before setting out.

8 active Banff alerts

  • ClosureLake Louise area trails and access areas closed for wildlifeMentions Lake Louise, referenced in this guideThe Bow River Trail, Louise Creek Trail, lower Tramline Trail, and Great Divide Trail parking area are closed because the closure prevents wildlife from being displaced from an essential travel…Official details
  • ClosureRed Deer River valley bottom closed for ceremonial bison harvestThe Red Deer River valley bottom is closed to the public during an Indigenous ceremonial bison harvest taking place through November.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

Your drive to Moraine Lake Highline Trail, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Banff National Park. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

Recorded for this trailhead

Paradise Valley Trailhead: A Quieter Alternative
Listen
“The turnoff you're nearing is for the Paradise Valley Trailhead, the starting point for some excellent, less-traveled hikes.”

Plays as you drive up to this trailhead in the Parkwolf Banff Tour Guide.

More stories near here in the app

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  • 178 audio storiesacross Banff’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
  • Wildlife heatmapsfor Grizzly Bear, Brown Bear, Gray Wolf, and 13 more
  • Works offlinemaps, 177 trails, 236 places, and audio download before you lose signal
  • CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
★★★★★
“…Loved the commentary as you drove thru. I’m sure the app can do more than I know but the tips were very helpful. I’m gonna use it when we go to Banff next month.”
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Wildlife

Wildlife in Banff

All Banff wildlife maps

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Banff. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Keep exploring

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Parkwolf’s Banff ranking

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