Mystic Pass Trail

Mystic Pass Trail is a 36.8 km one-way, three-day backpack from the Mount Norquay ski area to Johnston Canyon. It follows Forty Mile Creek, passes Mystic Lake, crosses the high pass, then descends Johnston Creek to the Ink Pots and the Bow Valley Parkway. Plan for two nights: Mystic Junction (Fm19) the first night and Larry’s Camp (Jo9) the second. Allow about 18 hours of walking over three days, plus time for the lake, breaks and camp.

From the Mount Norquay parking lot, the route first crosses ski-area ground beneath the lifts before you reach the signed Fm10 junction and a defined trail. Follow Forty Mile Creek upstream through forest and streamside openings to Mystic Junction. The creek corridor is known bear habitat, and the tread can fade around wet braids, water crossings and rocks, so keep the route signs and map handy.

From Mystic Junction, the route heads toward Mystic Lake; the short side trip to the lake is a worthwhile pause before the climb. From the lake junction, the trail climbs about 3.5 km and 280 m to the pass, with a stream crossing and a rocky, open slope where the view begins to widen. At the top, the route opens into alpine meadow and broad views around Mystic Peak. It then drops into the Johnston Creek valley toward Larry’s Camp; the creek valley and high pass make this the most demanding day.

The final stretch descends mostly downhill from Larry’s Camp toward Johnston Canyon. It passes the Ink Pots before reaching the Bow Valley Parkway, so the trip finishes at a different trailhead from where it began. Arrange your pickup or other transport before you leave Norquay.

This is a remote backcountry route, not a maintained day hike. Expect rocky footing, creek crossings and occasional faint tread, and carry bear spray for the Forty Mile Creek corridor. High passes can hold snow into late June, stream flow is usually highest in June and July, and snow can fall at elevation even in summer. Overnight campers need the required backcountry permit and reservations for the designated campsites. Dogs are allowed on leash.