North Molar Pass Trail

North Molar Pass Trail is a 14.4-mile (23.2-km) out-and-back from Mosquito Creek to a high notch above the Fish Lakes valley. The pass is about 7.2 miles one way; day hikers turn around there and return on the same trail. Allow roughly 8 to 10 hours for the distance, climbing and rough footing. This is a committed alpine hike, not a quick creek walk.

I'd choose it when you want a full day above treeline and the pass itself is the goal. The Fish Lakes and Pipestone route continues beyond the pass as a separate backpacking trip. Don't add that extension to this day-hike distance.

The signed trail starts on the east side of the Icefields Parkway, just north of Mosquito Creek Bridge and across from Mosquito Creek Campground. From the Mosquito Creek Youth Hostel access-road lot below the highway, cross the parkway and bridge carefully, then follow the short path to the kiosk. Don't block the hostel road.

The trail climbs steeply at first, then settles into forest beside Mosquito Creek. Around 1.4 miles it drops toward the creek's west side. Views open toward the long ridge below Watermelon Peak. The route crosses an avalanche chute with a braided snowmelt stream, then crosses creek branches on logs before reaching Mosquito Creek Backcountry Campground at about 4 miles.

A signed junction comes shortly after the campground, around 4.4 miles from the start. The right branch is Molar Pass, also signed as South Molar Pass. Turn left for North Molar Pass, Fish Lakes and Pipestone River. This is the important turn; the two pass hikes are separate routes.

The trail climbs through open forest, then the trees give way to broad alpine meadows around mile 5. The wooded approach is rocky and braided, and the meadow tread can be boggy depending on the season. In summer, wildflowers fill the open slopes. Peaks ring the valley on all sides, with the jagged Dolomite and Watermelon ridges ahead.

At about 5.6 miles, the trail reaches Mosquito Lake and crosses its outlet. It continues above the lake's north shore, climbs a bench, then angles east through rocky meadows. The final climb begins around mile 6.6 on steep talus. Take your time here; it is rougher than the gentler meadow approach.

North Molar Pass sits at about 8,497 feet (2,590 m), a notch in the ridge rather than a broad summit. The Fish Lakes valley opens beyond it, with stream-threaded meadows below a high rock wall extending from Molar Mountain. From the pass, frame that valley below the wall to show the scale of the ridge. When you're ready, retrace the route to the trailhead.

Parks Canada rates the trail difficult; a detailed route account calls the hike strenuous. The 14.4 miles and roughly 2,472 feet of climbing add up to a hard day even though the gain is moderate for the distance. Expect repeated creek crossings, rocky tread, seasonally boggy meadow and loose talus near the pass. Snow can fall in the mountains any month, and conditions can change quickly at this elevation.

Dogs are allowed on Banff trails in summer unless a trail restriction is posted; keep them leashed and under control. A day hike to the pass is distinct from the overnight route beyond it. Backcountry camping requires a permit and advance reservations are recommended. Bring water or a filter because surface water may be unsafe to drink.