Pipestone Pass

This is a remote out-and-back highline from the Fish Lakes backcountry campground to Pipestone Pass. The mapped line is stored once in the outbound direction, while the visitor distance is the full return trip: about 16.8 km (10.5 miles) total, or 8.4 km (5.2 miles) each way. Allow about 8 hours for the round trip, with extra time for route-finding, stream crossings, and breaks.

Begin at Fish Lakes Campground (MO18), follow the trail past the Parks Canada ranger cabin, cross the tributary, and climb out of the lake basin. The route then traverses the high western side of the Pipestone Valley through open alpine meadows and rolling terrain before reaching the rocky Pipestone Pass area. The highline is the route represented here; Devon Lakes, Clearwater Pass, Molar Pass, and the lower Pipestone Valley alternatives are separate extensions or variants.

This is rugged, remote backcountry rather than a signed tourist trail. Tread can be faint, braided, muddy, or interrupted near water, and the high country is exposed to fast-changing weather. Carry bear spray and reliable offline navigation, treat backcountry water, and follow Parks Canada route, wildlife, and camping rules. Overnight use of Fish Lakes requires the appropriate Parks Canada backcountry reservation and permit.

Fish Lakes is not a roadside trailhead. Reach the campground from the Mosquito Creek trailhead on the Icefields Parkway by crossing North Molar Pass; plan the approach, permits, and return logistics before treating this as a day trip from camp.