Place
If you’re after an efficient approach to Shadow Lake with minimal route-finding, this is it. The Redearth Creek Trail follows an old fire road up a quiet valley between Copper and Pilot Mountains, mostly in dense Lodgepole Pine forest with Redearth Creek nearby. Expect a steady, no-drama climb and limited views until a couple avalanche runouts offer quick mountain glimpses.
Distance-wise, plan on about 8.1 miles (13 km) one way from the Redearth Creek parking area to Shadow Lake/Shadow Lake Lodge. Bikes are allowed only on the main Redearth Creek corridor to the Shadow Lake junction (about the first 10.4 km/6.5 miles); lock up there and continue the final stretch on foot. Elevation gain to the lake is roughly 440 m, mostly front-loaded over the first few kilometers before easing into gentler grades.
This is a multi-use corridor. In summer it’s straightforward hiking (and a popular bike-and-hike to the junction). In winter it turns into an intermediate cross-country ski with mixed traffic (fat bikes, snowshoers, skiers) and variable grooming. Two avalanche runout zones cross the trail—move through them quickly and don’t linger when hazard is elevated. A signed reroute near Pharaoh Creek can feel noticeably steeper than the rest of the grade.
Scenery is understated: bridges over Redearth and Lost Horse Creeks, tranquil forest, and the occasional peek at Pilot or Copper. If you want constant vistas, this won’t scratch that itch until you reach Shadow Lake—where the payoff is real. If your goal is just a great viewpoint hike, consider one of Banff’s shorter ridge or lake trails instead; this corridor is more about getting somewhere special than sightseeing along the way.
Tips: arrive early on busy weekends (the lot can fill), latch the gate behind you at the start, and bring a bike lock if you’re pedaling to the junction. In shoulder seasons, expect wet or icy patches on bridges and shaded sections. Carry bear spray and keep conversations up in the tight forest where sightlines are short.
Best time to hike: June–September for dry trail and long days. For skiing, mid-winter can be lovely, but check avalanche conditions and expect mixed-use surfaces that aren’t always freshly track-set. Weekdays see lighter traffic; morning light is best for the occasional mountain glimpses in the runouts.
Pros
- Bike-and-hike option lets you shave time to the Shadow Lake junction
- Consistent, mellow grade makes for a smooth winter XC ski approach
Cons
- Long, view-light approach until near the lake
- Mixed winter use can mean chopped-up snow and inconsistent grooming
Parking
Redearth Creek parking area off the Trans-Canada Highway; arrive early on busy weekends. Enter through the latched gate at the start and head up the slope to the right.
Caution
Two avalanche runout zones cross the trail—don’t stop in them and avoid during elevated hazard. Mixed winter traffic and variable grooming. A signed reroute near Pharaoh Creek is steeper. Bikes not permitted beyond the Shadow Lake junction.
