Parking
There is no drive-up trailhead at either end. Reach Sawback Lake Camp Fm29 on foot as part of your permitted backcountry itinerary; continue on foot to Block Lakes Junction Camp Cr37 and plan the next leg or exit in advance.
Overview
About Sawback Lake to Block Lakes Junction Trail
Why go
- Opens into the Cascade River–Sawback Creek valley with mountain views.
Heads up
- Remote one-way travel with no road access at either end.
Map & elevation
The route
Loading the Banff map
Full mapElevation1,831–2,050 m
Plan your hike
Before you go
Parking
Safety
8 active Banff alerts
- ClosureJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area closedJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area are closed to all traffic and travel through December 11, 2026, because construction work requires protecting public and workers’ safety.Official details
- ClosureBaker Lake and Hidden Lake campgrounds closed to campingCamping is prohibited at Baker Lake and Hidden Lake campgrounds through December 1, 2026, because a grizzly bear entered campsites and investigated tents and gear; the closures reduce risk to…Official details
The highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.
Banff Tour Guide
Your drive to Sawback Lake to Block Lakes Junction 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.
See the Banff audio tour- 185 audio storiesacross Banff’s roads, triggered by GPS as you drive
- Wildlife heatmapsfor Grizzly Bear, Brown Bear, Gray Wolf, and 13 more
- Works offlinemaps, 162 trails, 90 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.”
Trail guide
Hiking Sawback Lake to Block Lakes Junction Trail
The routeThis is a one-way, 7.4-mile (11.
This is a one-way, 7.4-mile (11.8 km) backcountry leg from Sawback Lake Camp Fm29 to Block Lakes Junction Camp Cr37. It links two designated camps and forms one day of a longer multi-day itinerary; it is not a loop or a road-access day hike. Plan roughly 3½ to 4 hours for the walk, allowing time for the creek crossing and stops.
From willows to open valleyThe route heads north through willows along the Sawback Creek corridor, then turns west toward…
The route heads north through willows along the Sawback Creek corridor, then turns west toward Block Lakes Junction. Near the meeting of Cascade River and Sawback Creek, the trees open onto a broad valley. A Warden cabin sits below Flint’s Peak, with views toward Noetic Peak and Block Mountain. Expect a creek crossing; morning dew can leave the willow-lined approach wet.
Backcountry planningBoth ends are reached on foot, with no road exit at either camp.
Both ends are reached on foot, with no road exit at either camp. Plan this as part of a permitted backcountry itinerary and reserve the designated overnight camps. The main hiking season is May through October; higher trails can stay snowbound into late June, and stream flows are highest in June and July. Check current trail conditions and restrictions before setting out.
Water and dogsWater-based recreation in Sawback Lake and Sawback Creek is prohibited.
Water-based recreation in Sawback Lake and Sawback Creek is prohibited. Wading is allowed only when necessary to cross a stream and remain on an official trail. Dogs may accompany summer hikers where no specific restriction is posted, and must stay leashed and under control.
Wildlife
Wildlife in Banff
123 sightingsGrizzly BearMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
150 sightingsBrown BearMost seen around 6 PMSighting map
44 sightingsGray WolfMost seen around 6 AMSighting map
12 sightingsRiver OtterMost seen around 8 PMSighting map
69 sightingsMooseMost seen around 8 PMSighting map
466 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 9 PMSighting mapSighting maps show where each species has been reported across Banff. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.
