Stoney Squaw Mountain Trail (4.5 km, Moderate) – Banff National Park

Overview

About Stoney Squaw Mountain

Why go

Convenient, close-to-town loop with a steady workout
Sheltered evergreen forest and occasional views of Cascade Mountain and the Bow Valley
A good short option when you want more than a viewpoint but less than a full-day hike

Heads up

Most of the route is tree-covered, with intermittent rather than panoramic views
Short steep, rooty, and rocky sections can be slippery after rain
Wayfinding near the upper loop can be confusing

Stoney Lookout (the current name for the former Stoney Squaw route) is a short, moderate forest loop above Banff. It makes a good close-to-town leg-stretcher when you want a steady climb, cool shade, and a few framed views without committing to a full-day mountain hike.

Parkwolf’s verdictWhy go

Map & elevation

The route

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Full map

Elevation1,688–1,883 m

TrailheadStoney Lookout Trailhead (Mount Norquay)51.20061, -115.59552

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Plan your hike

Before you go

Parking

Park in the Mount Norquay ski area’s main parking lot at the top of Mount Norquay Road. The signed Stoney Lookout trailhead is near the lot’s eastern/southeastern edge by the information kiosk; follow the signs from the lot rather than starting on an unmarked side path.

Safety

Expect short steep pitches, exposed roots, and rocky footing that can be slick after rain. Minor paths and a confusing junction near the upper loop can lead visitors off route; follow the signed Stoney Lookout trail. Carry bear spray and keep dogs leashed in Banff National Park.

8 active Banff alerts

ClosureRed Deer River valley closed during ceremonial bison harvestThe Red Deer River valley bottom is closed to the public during an Indigenous ceremonial bison hunt taking place through November, for public safety during the harvest.Official details
ClosureJohnston Canyon closed for constructionJohnston Canyon Trail and Day Use Area, including the washrooms and P1 parking lot, are closed to all traffic and travel through December 11, 2026, for construction work to ensure public and worker…Official details

See all 8 alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Banff Tour Guide

Your drive to Stoney Squaw Mountain, 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.

Recorded for this area

Forty Mile Creek Trailhead for Backcountry Hiking

Listen

“You're nearing the trailhead for the Forty Mile Creek trail. This isn't a short, casual walk—it's a major access point for multi-day backcountry trips.”

Plays on the road 0.4 km from the trailhead in the Parkwolf Banff Tour Guide.

Hiking Stoney Squaw Mountain

What you'll seeThe route winds through dense evergreen forest with mossy ground, exposed roots, and occasional…

The route winds through dense evergreen forest with mossy ground, exposed roots, and occasional rocky sections. Look for openings toward Cascade Mountain, the Bow Valley, Banff, and the ski slopes; much of the route remains tree-covered, so the views are intermittent rather than panoramic. The lookout and summit area are forested.

Route and logisticsThis is a 4.5 km (2.8 mi) loop with roughly 245 m of elevation gain and about 1.

This is a 4.5 km (2.8 mi) loop with roughly 245 m of elevation gain and about 1.5 hours of hiking time for a typical visitor. Park at the Mount Norquay ski area at the top of Mount Norquay Road, then follow the signed trail near the eastern/southeastern edge of the main lot and the information kiosk. The trail climbs to the lookout, continues around the loop, descends toward the ski-village side of the area, and returns across the parking area to the trailhead.

Tips and expectationsExpect short steeper pitches, roots, and rocks that can be slick after rain.

Expect short steeper pitches, roots, and rocks that can be slick after rain.
A junction near the upper part of the route can be confusing; follow the signed Stoney Lookout route and do not take minor side paths.
Carry bear spray and keep dogs leashed in Banff National Park.
There is no water source on the trail; bring what you need.

Is it worth it?Yes, if you want a shaded, moderate workout with a few mountain and valley glimpses close to…

Yes, if you want a shaded, moderate workout with a few mountain and valley glimpses close to Banff. Choose another nearby hike if your priority is an open summit panorama.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Banff

All Banff wildlife maps

122 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

67 sightingsMooseMost seen around 8 PMSighting map

465 sightingsBlack BearMost seen around 9 PMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Banff. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.

Stoney Squaw Mountain