Taylor Lake Trail

Taylor Lake Trail is a 7.8-mile (12.6 km) out-and-back from the highway-side trailhead to the lake and back, walking the same 6.3 km route each way. Allow 4–5 hours for the steady climb and about 585 m of ascent. It starts in shaded forest beside Taylor Creek and ends at a high glacial lake under jagged peaks. The lake is the payoff; this is a long climb rather than a summit scramble. The base route ends at the lake. Panorama Ridge meadow and O’Brien Lake are optional extensions and add distance.

The trail leaves from behind the parking area over steps and a wildlife gate, then follows a broad, shaded track. Taylor Creek comes into view early. After the first stretch, roots and protruding rocks make the steady climb rougher; a wooden bridge crosses the creek, boardwalks span wet patches, and a long run of switchbacks gains the hillside.

The upper trail becomes rockier. A second creek crossing near the lake passes a small waterfall, then the path enters a wet meadow where roots, mud and stepping stones slow the final approach. A campground sign marks the arrival at Taylor Lake.

Taylor Lake sits beneath Mount Bell, Mount Fay and Panorama Peak. A small waterfall drops into the far end below a glacier, with forest and steep mountain walls around the shore. From the lake edge, the waterfall and glacial bowl make the strongest view to frame. Larches around the lake and in nearby meadows turn gold in fall, usually in mid-to-late September.

The Taylor Lake trailhead is the designated parking area beside the Trans-Canada Highway; toilets and a picnic site are at the access. The lot can fill early, and roadside parking is prohibited. Dogs are allowed on the route but must stay leashed and under physical control. Snow can linger into the early hiking season, so Parks Canada recommends this walk from July onward. Hikers should travel in groups of four or more, carry bear spray and know how to use it; treat stream or lake water before drinking.