North Molar Pass Trail

North Molar Pass Trail is a difficult out-and-back from Mosquito Creek to a narrow alpine saddle, 14.9 miles (24 km) round trip. It follows the creek valley, climbs into a broad flower meadow beside Mosquito Lake, then gains the rocky pass; set aside 7–8 hours and expect about 750 m (2,460 ft) of climbing. The payoff is a high, open view toward the Fish Lakes valley, but this is a full-day mountain hike.

The trail climbs the bank beside Mosquito Creek, then levels through open conifer forest. A long clearing looks toward Dolomite Peak; it follows the former Wonder Road, an early predecessor to the Icefields Parkway. The first 1.9 km tracks the creek, then the route crosses open alluvial fans and avalanche paths among willow and scattered pine. Around 5 km in, Mosquito Creek backcountry campground has picnic tables by the water. Beyond it, cross the creek again and climb gently on a braided trail used by horse parties; the tread can turn muddy when wet.

About 2.5 km beyond the campground, a signed junction splits: the right branch goes to Molar Pass, while North Molar Pass is left. The North Molar branch climbs steeply through trees for about 1 km on loose, rocky braids before opening into a broad alpine meadow. If this day feels too long, the right fork is a separate, shorter Molar Pass hike, about 2.9 km less with 220 m less climbing.

The next kilometre rises gently through cotton grass, paintbrush and arnica, with Dolomite Mountain’s castellated towers to the west and Molar Mountain’s sharp ridge to the east. Flowers are usually strongest in late July and early August. The trail reaches shallow Mosquito Lake; follow the cairn at the outlet and climb the small bench rather than following faint tracks that peter out along the east shore. A stream and steep switchbacks through pale pink-orange scree and dark limestone lead to the narrow saddle at 2,590 m. The sides fall away steeply, with the Fish Lakes valley to the east. In the meadow, frame the flowers with Dolomite’s towers behind them; from the notch, include the valley below for scale.