Sunset Pass Trail

Sunset Pass Trail is a hard out-and-back from Highway 93 North through forest and a high meadow to a pass above Pinto Lake. It is 16.4 km (10.2 miles) return, with about 725 m (2,380 ft) of climbing; allow 6 to 7 hours. Those figures end at the pass, at the Banff boundary. The trailhead is summer-only.

The lower trail starts with exposed roots, then climbs in a long run of switchbacks. A trip account counted about 35; they ease the grade, but this is still a steady climb. You may hear Norman Creek Falls below the route, though reaching the falls takes a side path. About 4.2 km one way brings you to Norman Lake campground, where plank bridges cross the creek. A signed branch to Sunset Lookout is a separate hike, not part of the pass route.

Past camp, the trail skirts a broad meadow with Mount Coleman in view and stretches of shoulder-high willows. It re-enters the trees at the far end, then climbs to the pass and the signed park boundary. From the rocky high point, look toward turquoise Pinto Lake and the Cline River headwaters; the westward panorama reaches the Columbia Icefield. The lake shore is beyond the pass and makes a longer wilderness outing. For a photo, keep the rocky trail edge in the foreground with the lake below.

This is a full-day climb for hikers comfortable with a sustained ascent and a long return. If you want a shorter outing from the same access, Sunset Lookout is a separate route. Dogs may use Banff trails on leash; keep bear spray accessible on this route through bear habitat. Stop at Sunset Pass unless you have planned the longer backcountry route beyond the boundary.