Opal Peak Route

Opal Peak Route is a strenuous loop-plus-summit outing from the northeast Opal Hills trailhead at Maligne Lake. Follow the Opal Hills Loop counter-clockwise through steep forest and open subalpine meadows, then use the unmaintained summit connector across the upper route to the Opal Peak high point before returning to the loop and parking area.

The complete outing is about 10.4 km/6.4 miles and typically takes 6–8 hours, with roughly 1,020 m/3,350 ft of cumulative climbing. The route combines the official Opal Hills Loop with a difficult, unmaintained summit section; the mapped line closes at the trailhead and represents the connector between the loop endpoints.

Expect steep grades, loose rock and scree, route-finding in open alpine terrain, and short exposed sections near the high point. The summit section is not maintained like the official loop and may require scrambling; turn around at the meadows or on the loop if the upper route is beyond your comfort level.

The route has broad views over Maligne Lake, the Maligne Valley, Leah Peak, and the Queen Elizabeth Range. This is bear country, so carry bear spray, make noise, and travel in a group when possible. Use the signed trailhead in the farthest northeast lot and follow the loop signs before leaving the maintained trail.