Goat Lake

Goat Lake is a subalpine lake below high cliffs, with a designated backcountry campground beside it. Getting there is a long out-and-back from Red Rock Canyon: plan on about 14 km return and roughly 500 m of climbing. The first stretch is fairly gentle; the last branch climbs steeply into the basin. Pick it for a full hike and a remote overnight, not a quick lakeside stop.

Start at the upper parking lot by Red Rock Canyon on Red Rock Parkway. Cross Red Rock Creek and follow Snowshoe Trail, a broad former fire road shared with hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. After roughly 4 km, take the branch for Goat Lake and climb the sustained switchbacks. Published route totals vary a little, from about 13.6 to 14 km return and 500 to 525 m of gain. The last section is the hard part, and visitors repeatedly describe it as very steep.

The lake sits beneath cliff faces in subalpine forest. The open switchbacks give you a look back over the route and basin; near the lake outlet, a stream and small waterfall add another feature to notice. Scan the cliffs for mountain goats and the water for cutthroat trout, though neither is a sure sighting. At the lake, put water in the foreground with the cliffs behind it for a better sense of the setting.

This is an official backcountry campground with no road access. Overnight stays require a Parks Canada backcountry permit and reservation. Facilities include tent pads, pit toilets, food lockers and picnic tables. A water source is available, but treat or boil it; gas stoves are required, and campfires are not allowed at Goat Lake. Keep dogs leashed in the park.