East Opabin Trail

Why go

If you’re after Lake O’Hara’s signature mix of turquoise water, golden larches, and high-alpine drama, East Opabin is a smart way onto the Opabin Plateau. It links lakes, meadows, and talus with big views across Lake O’Hara, Mary Lake, and the Opabin basin—plus quick access to the famed Opabin Prospect.

What the hike is like

Expect a steady, switchbacking climb from the Lake O’Hara basin into open alpine. Once on the plateau, you’ll wander past small lakes and larch groves, with scenery that swings from intimate meadows to glacier-carved cliffs. Most hikers fold East Opabin into a loop (often called the Opabin Plateau Circuit) that clocks about 5 miles total via East Opabin and takes 4–6 hours, depending on side trips and photo time. East Opabin is commonly used as the descent leg while ascending West Opabin, but you can run it in either direction based on sun, crowds, and footing.

Scenery and natural notes

This is classic Rockies geology: glacially carved benches, talus slopes, and a hanging basin rimmed by cliffs. Up-valley, a glacier sits below Opabin Pass—admire it from a distance; do not venture onto it due to crevasses. The larch forests steal the show in late September when their needles blaze gold. Keep an eye out for marmots sunning on boulders and remember you’re in grizzly country.

Don’t miss

Detour to Opabin Prospect (a short spur) for one of the area’s most photogenic views down to Lake O’Hara and Mary Lake. The plateau itself is dotted with lakes—Hungabee, Cascade, and Moor Lakes—and is crisscrossed by a well-signed trail network.

Logistics and access

Reaching the trailhead requires getting into the restricted-access Lake O’Hara area: reserve the Parks Canada shuttle well in advance or walk the 11 km road to the lake. Dogs are allowed if you walk in, but they are not permitted on the shuttle or in the campground. Start early to beat crowds and shifting alpine weather.

Best time to hike

Mid-July through early October is the sweet spot after snowmelt and before winter returns. Late September is prime for golden larches. Weather here trends cooler and wetter than Banff except in midsummer; bring layers and be ready for quick changes, including early or surprise snowfall.