Pros & cons
PROS
- Exceptional glacier and Yoho Valley views from a high alpine bench
- Complete circuit adds Little Yoho meadows, Laughing Falls, and varied scenery
- Takakkaw Falls parking provides a clear, signed start and finish
CONS
- Strenuous full-day route with a steep initial climb and substantial elevation change
- Long exposed alpine traverse with rocky, uneven footing and fast-changing weather
- Popular and seasonal; parking and Yoho Valley Road access can be limiting
Park at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot at the end of Yoho Valley Road, about 17 km northeast of Field, British Columbia. Yoho Valley Road is seasonal and has tight switchbacks; vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) must reverse around the turns and trailers are not permitted. A Parks Canada pass is required.
The full loop is strenuous and includes a steep forest climb, rocky moraine and uneven footing, exposed alpine travel, streams, and rapidly changing mountain weather. Carry a map or GPS, treat stream water, and keep dogs on leash. Yoho Valley Road is seasonal; check Parks Canada access information before departure. Vehicles over 7 m (23 ft) must reverse around the tight switchbacks and trailers are not permitted.
The Iceline via Little Yoho is Yoho National Park's signature full-day circuit from Takakkaw Falls. From the parking lot, the route climbs steeply through forest to the Iceline, then traverses a high alpine bench with sweeping views of the Daly and Emerald Glaciers and Yoho Valley. It descends through rocky alpine terrain and the meadows of the Little Yoho Valley before returning past Laughing Falls and along the Yoho Valley Trail.\n\nThis is a complete 12.6-mile (20.3 km) loop with about 3,580 feet (1,090 m) of elevation gain and loss. Allow about 8 hours for the day, or split the route over two days with a backcountry reservation. The route includes a sustained initial climb, long exposed travel above treeline, rocky and uneven footing, streams, and steep sections on the descent. Carry a map or GPS for the full circuit and treat stream water. Dogs are allowed on leash.\n\nThe trailhead is the Takakkaw Falls parking lot at the end of Yoho Valley Road, about 17 km northeast of Field. Yoho Valley Road is seasonal and has sharp switchbacks; vehicles longer than 7 m (23 ft) must reverse around the tight turns and trailers are not permitted. Check Parks Canada access information before departure for seasonal road opening and trail conditions.
Elevation
12.6 mi · 8 hrWhere it starts
51.4975, -116.4841Wildlife on this trail
Near Iceline via Little Yoho
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayIceline–Little Yoho–Celeste Lake LoopDifficult glacier-view loop via the Iceline, Celeste Lake, and Little Yoho ValleyChallenging · 12.5 mi · 8 hr
0 mi awayTakakkaw Falls TrailEasy paved stroll to the mist and thunder of Takakkaw FallsEasy · 1.1 mi · 30 min
0 mi awayTwin Falls TrailWaterfall-rich Yoho Valley hike from Takakkaw Falls to the thundering Twin Falls.Moderate · 9.7 mi · 7 hr
0 mi awayYoho Valley and Whaleback LoopClassic Yoho Valley loop over Twin Falls and the Whaleback.Challenging · 12.7 mi · 7.5 hr
0.5 mi awayTakakkaw FallsThunderous 373 m cascade with easy access and rainbow mistTrailhead · Restroom
0.5 mi awayWhiskey Jack HostelRustic hikers’ base steps from Takakkaw Falls and the Iceline TrailLodging · Parking
1.6 mi awayYoho LakeSecluded alpine lake with a simple backcountry campgroundRestroom · Picnic Table
1.9 mi awayYoho PassQuiet forested pass linking Takakkaw Falls, Yoho Lake, Emerald LakeScenic Viewpoint
