Little Yoho Valley Trail

This is the classic approach into Little Yoho’s backcountry: a steady, forested climb that trades the roar of Yoho River waterfalls for quiet subalpine meadows and glacier-ringed peaks. Start from the Takakkaw Falls parking area, follow the Yoho Valley Trail past Laughing Falls, then take the signed left for Little Yoho Valley. Stay straight at the Whaleback junction; roughly 3 km later you’ll reach the Stanley Mitchell Hut, with the Little Yoho Campground just beyond.

Plan on about 13 miles total (out-and-back) and roughly 1,700 feet/520 m of gain to the hut/campground. It’s a moderate effort on a well-built path, but expect sustained ascents and rougher footing higher up. Most hikers make this an overnight to the campground or the Alpine Club’s Stanley Mitchell Hut (reservation required), though strong hikers will day-trip it.

Highlights include Laughing Falls early on, tranquil walking along the Little Yoho River, and a big finish in broad, open flats beneath the glacier-draped President Range. This corridor is also the launch pad for bigger ambitions: loops with the Iceline (glacial moraine, big views), side trips toward Kiwetinok Pass, or connections from the Twin Falls side via Marpole Lake (note: that connector involves some boulder travel around Whaleback Mountain).

It’s grizzly country. Carry bear spray, make noise, and store food properly at camp. Weather turns fast—pack layers and rain protection. The Yoho Valley Road is seasonally closed; aim for the June–September window, with the sweet spot typically mid-July to mid-September when lingering snow is least likely.

If you prefer a grander alpine panorama, consider turning this into the Iceline–Little Yoho–Yoho Valley loop. Otherwise, the out-and-back to the hut is a satisfying, waterfall-to-alpine sampler that stays gorgeous without getting technical.

Best time to hike: mid-July to mid-September for snow-free travel and longer days. Start early to beat afternoon thunderstorms and to have the meadows to yourself. Verify current road access and any bridge or trail advisories before you go.

Logistics: Park in the furthest loop of the Takakkaw Falls lot for the most direct start. Backcountry camping requires a Parks Canada reservation; the Stanley Mitchell Hut must be booked through the Alpine Club of Canada. Leashed dogs are allowed.