Odaray Highline Trail

This is the hushed side of the Lake O’Hara scene—a strictly limited, above-treeline traverse that peels off the Lake McArthur circuit near McArthur Meadows/McArthur Pass and climbs toward the Odaray Plateau. The draw is simple: colossal views of the entire O’Hara basin and surrounding peaks with far fewer footsteps around you.

Plan for roughly 5.3 miles total if you include the popular Odaray Grandview extension (about 8.5 km round trip). Expect around 1,785 feet/544 m of total gain for the outing with Grandview; the Highline segment itself is gentler, adding about 295 feet/90 m over 1.2 km before the steeper alpine shoulder begins. Underfoot it’s alpine singletrack—dirt and rock—with sections that traverse steep scree slopes. The tread is generally solid but sloped in places, and route markers thin out near the Odaray shoulder, so brief, easy route-finding isn’t unusual.

Scenery is the whole point: a full look into the O’Hara lakes and cirque walls, with flowered meadows giving way to stark alpine ribs. Keep an eye out for marmots and pikas sunning on rocks, and know that grizzly bears use this corridor—that’s why the quota exists.

Access is the catch. Most hikers ride the Parks Canada Lake O’Hara bus to the basin, then link the Lake McArthur circuit to the Odaray Highline junction near McArthur Meadows/McArthur Pass. If you don’t have a bus reservation, you can walk the access road, but that adds significant time and effort before the actual hike even begins. On top of that, Parks Canada places a strict daily cap on groups for the Odaray Highline/Grandview to protect wildlife; if the day’s limit is reached, you’ll need a backup plan.

Best time to hike: July through September, when the route is typically snow-free. Start early for calmer weather and the best light on the O’Hara basin, and to beat afternoon thunderstorms that commonly boil up on these exposed slopes. Always check current closures and restrictions with Parks Canada the day of your hike.

Is it worth it? If you’re comfortable with a bit of exposure and light navigation, absolutely. The Grandview vantage is exactly what the name promises. If you want a more straightforward day with fewer logistics, consider sticking to the Lake McArthur circuit; it’s still gorgeous, just busier and without the Highline’s solitude.