We are so lucky to have gorgeous spots like the Stanley Glacier hike right on our doorstep. I have to admit, we can take them for granted sometimes. One day when the forecast was looking a bit iffy we decided it would be a perfect day to redo the Stanley Glacier hike in Kootenay National Park, something we hadn’t done in many years. I was blown away at just how beautiful it was, I had totally forgotten just how varied and stunning the trail was. It all of a sudden made complete sense, why the parking lot was always packed full, the day we did it was no different.
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The Stanley Glacier Hike
Distance: Approximated 9km return, if only going to the end of the maintained trail.
Elevation: Almost 400m elevation gain to the end of the maintained trail.
The Stanley Glacier hike is popular, arrive early in the morning to make sure you get a spot in the rather small parking lot. The trail is easy to find from the parking lot, it heads through the forest for a few hundred metres until you reach a nice bridge you have to cross. Once across the elevation gain for the Stanley Glacier hike really begins. Long switchbacks take you up through the new growth forest, don’t expect much shade from these young trees on a hot day though.
Occasionally the trees open up and you get a gorgeous view of the waterfall running down the mountainside or looking down through the valley at the mountains bordering Highway 93S. Once the first round of elevation gain is over, the trail levels out somewhat and starts heading away from the highway into the glacial valley. The views only get better from here with towering mountain cliffs appearing on both sides.
Before long the Stanley Glacier hike gets steep once again. To make it easier, trail builders have put in rock steps at one section. The higher you go, the fewer trees there to obstruct your views. Watch your footing though since there are many rocks and roots on the trail.
As the steep climb ends, the views open up and before you know it you have reached the end of the maintained trail for the Stanley Glacier hike. If you look up through the valley though there is a clear trail which loops around and gets you closer to the back of the valley and therefore closer to the Glacier.
We decided to continue on and complete the loop going in a clockwise direction. I can’t lie, this section started fairly easily but got really steep, really quickly with loose rocks under foot. It was a bit more effort to complete this section of the Stanley Glacier hike. The views only get better as you gain elevation though and as you reach the top of the rock band and look back through the valley it is an incredible sight to see.
This is the highest part of the common route for the Stanley Glacier hike. You can clearly see the toe of the Glacier and the runoff pools behind some trees before dropping on the cliff band as a waterfall you could see on the hike up. There are other faint and not so faint trails you will see as you hike around the back of the valley. Follow the cairns, cross the river, through the rock field and then follow the trail which starts to descend.
The descent on this side of the Stanley Glacier hike starts slow and easy. The rock on this side of the valley was more solid underfoot making for a fairly easy and fast section even on a steep part. The trail navigates a rock band and you end up having to cross a waterfall stream as if cascades down the bottom of the valley. There isn’t an easy way to cross with no obvious route or perfectly spaced rocks. Your feet may get wet on this section!
A large waterfall running off the rocks above greets you and there is a cave tucked behind you can explore on this section of the Stanley Glacier hike. This is a popular spot, expect to get wet from the waterfall entering the cave but once inside you can sit on the rock and take in the views and watch the water cascading down in front of you. You’ll likely share the cave with other hikers and even some climbers on a busy day.
Back out from the waterfall backtrack a few steps to rejoin the main trail. This last section of the loop on the Stanley Glacier hike is a real knee burner! It is steep and the rock is loose, you’ll lose elevation quickly but it won’t be easy! Before you know it though, you are back at the sign signaling the end of the maintained trail and from there out you are Backtracking on the main trail to your car.
Where Is The Stanley Glacier Hike
The Stanley Glacier hike is approximately a 45 kilometre drive from the town of Banff. Head west on Highway 1 and then turn off at the Castle Mountain junction and head south on Highway 93 signed for Radium. Continue on Highway 93 for around 13 kilometres. The Stanley Glacier hike is clearly signposted on the left on the highway with parking right there off the highway.
What You Might Need To Complete The Hike
If you plan on going further than the end of the maintained trail, I’d recommend hiking boots. There are sections of loose rock to navigate and a stream crossing where goretex might be your best friend! This was the first hike I did in my new La Sportiva Raptor 2 boots and I loved them. They were comfortable straight from the box, have a large tow cap for rock bashing and I watched the river water bead off them while I crossed. All in all these were perfect to complete the Stanley Glacier hike in.
I really relied on my hiking poles for the steeper sections. We discussed whether we should take them and I have to say I was so glad to have them to take the pressure off my knees on some of the steeper downhill sections.
The forecast called for rain and oh did it rain, so I was happy to have my rain jacket in my pack. When we started hiking the Stanley Glacier hike it was super hot and with little shade I was glad to have a sun shirt to keep me covered up, just over half way around it started to downpour. A reminder to pack for all weather when hiking in the mountains!
