If you luck out with a camping reservation for the Berg Lake trail, you’ll want to add the Snowbird Pass hike to your list of things to do while in the area. Although there are any number of stunning trails in the Berg Lake area, the Snowbird Pass hike is one of the hardest but most worthwhile options.
Not for the faint of heart, the Snowbird Pass hike is a big day hike even from campgrounds which are at the end of the Berg Lake Trail, being at least 8km one way with a lot of elevation gain to go along with it! The views are incredible though, so it is absolutely worth the effort!
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The Snowbird Pass Hike
Distance: 11km one way from the Berg Lake Campground. 9km one way from the trail junction.
Elevation: Approximately 820m gain
Rating: Difficult. Steep climbs on loose rock, with some exposure in areas.
The Snowbird Pass hike starts from a clearly signed intersection along the main Berg Lake trail. There are two trail junctions depending on which direction you are coming from, one near the Rearguard Campground and a second one near the Robson Pass campground.
We were staying at the Berg Lake campground, so the first trail junction was perfect for us. It starts pretty easy, a flat winding trail follows the river offering up beautiful views. Shortly the trail becomes more rocky as it navigates old moraines from the glacier. It runs alongside the lake at the toe of the glacier, the icebergs which float in here are fun to look at.
This is where the hard work starts as the Snowbird Pass hike starts to gain elevation and fast! It is a steep climb up from the lake, with loose gravel to content with making it a challenge up but even more of a challenge coming down.
Look out for the trail marks on the rocks when you enter a rocky section to navigate where the trail goes. Hint, it’s upwards but the rocks create big stairs making it easier going than other parts of the trail. Switchbacks help you can the last big chunk of elevation gain before the trail starts to traverse along the side of the valley.
The next big obstacle on the Snowbird Pass hike is not for the faint of heart, there are some steps built into the rock face with a cable running along the outside to help steady you. Careful footing is still needed though. The trail continues to climb after this although not at such a steep slope.
Eventually the trail to Snowbird Pass levels out and it traverses along the side of the valley, the trail is skinny at times and for those afraid of heights, this might not be very enjoyable as the trail is high off the ground, the views however are beautiful.
The waterfall signals the end of the traversing and the start of more switchbacks, these are short lived and the trail to Snowbird Pass quickly turns into a meadow hike with stunning views behind the Robson Glacier.
Winding through the meadow, look out for marmots, the views here are stunning and after a short while the pass can be seen up ahead, the trail slowly gains elevation before turning into switchbacks to get up to the Pass. From here you can look down on the icefield below and it is stunning. Even on a hit day though it can be windy up here, pack layers so you can put them on if you need.
Where To Stay
The Snowbird Pass hike is not a day hike which can be completed from the trailhead. In order to complete this hike you will need to secure a backcountry campground spot along the Berg Lake Trail. Ideally to shorten your day either the Berg Lake, Rearguard or Robson Pass campsites would be ideal, however it could also be completed in a longer day from the Marmot or Emperor Falls campgrounds. These all need to be reserved ahead of time and the easiest way is by using the BC Parks reservation website.
We have a full blog about hiking the Berg Lake trail with information about each campground and how to book them.
What We Took For The Hike
Hiking boots: The Snowbird Pass hike is a rough trail, with steep sections, hiking boots with good grip make tackling the terrain easier.
Day Pack: We take a small packable day pack when backpacking for day missions. However if you are happy to carry your multiday pack, that works too! Mike now uses the Durston Kakwa 55 pack and it doubles as an excellent day pack.
Hiking Poles: For the steep and exposed section, I can’t imagine not having hiking poles. Especially when it comes to the downhills.
Bear Spray: Despite being a very popular hike, you should be bear aware and carry bear spray on this hike.
Other Hiking Trails In The Berg Lake Area
- Adolphus Lake
- Toboggan Falls to Hargreaves Glacier Loop
- Mumm Basin (check trail conditions, a of August 2025 Mumm Basin can only be completed as an out and back hike from the Robson Meadows campground due to a rockslide)
