Kicking Horse Fire Road
A long but technically straightforward forest-road walk beside the Kicking Horse corridor.
Route overview
Follow an old forest road from Natural Bridge to a riverside picnic site and the former Otterhead River bridge location.
This old fire road provides a lower-gradient alternative to Yoho’s steeper mountain trails. The route passes a picnic site at 1.8 km and continues through forest toward the Otterhead River, creating a substantial half-day outing despite modest climbing.
Trail facts
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Natural Bridge / Otterhead River
- Distance
- 13.8 km return
- Typical duration
- 4 hours hiking
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation gain
- 60 m one-way gain; 140 m one-way loss officially reported
- Best season
- Late spring through autumn when officially open and not affected by flooding or wildfire restrictions
- Trail type
- Return
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- National park admission normally applies; trail cycling is permitted on this designated route under the current restricted-activity order.
Safety context
Carry enough water and food for the full return, remain alert for bears and cyclists, and do not assume old bridge structures or river edges are safe to access. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Long distance, limited cell service, wildlife, cyclists, wet road surface, changing river levels and limited turnaround landmarks.
Highlights
Canada, Yoho National Park, Kicking Horse Fire Road, hiking, forest road, Canadian Rockies, Parks Canada
Why find a buddy
Strong fit for companions matching endurance and turnaround time while sharing wildlife observation and emergency equipment.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.