Stanley Glacier Trail
A popular climb into an alpine basin beneath glacier-fed waterfalls and immense rock walls.
Route overview
Climb the maintained trail to the alpine basin viewpoint and return on the same route.
Stanley Glacier ascends through a fire-regenerated valley into increasingly open mountain terrain. The official trail reaches the basin viewpoint; travel beyond it can enter loose rock, fossil-sensitive and more hazardous terrain.
Trail facts
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Canadian Rockies
- Distance
- 9.8 km round trip
- Typical duration
- 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- 405 m gain / 115 m loss one way
- Best season
- July through mid-September is most reliable
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No independent day-hiking permit; park pass required; guided fossil hikes require separate booking
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Rockfall, snowfields, rapid weather, lightning, crowded parking and sensitive fossils
Highlights
Stanley Glacier, waterfalls, alpine basin, rock walls and Burgess Shale setting
Why find a buddy
A partner supports weather decisions and adds safety in the open upper basin where rockfall and sudden storms matter.
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.