Summit Lake Trail
A sustained mountain approach from Cameron Lake to a high lake on the Carthew-Alderson corridor.
Route overview
Climb from Cameron Lake to Summit Lake on Carthew-Alderson, then reverse the route unless continuing under a separate plan.
Summit Lake uses the opening section of the Carthew-Alderson route, climbing by switchbacks above Cameron Lake. The standalone official listing is one way, so day hikers must account for the full return distance and time rather than treating the published figure as a round trip.
Trail facts
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Canadian Rockies / Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
- Distance
- 8.6 km one way as officially listed
- Typical duration
- 3 hours one way
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Official standalone gain not published; route follows the initial Carthew-Alderson ascent
- Best season
- Mid-July through early autumn after snowmelt
- Trail type
- Out and back unless incorporated into a longer route
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No day-hiking permit; park pass required; camping requires reservation and permit
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Distance interpretation, snow, fatigue, weather, wildlife and limited cell service
Highlights
Cameron Lake views, high forest, mountain switchbacks and Summit Lake
Why find a buddy
A companion materially improves turnaround decisions, navigation and emergency resilience on this longer alpine objective.
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.