+ 194
Devil's Thumb, Alberta
Hiking Trail
Hard
11.5 km
691 m
Of all of Canada's natural wonders, none are as photographed as Lake Louise. Watching turquoise water reflecting the jagged, snow-covered peaks above it is spectacular enough, but sipping a drink at a world-famous hotel whilst doing so is even better. The Fairmont Chateau hotel is world-renowned, and gives this hike comfortably the best start and end point of any route on this list!
The hike itself is spectacular and challenging in equal measure, with some tricky and exposed scrambling towards the top. The reward for your efforts is a view across Lake Louise, its surrounding peaks, and all the way to the desolate high peaks of the Columbia and Wapta icefields.
The hike itself is spectacular and challenging in equal measure, with some tricky and exposed scrambling towards the top. The reward for your efforts is a view across Lake Louise, its surrounding peaks, and all the way to the desolate high peaks of the Columbia and Wapta icefields.
Route and Elevation
Segments
Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
---|---|---|---|
To the Tea House | 3.33 km | 387 m | 11.6% |
Lake Louise to 1st switchback | 1.58 km | 167 m | 10.6% |
Hwy 1 A Climb | 0.92 km | 107 m | 11.6% |
The Hard Part of Big Beehive (from Agnes Teahouse) | 0.56 km | 122 m | 21.6% |
Devil's Thumb from the intersection | 1.06 km | 151 m | 14.2% |
Descente de la maison du thé | 3.17 km | -373 m | -11.7% |
Mirror lake descent | 2.20 km | -204 m | -9.2% |