One of the best hikes in the Rockies is the trail up to Helen Lake and beyond to Dolomite Pass.

The trailhead starts on the Jasper-Banff Parkway, 33 km north of the Lake Louise Junction.   The Crowfoot Glacier viewpoint is on the west side; the Helen Lake trail is on the east side.   The trail climbs through fairly open forest around and over a ridge, then emerges into a wide and sparsely forested upper valley.   The rest of the trail is above treeline as it angles north to Helen Lake.   Above Helen Lake, the trail zigzags up a headwall to a ridge where you will have the best view for photos.   Beyond the ridge, the trail descends to Kathleen Lake, and not far beyond to Dolomite Pass.   The route beyond the pass is for backpackers only and there are a number of junctions to choose from, all of which are multi-day routes.   The recommended route is either up to the ridge or past to Dolomite Pass and return.   We usually find this takes us about 5 hours.

This hike features vast meadows, tarns, wildflowers, interesting routes, rock features, and fabulous views in every direction.   It is permanently on our “must-do” list for our return visits to the Rockies.