Helen Lake and Cirque Peak Route Guide
Table of contents
Route Description for Helen Lake and Cirque Peak
Start the hike from the signed point in the parking lot. Entering the forest, you follow a well-marked trail for roughly 4.5 km, until you emerge from the trees and begin to get some stupendous views. Crossing Helen Creek, the route soon arrives at Helen Lake after roughly 6 km and having gained approximately 380 m of elevation.
From the lake, contour around the right-hand side of the water towards a headwall. The trail will take you to the right of cliffs. Follow the main trail here and don’t take shortcuts. From here you can scamper the remaining few meters to the viewpoint before turning left and walking across the plateau to the base of the main push to the top of Cirque Peak.
Walk across the marshy plateau towards Cirque Peak, eventually reaching a sandy, steep ascent. From here you have under 500 m of elevation gain to complete in 1.3 km of distance. The sandy section will lead to a ridge, where the consistency changes to small rocks and a bit of scree. Follow the trail to the left of the ridge, and make sure to steer clear of the edge.
Roughly 10 m from the top, you will encounter a rock formation that will require a bit of agility. Ditch your poles here and use your hands to go up the notch towards the peak. Take care, as this scrambling can be intimidating to those without experience.
Reaching the top, you have outstanding 360 degree views – Dolomite Pass, Dolomite Peak and Lake Katherine to name a few. The submarine-like mountain to your right is Dolomite Peak, one of the most unique in the Rockies. Take great care at the top, however, as the drop off on the other side is enormous, and certainly fatal.
Those who are very adventurous can scramble to the second peak, though that is beyond our own capabilities, so only challenge this route if you’re very experienced. Please judge your own capabilities accurately and ensure you are safe.
Coming back down the rock formation is actually easier, provided your pants or pack don’t get caught on rocks and throw you off balance. Once down, you have a pleasant descent provided you’re comfortable moving on loose rock. Regardless of your abilities, coming down the black sand is a joy. If you are new to these descents, treat it like snow, step down with your heel first until you find a firm footing and then move your other foot. Keep straight downhill and be prepared to fall back on your bum. This takes some practice, but over time you can greatly improve your speed at descents.
Return the rest of the way you ascended, once again making sure you take the same route you took up. There are several game paths that look like trails that can lead you to the exposed cliff edge.
The steady route up through the forest is a welcome relief on the way down, as you coast easily back to your car. Just be sure to keep on the lookout for roots and make enough noise to ensure the bears stay away, as this is prime bear habitat.
Helen Lake hiking news for 2024
In 2024, the Helen Lake trail in Banff National Park is poised for an earlier start to the hiking season due to lower than usual snowfall levels. However, visitors should be prepared for a particularly busy summer at the trail. The increased accessibility and the trail's popularity mean that early arrival to secure parking and starting the hike in cooler morning hours might be more crucial this year. It's advisable to check local conditions before heading out, especially due to potential wildfire smoke, which could affect visibility and air quality.
Insider Hints for Helen Lake and Cirque Peak
- Bring gaiters and poles for the scree and sand route down.
- Do this in a group as you are in prime bear habitat and for support on the final push to the peak.
- Stop for a snack at the iconic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge after the day. Better yet, get a jump on the crowds and book a night at the Num-Ti-Jah to be transported back in time.
Getting to the Helen Lake and Cirque Peak Trailhead
Drive on Highway 93 north towards Jasper for 32.8 km from the highway turnoff (or head 3.4 km south from the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge turnoff). The parking lot is listed as “Helen Lake” and is on the east side of the road.Route Information for Helen Lake and Cirque Peak
When to do:
June through October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Toilets:
Trailhead
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Poor
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Helen Lake and Cirque Peak Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews for Helen Lake and Cirque Peak
Surreal amazing 360 view at top. Trail to lake is smooth and easy to follow, but its hot and dry. However, on peak you get glacier drafts and after 5pm gets cold fast. Bring sweater and jacket. Slow 2hr to lake, then 20min to ridge tiny lake and 1hr to peak. 2.5hr back to car. To left of tiny lake you scramble up stone slabs, and to right is steep soft sandy path meant for way down. Enjoyable tough climb until final 200m after the yellow rocky band - stopping every 10 steps on hellish super steep sliding scree. I only did the left peak.. fatal dropoffs everywhere.
- Trip Length
- 07:00
- Technical Difficulty
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This is one of my favourite trails. But big day.
- Trip Length
- 07:00
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no joke on this one, it's a toughie. so worth it though! unreal views!
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This challenging indeed, but you'll get to enjoy the sensational views!
- Trip Length
- 07:15
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
It's a spectacular hike. However, it is advisable to hike in groups because there are a lot of bears here.
- Trip Length
- 07:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
One of my favourite hikes ever! The trail leads through many different landscapes: alpine meadows, across waterfalls, nicely maintained soft trails, then a rocky scramble to reach Cirque. The views are unparalleled. When you reach the peak, you can see several other alpine lakes along the Icefields Parkway. Absolutely breathtaking and worth the effort!
- Trip Length
- 06:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
more like a dream even in reality. tough hike. makes you think about lots of things.
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- Physical Difficulty
I've hiked to a LOT of places and this was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen! Despite the super steep trail up the ridge on Cirque Peak, for the most part, it was quick and easy travel. Such a gorgeous 360 degree view from the top. Looking forward to coming back to the area and doing some backpacking to possibly link this trail to the Devon Lakes/Molar Pass area.
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Beautiful trail, heavenly scenery. Well worth the Trip
- Trip Length
- 07:00
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
If you love the outdoors, you should include this trip on your bucket list.
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