All Backcountry TrailsCanadian Rockies / Yoho, BC

Lake O'Hara Backcountry & Alpine Circuit

Yoho National ParkParks Canada
Total Distance
18 km
Duration
2 to 4 Days
Elevation Gain
+750m
Difficulty
Moderate

The crowning jewel of the Canadian Rockies. Access is strictly limited by Parks Canada to preserve its delicate alpine ecology; campground bookings sell out in seconds.

How Booking & Permits Work

🎫 Trailhead Entry Permit Quota System

No bookings, fees, or reservations required. All 14 wilderness huts and campsite areas are shared on a first-come, first-served basis. Always carry a tent as backup.

Sequential Trail Camps & Bottlenecks

6 Waypoints
1
Lake O'Hara Shuttle Bus Drop-OffBottleneck
Km 0
2
Lake O'Hara CampgroundBottleneck
Km 1
30 pads
3
Elizabeth Parker Hut (ACC)Bottleneck
Km 1.5
4
Lake McArthur / Schaffer Basin
Km 6
5
Opabin Plateau Circuit
Km 10
6
Lake Oesa & Yukness Ledges
Km 14

Essential Route Hazards

  • Exposed alpine ledges on the Wiwaxy Gap and Yukness Ledges
  • Strict shuttle bus quota (11km gravel road walk if missed)
  • Sub-zero overnight mountain frost year-round

Catch Dropped Dates for Lake O'Hara Backcountry & Alpine Circuit

Permits and backcountry pads sell out months ahead. Our automated scanner monitors dropped reservations 24/7 and alerts you instantly via Email, Web Push & SMS text alerts.