If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. Photos attached that speak a few thousand words. You can purchase a ticket ($20 for adults, $10 for children) for the Crypt Lake Shuttle Ferry from the Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company's boat launch. There are even portions of the trail that offer chains to help steady yourself while there are thousand foot drop-offs on both sides. There are quite a few switchbacks and I would recommend good footwear. Get advice from someone who knows you and the trail. Last week, we did Angels Landing, and were already ready for our next challenge. Crypt Lake Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 mi (return) Time: 6 - 8 hours (plan a full day) Elevation Gain: 700 m / 2297' An awe-inspiring full day hike involving a boat taxi across Waterton Lake, and a gradual climb of over 2300 feet. Life without fear doesnt last very longyoull be run over by a bus (or a boss) before you know it. Theres no public transport to or in Waterton, so the easiest way to come is by car. This section of the trail can be hot with no sun protection, so ensure sun protection and be prepared for the workout. After hiking along the mountain side, hikers arrive at the Crypt Lake Campground. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Its rated as hard but it really is low-moderate. After some refreshment and water refills, return the way you came. This hike takes you in a straight line rather than through switchbacks. It becomes a way to know what to do next, not an evil demon to be extinguished. Heres why youll want to stay at St. Eugene Resort, The Essential Guide To Whistler Happy Hour, The Best Christmas Lights in Calgary to Visit This Season. For nearly 30 metres (100ft), hikers crawl through a natural mountain tunnel before arriving at the cable transverse. Its first come first served, so if youre frolicking along the waters edge and theres a lot of people on the dock, you may not get not on especially with boats running at 50% capacity during COVID. Its incredibly light, and we bring it on almost every hike in the Rockies. The views make the climb well worthwhile! And all the faster walkers. Alternatively, theres a shuttle servicefrom Calgary and a few other locations, and aGreyhound bus station in Pincher Creek, 30 minutes away book a taxi in advance to get from the station to Waterton. Starts with an incline, levels out and then incline again. Start the Crypt Lake Hike by taking a 20-minute ferry ride across Upper Waterton Lake from the marina to Crypt Landing. The cruise run by the Shoreline Cruise company is a short 15-minute boat ride and costs $30 round trip. At the junction, stay left for Crypt Lake right is a short jaunt to view Crypt Falls as it plunges down to the lake below. It is a little more overgrown but not terrible. If you only have time to do a couple of Alberta hikes, make the Crypt Lake trail one of them. Crypt Lake Trail, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada Distance: 11 Miles Time: 6 Hours With amazing waterfalls and stunning views, this hike requires you to scramble, cling, and crawl through isolated spots in the Canadian Rockies. Not a super challenging hike but well worth it. Distance: VariesTime: VariesBest Time to Go: Year-Round. The Crypt Lake Trail is one of the best things to do in Waterton and has been named one of the most thrilling hikes in the world and one of the best trails in Canada. And maybe bring gloves, it can help with some of the light scramble parts on the way down. Crypt Lake Trail. This hike takes you through sections where there are endless drop-offs on both sides. The most rewarding hike I've done so far. We did see a bear at the lake, he was not afraid of humans. Continue through the forest on a pleasant path, crossing several creeks. Hikers reach the trailhead via boat from the Waterton Township for a full day on the trail. Although the trailhead is also approachable by hiking - a level trail on the eastern shoreline - save yourself the added 15.0 km trek and take the ferry. There wasnt room to let him pass on the path as it is very narrow with a steep cliff. Lots of nice views and exciting obstacles. Five stars. One of the best hikes I have done to date :) if you hike the loop around crypt lake you enter into the United States briefly. We did this in snow and rain and saw several bear tracks, never saw or heard a bear. The trail passes 4 spectacular waterfalls: Hell Roaring Falls (1 km), Twin Falls (3.5 km), Burnt Rock Falls (5.6 km) and Crypt Falls, (8 km) which is approximately 600 ft. tall. From here youll have impressive views of Burnt Rock Falls ahead. It is understandable why the track intimidates many! The Crypt Lake Trail is 20 km in length with over 900 meters of elevation gain. We think this is one of the most spectacular areas and the perfect place for an outdoor vacation. But thats not necessarily a bad thing. If you think youll want to swim and dont mind the weight, pack flip flops or water shoes. We are Emma, James, Kiran and Kai - and this blog will help you plan your next hike, walk or stroll. Most people stay around the north end of the lake, but you can walk the entire way around stepping into the USA at the southern end. Stay left at the Hell Roaring Falls junction to stay on the main trail. Once past the cave and ledges, its only a couple hundred meters left until the rewarding Crypt Lake! If you have a strong fear of heights, you may prefer to end the hike before the tunnel and ladder section; the chain traverse is not the time to conquer acrophobia. Brought our friend from Alabama, she couldnt believe that we could see all four seasons in one hike here in Alberta!!. The tunnel and cable sections are very interesting but not scary. After traveling the world for six years, he settled down in the beautiful Bow Valley with Natasha. Groups :) The boat ride to the Crypt Landing on the east side of the lake affords plenty of time to enjoy the views of the lake and the historic Prince of Wales Hotel. If you make good time up to Crypt Lake, you can chill out and enjoy the day. Crypt Lake Trail: An Amazing Hike Aug. 2019 It is as good as all reviews the hike has received. Met a younger black bear right before the tunnel heading back to the ferry dock. Whether its luggage, time or just life, I cram as much as possible into small compartments. No rope is required, but there are some scary ridge walks, shimmies up chimneys, and crawls down ledges. Are there any fears you are trying to overcome? My life is one bumpy ride! The boat ride is fun in itself and youll learn a lot about the area from tour guides. You may want to snag tickets the night before to ensure you get on a 9 am or thereabouts departure. But dont freak out, theres been bear incidents everywhere. This cable "guides" you across . (8 inches), and all that prevents you from falling about 1000 feet to your death is a cable attached to the upslope rock face. Finally, the trail isnt your usual uphill grind. This section of the hike, offers views of the Crypt Valley as well as that of the cascading Crypt Falls. There is an outhouse before the cave! There are just two noteworthy junctions along the trail, both with Hell-Roaring Falls Trail. The trail begins in berry bushes and forest. Crypt Falls is found along Crypt Lake Trail and pours down from Crypt Lake into smaller pools below. It begins with a boat ride to the trailhead, passing four waterfalls en route. Very pleasant. The cascading Crypt Falls are over 150 metres (490ft) high and are fed by Crypt Lake in the hanging valley above the falls. All copyrights to photos, graphics, and text are owned by Local Adventurer and cannot be used without permission. To access the hiking trail you'll need to take the Shoreline Ferry across Waterton Lake, about a 15 minute journey, which costs $30 per person. The dude on the boat will have already told you to take the regular trail on the way up and the Hellroaring Falls trail on the way down. The "obstacles" like ladder, tunnel and cable are right before Crypt Lake. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/waterton. You might have to take your backpack off in order to scurry through, but Im 55 and had no trouble. Youll start to see Crypt Falls ahead, tumbling down the cliff face at the end of the valley between VimyRidge andMount Boswell. The day of the trek started at 9 a.m. with an exciting 20-minute boat ride (cost: $25) to Crypt Landing. One thing I forgot while on the Crypt Lake hike was a bathing suit. Required fields are marked *, Notice: It seems you have Javascript disabled in your Browser. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Did Hell Roaring Canyon side trail on the way down to kill time and get the full experience. For a narrative audio tour around the Rockies, consider getting the Gypsy Guide. The first km or 2 is pretty uphill, but then is gets a bit easier or you just get in the groove the last 2-3 km before the lake you climb about 800 m in elevation. There is no drinking water or shelter on the trail, nor anywhere to buy food. Steady incline that isnt too bad for the first half then turns into a gradually elevated hike for the back half. Crypt Lake Trail is consistently ranked as one of the top hiking trails in the Canada Rockies. To get to the falls, take a side trip through the gorge on a narrow, rustic trail. The map app didnt have the alternative trail via Hellraising Falls, but its well signposted so you wont miss it. Learn more on our about us page! Check out the schedule and pricing at. To start the Crypt Lake Trail, youll need to head to the Shoreline Cruise companys booth at the Waterton Marina. No more digging in the backpack! In 2014, National Geographic rated it among the "World's 20 Most Thrilling Trails." The only way to the trailhead is by boat, a 15 minute trip from the dock at Waterton townsite. Trail was in great condition. Youll find Rockies camp mugs, totes, phone cases and more! Feel free to bring your dog, so long as its leashed. Theyll run several ferries until all hikers have reached the shoreline, to a certain point at least. There are potions with big gaps and parts where you even have to do some low-level rock climbing. Other large mammal species that call the Crypt Valley home include bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, mule deer and white-tailed deer. Great day! You need a permit to enter Waterton Lakes National Park. The first of the 3 crowned hikes i did in waterton in 2016. There is a great rock around the right side of the lake for diving and jumping if youre brave enough. Although the Inca Trail hike is strenuous and one of the hardest hikes weve done, the danger begins just past the hike to the city of Huayna Picchu. We hate the idea that fear can hold us back from a good adventure, so weve been pushing ourselves to conquer chip away at those fears. . The Crypt Lake Hike climbs 900 meters over 10 kilometers making its way through the stunning Canadian Rockies. At 3.7 km, youll reach a junction for Twin Falls. The southern tip of Crypt Lake skirts Canada's international border with the United States, and the trail enters the United States for less than 50 metres (160ft), meaning that hikers technically enter the United States illegally. It is less than 2.0 km, but it is best done on the return from Crypt Lake (if time allows), as it is a strenuous grind re-joining the main trail. Use both hands and watch your footing; its perfectly safe. Ferry ride is only 10-15 mins, Trail is in great shape, nothing but sunshine and a great time! The towering peaks shading the lake can make ice last through June. This is bear country. Waterton Lakes National Park is part of North Americas Rocky Mountains. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 26 min to complete. We created unique souvenirs you cant find anywhere else. Climbing a 3 m (10ft) ladder is followed by waddling 20 m (65 ft) through a low-ceilinged rock tunnel lit by daylight seeping in at both ends. The route up to Crypt Lake is always easy to follow. Beautiful trail!! Cable section was not to bad, just go slow and take your time. In the end, the path levels off and arrives at the hair raising section of the trail, but we honestly didnt find it bad at all. Patricia Anne Van Tighem, who wrote a best-selling account of a bear attack that left her disfigured and in chronic pain, has died at 47. The World Pursuit LLC is not responsible for injury, loss, or damage while participating in an activity. Don't let the cable section intimidate you, the path gets very wide immediately after you start to climb. I think those aspects to this trail get built up. The hike is one of three in the park that make up the Triple Crown Challenge the other two being Alderson- Carthew (hike description coming soon) andAkamina Ridge. The trail flattens out as you turn up Crypt Valley,a long forested valley leading up to the infamous cliff. 13. Clip in and swallow that fear as you conquer these heights. Definitely pack a swimsuit or dont wear see through underwear. At around the 5km mark, the journey up to Crypt Lake begins with several switchbacks and winding terrain that continues deeper into the mountains. A Sno-Park permit is required from November 1 to May 30. Distance: 11 MilesTime: Full DayBest Time to Go: Year-Round. After that the trail becomes an open walk through a valley crossing small mountain streams and leading up to the views of Crypt Falls. Most should plan for at least 6-7 hours of hiking if they plan to add Hell Roaring Canyon. Looking for a way to challenge yourself and conquer your fear of heights? How to Hike the Fire Wave Valley of Fire State Park, How to Hike Angels Landing Zion National Park, only via Ferratas weve done so far were in Squamish, Half Dome Mountain, Yosemite National Park, California, USA, Angels Landing,Zion National Park, Utah, USA. KELOWNA, B.C. 20L feels like the ideal size for quick hikes and scrambles. I needed to come to this small corner of Alberta and check it out for myself. Challenging in parts as its mostly uphill on the way to the lake (you are climbing a mountain) took us about 6h40 ish min to do while stopping for small breaks and snacks. Its the perfect spot to cool off and enjoy lunch. I felt very accomplished at the end. By early September it slows to a trickle. Anyone who knows us knows that we have a fear of heights. I dont have many hikes on my bucket list, but Watertons Crypt Lake hike has always been one of them. OK, gingerly shrieked my way in is more like it, but you get the point. Its great to watch all the other hikers come through the trees, patting each other on the back and high-fiving everyone as we wait for our boat to arrive. You can easily start off cool at the mountain base and get hot as soon as you begin moving. In order to submit a comment to this post, please write this code along with your comment: 258b130f331a421f75ca5ca4e676631e. The Crypt Lake Trail is the most popular hike in Waterton and many people travel from around Alberta with it on their bucket list, making it a very popular trail. At just over 3.25 miles on the Crypt Lake Trail, hikers arrive at a thin but tall waterfall beautifully named the Swirling Mist Falls. 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