The Elbow Lake hike in the Highwood Area is a perfect, family-friendly adventure. With a short distance from the trailhead to the lake, it’s an ideal first backpacking trip. The trail offers a great introduction to hiking for beginners, families with kids, or those hiking with older relatives. Despite a moderate climb at the start, the vast, well-maintained path provides numerous scenic viewpoints to rest. This allows families to walk side-by-side—rare for backcountry hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
Amenities Galore
You can stop at the lake’s edge or continue along the loop. Those completing the loop should follow the path along the shore to avoid wandering onto the Rae Glacier trail. Although you’ll reach the wildland park boundary, you won’t cross into it. More adventurous hikers can extend their journey by an additional 2.7 kilometers to visit Rae Glacier. At the lake’s campsite, you’ll find a well-maintained vault toilet. This serves as a clean restroom and a possible shelter during bad weather. This makes Elbow Lake a highly accessible backcountry location.
Reaching Elbow Lake
Starting from the Elbow Pass parking lot, the well-signed path takes you through 0.6 miles of wide trail until you enter a beautiful cirque with stunning mountain views. To the right, you’ll spot a peak from the Mount Rae massif, shaped like a breaking wave. A few hundred meters ahead, you’ll arrive at the vibrant emerald and blue waters of Elbow Lake, nestled at the base of the Elpoca massif.
For a loop hike, go counterclockwise around the lake. You’ll pass through the campground and cross a shallow creek at the lake’s far end. The panoramic views as you circle back are even more breathtaking than those on the outbound trail.
Route Information
- When to do:June-October
- Family Friendly:Yes
- Backcountry Campsites:Yes
- Pets:Yes – On Leash
- Crowd:Moderate
- Route Signage:Good
- Route Type:Out and back
Special Preparation For Winter
We recommend using microspikes during winter, as heavy snow can pack the trail. The path remains well-traveled up to the campground, where you’ll likely see tents pitched, even in the colder months. Prepare for strong winds on the lake’s eastern side, especially in winter, when hiking becomes more challenging. They restrict vehicle access to the trailhead from December 1st to June 14th, so plan accordingly.
Conclusion
The hike to Elbow Lake is an excellent choice for families and beginners. Moreover, the trail is easy to follow, and you’ll enjoy beautiful lake views. There’s also a campground with firepits and toilets, making it a perfect spot for a first-time backpacking trip. Plan to visit between June and October for the best weather. Take the southern route through Longview for a quieter, more scenic drive. Remember, they close vehicle access from December to mid-June, so plan accordingly if you visit in the winter.
