The quiet, alpine-lake paradise🍂🩵

Skoki is one of Banff’s premier backcountry zones for a reason. Nonstop alpine lakes, huge passes, and big mountain scenery. This is typically a 2-3 day backpacking loop, but you can also make it a solid (long) day hike by hiking in to Zigadenus Lake and turning around from there (which will knock the trail stats down to roughly 22.5 km and around 1000 metres of elevation gain).

I’ve done it in a single day once in the fall season, it was a long day! I would definitely suggest doing it as a multi day if you are not used to long days like this... It was unreal and beautiful though! At times we were walking through the golden forests, feeling like we were in Lothlórien! lol... Quick note by the way - This area is loaded with wildlife. I’ve seen bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and a black bear on this route. There’s also a small chance of spotting bison in the broader Skoki backcountry zone, so stay alert, keep bear spray accessible, and give animals lots of space.

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🏔️ TRAIL STATS & DETAILS

• Best Seasons: Summer & Fall

• Distance: 39.9 km

• Trail Type: Loop

• Elevation Gain: 1515 m

• Max Elevation (altitude): 2450 m

• Bike Friendly?: No

• Dog Friendly?: Yes (on leash)

• Trailhead Toilets?: No

• Parking: Free

• Parks Pass: Parks Canada Pass Required

🚗Directions to trailhead: Google Maps

🗺️AllTrails route: Skoki Loop (suggestion only)

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✨ TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS - Why you should go

• Skoki Lodge - A National Historic Site

• A goldmine of larches in the fall season

• Big pass scenery and wide-open backcountry views

• A plethora of beautiful lake addition shoot-offs through the journey (Hidden, Ptarmigan, Redoubt, Baker, Merlin, Red Deer, Zigadenus, Myosotis)

• Towering peaks like Mount Redoubt, Richardson, Fossil, Skoki, Pipestone, Cyclone, Merlin, Wall Of Jericho, Pike, Ptarmigan and so much more!

• High chances of seeing wildlife - and currently the only place in Banff where you have a chance to spot wild Bison (though it is a slim chance)

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🏕️ CAMPING OPTIONS

• Campsite On Trail?: Yes - Hidden Lake, Baker Lake, Red Deer Lakes, or Merlin Meadows

• Click: Banff Backcountry Camping for more details & booking info.

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🛖 SKOKI LODGE (BACKCOUNTRY)

A proper backcountry lodge experience in the Skoki Valley. It’s hike-in only, and it’s also a National Historic Site, which makes it feel extra legendary. If you want to stay here rather than camp, check the: Skoki Lodge website for more details & bookings.

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❄ SKOKI - WINTER EDITION

Skoki is also doable in winter as a hut-style trip by travelling in to Skoki Lodge on skis or snowshoes. This is typically only for experienced winter travellers with strong navigation skills and the right safety gear, since conditions can be harsh, routes can be hard to follow, and avalanche risk can be a factor. Only attempt it if you’re properly trained and comfortable making winter backcountry decisions. Do not attempt in winter if not experienced in these activities.

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✅ TIPS FROM DEV, LINKS & SAFETY

• These campgrounds can be popular in the summer, so I highly recommend to reserve in advance through the Banff Backcountry Camping site (link above).

• High bear activity area! Travelling in groups of 4 is highly recommended. Always keep your distance from wildlife, carry bear spray, travel safely.

• 'Choose your own adventure' side quests: This area is perfect for multiple optional lake add-ons. If you’re doing the full loop, plan extra time for a detours to some of them you would like to see for that gatorade lake payoff. Just be sure to download an offline map or take a physical map for navigation to whichever lakes you choose to see - I listed all lakes in the trail highlights above.

• See Parks Canada for the latest National Park trail conditions.