The Rockwall

• Length: 54 km/33.6 miles (three days) round-trip
• Elevation gain: 760 meters/2,490 feet
• Rating: moderate/difficult
• Trailhead: various points along Highway 93

This is one of the classic hikes in all of the Canadian Rockies. The Rockwall is a 30-km-long (18.6-mile) east-facing escarpment that rises more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) from an alpine environment. Four different routes provide access to the spectacular feature; each begins along Highway 93 and traverses a steep valley to the Rockwall’s base.

The most popular trail starts at the Paint Pots and follows Helmet Creek 12 km (7.5 miles) to spectacular 365-meter (1,200-foot) Helmet Falls. A further 2.4 km (1.5 miles) takes you to the beginning of the Rockwall trail and a campground, the first of five along the route. The trail then follows the Rockwall in a southeasterly direction for 30 km (18.6 miles), passing magnificent glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes before ending at Floe Lake, 10.4 km (6.5 miles) from the highway.

The Tumbling Creek and Numa Creek drainages provide alternative access routes to the Rockwall and require similar elevation gains. The elevation gain noted here is for the initial climb from the highway; along the route ascents are made to four additional passes, with elevation gains ranging 280–830 meters (920–2,720 feet).

Hikers will need to make arrangements for shuttle transportation between the beginning and end of this route—about 13 km (eight miles) apart—or allow extra time to hike back. As elsewhere in the park, all hikers spending the night in the backcountry must register and pick up a permit ($8 per person per night) at either of the park information centers.