Panorama on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies
Panorama on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies

Rae Lake backpacking trail

Kananaskis Country
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Incredible views on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesBeautiful Elbow Lake on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesGreat views on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesEasy to follow the path on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesHeading to Rae Lake on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesTombstone Mountain on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesCresting the ridge and heading down on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesStunning lake on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesTent set up near Rae Lake on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesView from tent on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesBeautiful dusk colours on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesSunrise on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesView of the lake on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesMorning on Rae Lake backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesEdworthy Falls on the Elbow River hike

Rae Lake backpacking trail

Distance: 9.7mi
Elevation: 1,230ft
Time: 2-3 days

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Rae Lake is often completed as a day-hike, however it is a great place for a quick backpacking trip. Lying at the base of gigantic Mount Rae, Rae Lake is a wonderful place to spend a night, take a swim, and admire the wildflowers and larch forest on nearby ridges.

Rae Lake Backpacking Trail Map

Getting there

From Calgary, head west on highway 1 and take exit 118 toward Kananaskis Country, then turn left onto Kananaskis trail/Hwy 40 and follow for 38.5mi. The Elbow Pass Day Use Area will be on your left and is the start of the trail.

I’ve done this 15 people have done this
I want to do this 108 want to do this route

About

When to do

July - October

Mountain Huts

No

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

At trailhead

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Accommodation Type

Tent

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Poor

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Rae Lake
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Rae Lake

Rae Lake is nestled below the north end of Mt. Rae and the east of Tombstone Pass. This beautiful and peaceful lake is rarely-visited. While it is easily accessible as a day hike, it is a great destination for a quick and easy overnight. An unofficial campsite exists near the outlet stream, however it is best to stay in the meadows above the lake.

Day 1

The route is fairly simple, as you follow the trail to Elbow Lake. Once at Elbow Lake the views really are spectacular. Take the trail on the left of Elbow Lake and cross over the Elbow River at the far end of the Lake. You will continue up the valley with the Elbow River on your left.

Roughly 3.3mi from leaving the parking lot, a cairned trail to Rae Lake branches off to the right of the main trail.

After a short distance in the trees, emerge into the open, next to a grassy hill. A short distance further, the trail branches; head right for the most direct route to Rae Lake. The trail quickly becomes less distinct and overgrown in places, but it is relatively easy to follow as it weaves its way up and over the bald ridge to the southeast.

Cresting the ridge, the cirque holding Rae Lake pops into view. Rae Lake is just 5 minutes further at this point. While the trail has mostly disappeared, just walk towards Mt. Rae through grassy meadows and you’ll be able to locate the trail again. Camp near the trail in the meadows, or continue on the trail to the outlet stream where there is a more established campsite with a fire pit. As this is in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, random camping is permitted, however please be a considerate camper, and leave as little trace of your staying there as possible.

The larch trees in the area are abundant, making this an incredible fall camping destination. The approach to Rae Lake and the ridge to the east of Rae Lake are covered in larches. With the backdrop of Mt. Rae, this would be as nice as many of the more popular larch hikes and significantly less crowded.

Day 2

Return the way you hiked in back to your car at the Elbow Pass Day Use Area.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Trailhead to Rae Lake (5.0mi / 1191ft)

Day 2: Rae Lake to Trailhead (5.0mi / 420ft)

Insider Hints

  • Come in the fall to see the Larches!

  • As Rae Lake is in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, you can random camp. IF you do this, there are rules. The most important is to leave no trace, as failure to be responsible random campers will eventually result in this privilege being removed.

Comments

JohnCan 4 years ago

Good thing my son brought his go pro so that we wont forget this beautiful hike.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
reecem3 4 years ago

The hike was awesome, however you will definitely want to bring a device to display the gpx track and track your location as the trail to rae lake has become extremely overgrown and is nearly impossible to follow in some places. Camping by the lake was very nice; especially watching the sunset.

8.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 30m Time Taken
Luna M. 4 years ago

Absolutely beautiful place to visit! Go Very early in the morning to avoid the immense crowds later in the day.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
3 Comments

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