Mosquito Creek Hike

Mosquito Creek trail starts on the east side of the Icefields Parkway across from Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel. The trail follows the Mosquito Valley to the Mo5 campground, where your turnaround point will be. As you wind through Mosquito Valley, you will come to various clearings that give excellent views of Nooseum Mountain. After 1.6mi, you will find a faint trail to the OXO Peak scramble route off to the left. Stay on the main trail, and another faint trail for the same scramble will appear in another 1640ft. Continue along the trail through the forest for about 2625ft before passing another faint trail to the left that leads to Quartzite Peak.

The trail is reliable and straightforward, leading to the creek crossing and footbridge at the Mosquito Creek Campground. The trail continues on to some more difficult trails and campgrounds at Molar Creek and Fish Lakes, respectively. Beware that the campground serves as a junction for further backpacking routes as well as the scramble routes for Mosquito Mountain and Ramp Peak. These are all excellent additions for those looking for a longer, more technical day.

The hike to Mosquito Creek is a great option for families or those who aren’t ready for more distance and elevation. This hike may be a 6.2mi roundtrip, but Mosquito Creek is still a great distance for a day hike. You will be mostly in the valley, so don’t expect any grand alpine views. You will catch some of the surrounding peaks and be able to enjoy the calm sounds of the creek at the campground where your hike will end.