Emerald Peak Loop

Hiking the Emerald Peak Loop is a fun route in Yoho National Park that will provide some amazing views over the rugged mountainous landscape, although you will need to use some route finding skills to locate the upper portion of the trails past Hamilton Lake. There are a few challenging portions of uphill hiking along steep switchbacks and a section of light scrambling as well, but these are more than manageable for reasonably fit hikers. Be sure to wear proper hiking footwear with good ankle support and bring any necessary gear like gaiters or crampons if hiking during the shoulder seasons.

From the car park, follow the trail uphill through the forest to the southwest, as it passes by the cascading waters of Hamilton Falls before traversing a series of long switchbacks to the shores of Hamilton Lake. After enjoying the views across the calm water, you will need to search for the route leading up to the summit of Emerald Peak. Head to the east along the lake until you come to a part of the trail with some nice views overlooking the water, at which point you will need to keep left to make the steep ascent of the summit. After making a brief scramble to the top of Emerald Peak, you will have some amazing views looking down on Emerald Lake below, with Wapta Mountain, Mount Field, Walcott Peak, and Mount Burgess off to the southeast. From here, make your descent to the southeast along the rugged terrain of the mountain to once again pass through the forest on the way back to the trailhead where you began your adventure.