Panorama of Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies
Panorama of Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies

Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail

Kananaskis Country
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Great scenery on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesWalking along Elbow Lake on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesEarly morning views on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesGreat views on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesCrossing the creek on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesWide path of Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesCrossing Elbow River on a log bridge on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesStunning views on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesAmazing panorama on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesTombstone Lakes backpacking trail in Kananaskis has amazing viewsBeautiful path of Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesSetup on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesBeautiful view of the lake on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesIncredible views on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian RockiesStunning scenery on Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail near Kananaskis, the Canadian Rockies

Tombstone Lakes backpacking trail

Distance: 11.7mi
Elevation: 1,965ft
Time: 2-3 days

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.3 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Resting at the base of jagged Tombstone Mountain, the Tombstone Lakes are a spectacular sight, and the journey to them along the open upper reaches of the Elbow River is equally scenic. If you’re looking for a beautiful, short backpacking trip in the Kananaskis, this should definitely be one you consider.

Tombstone Lakes 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 along with the trailhead.

I’ve done this 8 people have done this
I want to do this 67 want to do this route

About

When to do

June - September

Mountain Huts

No

Backcountry Campsites

Yes

Toilets

At trailhead

Pets allowed

Yes - On Leash

Accommodation Type

Tent

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Good

Crowd Levels

Moderate to High

Route Type

Out and back


Tombstone Lakes
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Tombstone Lakes

This is a great backpack for beginners or those who don’t want to carry a heavy pack too long, but still see a stunning mountain lake.

Day 1

Starting at the Elbow Lake Trailhead, follow the wide trail to the Elbow Lake backcountry campground. When you reach Elbow Lake, take the path that goes on the left-hand side of Elbow Lake.

At the far end of Elbow Lake, cross over the Elbow River and follow the Elbow River down the valley. You’ll notice some paths going off to the right (one of which takes you to the very pretty Rae Lake).

Soon you will cross the Elbow River, there is a new bridge across the Elbow River, the original was washed away in the 2013 floods. On the other side you will soon reach the Tombstone Backcountry Campground, which has 11 campsites, firepits and pit toilets. It’s roughly 4.6mi to the Tombstone Backcountry Campground.

It is important to note that if you do not have a permit to camp at Tombstone Backcountry Campground, random camping is not permitted in this area.

From the campground, it’s is a roughly 3.1mi route with 574ft of elevation gain to Upper Tombstone Lake. Many backpackers do it on the afternoon of the hike in, though you could leave it for a wonderful daytrip the next day. Upper Tombstone Lake has great fishing – just be sure to get a license first!

Day 2

Retrace your steps back to the Elbow Pass Day Use Area. You could do a diversion to Rae Lake or Rae Glacier on your walk back.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Trailhead to Tombstone Campground (4.7mi /574ft)

Day 2: Tombstone Campground to Trailhead (4.7mi/-492ft)

Insider Hints

  • You cannot random camp near Tombstone Lakes, you need to camp in the designated backcountry campground and obtain a reservation and permit beforehand.

Comments

JohnCan 4 years ago

Yes! Our favorite was the tombstone lake. Good bonding for the family!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
swander23 5 years ago

the tombstone lakes are a sight to see. the backpacking trip was really amazing. it was building up throughout the days, the views were fantastic. amazing nature

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
SJ 6 years ago

The tombstone Lakes backpack trip was really beautiful!

8.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
3 Comments

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