Saddle Mountain hike

Saddle Mountain sits on the less popular side of the Lake Louise trail system. Most visitors will head to the right of the lake aiming for the lakeshore trail and the historic teahouses. The left side is often much less crowded and sees only more serious hikers.

From the parking lot, join the trail leading uphill to the left. At 328ft, you will find a junction and you’ll stay on the trail to the left. The right leads to a short and popular trail to Fairview Lookout Hike.

Stay on the left trail as it climbs up the side of Fairview Mountain. You’ll pass some avalanche paths that open up to views of the valley below. Watch for debris in the spring left from winter. Trail crews have a lot to clean up after destructive avalanche cycles, so if you don’t want to climb over some logs save this trail for mid-summer.

After 1.2mi, there is a junction with an old wooden sign leading to an easy or steep option. We like to take the steep option on the way up and loop around the easy one on the way down. This adds a little bit of a loop to the trail making it more exciting. The trail begins to level out through the larch forest and boulder fields that rest at the base of Fairview Mountain. Look out for wildlife here as plenty of creatures love playing in the boulders.

Once you reach the pass, you’ll see Saddle Mountain to your left. Follow the trail straight up to the peak and return the way you came. Saddle Mountain gets its name from the shape it forms with Saddleback Pass and Fairview Mountain. When hiking in the Skoki area or visiting the Lake Louise Ski Resort across the valley, you’ll be able to pick out the saddle easily. For a big day choose to add on Fairview Mountain to complete the whole saddle!

Want to find more amazing Lake Louise hikes? Check out the Plain of the 6 Glaciers, Sentinel Pass, Morraine Lake or the Skoki Lakes hike.