Crypt Lake Hike

Start the Crypt Lake Hike by taking a 20-minute ferry ride across Upper Waterton Lake from the marina to Crypt Landing. Although the trailhead is also approachable by hiking – a level trail on the eastern shoreline – save yourself the added 9.3mi trek and take the ferry. You won’t regret it.

Taking a ferry with 40 or so other passengers means you won’t be alone on this hike. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. When travelling through a park with a large grizzly population, there’s safety in numbers.

After being dropped off at Crypt Landing, look for the signed trailhead on your right. The trail initially travels through forests of pine and fir on moderately graded switchbacks. In just 1312ft from the trailhead, you’ll reach a junction with Hell Roaring Falls. Stay left at the Hell Roaring Falls junction to stay on the main trail.

To get to the falls, take a side trip through the gorge on a narrow, rustic trail. It is less than 1.2mi, but it is best done on the return from Crypt Lake (if time allows), as it is a strenuous grind re-joining the main trail. If you do take the side trip now, at 1.9mi the Hell Roaring Falls trail merges back on the main trail; continue to stay left for the main trail.

At 2.3mi, you’ll reach a junction for Twin Falls. Take the short detour to gaze at the falls before returning to the junction and staying left for the main trail. Continue through the forest on a pleasant path, crossing several creeks. Eventually the path will become rockier until you emerge from the trees at 3.4mi. From here you’ll have impressive views of Burnt Rock Falls ahead.

The rocky trail gains elevation rapidly for the next 1.2mi as you climb above the falls to views of the striking Crypt Falls, that drops 499ft to the basin below. In the basin above Crypt Falls lies Crypt Lake – the destination – and above the basin towers Wilson Range in Glacier National Park. To the left of the trail is Vimy Ridge, and to the right Mount Boswell dominates the view.

The trail switchbacks up rocky talus slopes, gaining elevation fairly rapidly; we find soaking in the atmosphere helps alleviate the challenge of the ascent. The view astounds and confuses; how does one reach the basin above the falls? As you get closer, you can see the trail crossing a talus slope in the distance, then disappearing. But first, you’ll re-enter the forest and pass the now-closed Crypt Lake campground where a pit toilet is still functional on the left side of the trail.

Exiting the trees, you will cross a stream on large rocks before turning South across the gray talus slope spied from a distance. Although the trail is narrow and crosses a long, steep slope, it is angled towards the mountain, giving a sense of safety. The path continues to a small flat landing area with a metal ladder, bolted to the rock. This leads you into a tunnel blasted into the cliff wall. The 66ft tunnel is wide but not tall, maxing out at 1m, requiring an awkward crouch to travel through.

Airy views and another challenge awaits on the other side of the tunnel. After crawling through, drop down several feet to the rocky ledge clinging to the side of the cliff wall with a 656ft drop-off. The 39ft long path is fairly wide and has a steel cable along its length, reducing the risk. However, those with a fear of heights may struggle at this point and are advised to turn back.

The final push to the lake is fairly level. At the junction, stay left for Crypt Lake – right is a short jaunt to view Crypt Falls as it plunges down to the lake below. The main trail has one last little climb over some rocks before the lake comes into view and the trail drops to meet the lake. The lake is surrounded by headwalls and is a beautiful place to sit and enjoy some well-earned rest. If you still have some energy, there is an international path around the lake – the south end of the lake crosses the border into Montana.

After some refreshment and water refills, return the way you came. Count on half an hour less than the time it took to arrive at the lake to return to Crypt Landing.

Hiking trail highlights

Crypt Lake

Crypt Lake is a stunning emerald green lake that houses one of the most thrilling trails in the world according to National Geographic.

Crypt Falls

Crypt Falls is found along Crypt Lake Trail and pours down from Crypt Lake into smaller pools below.

Hell-Roaring Falls

Follow the Crypt Lake Trail on a steep ascent to get a glimpse of Hell Roaring Falls that cascades through the trees and down rock formations.

Other amazing walks in Waterton Lakes National Park

Check out our guides to Bertha Lake, Cameron Lake or Red Rock Canyon. Or see all our hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park on 10Adventures.