Sunset Pass – Lookout Hike

Trailhead: Park at the Sunset Pass trail head parking lot 17kms north of Saskatchewan Crossing on the east side of the Icefields Parkway. Banff National Park.

Description: Locate the trail next to parking lot and continue on as it climbs up an endless amount of very steep switchbacks. In a short distance you’ll pass by Norman Creek waterfall. Keep going for approximately 3kms until you reach the top of the switchbacks and a signed trail junction to Sunset Pass.

Take the trail to your left towards the lookout. Continue on for another 1.6kms as it slowly climbs through an old spruce and fir forest then veers left towards the top of a cliff ledge located just below you. Be careful here, the cliff ledge is narrow with little standing room.

There are also old cables and steel bars you can trip on that have been left from an old fire lookout. Views from here are well worth the effort. The confluence of the North Saskatchewan River and the Alexander River are located on the valley bottom 390ms below you. Both rivers are braided at this location creating a mesmerizing view of the valley bottom and the Icefields Parkway.

The two major glaciated peaks in view are Mount Saskatchewan to your right and Mount Amery straight ahead. This Is Bear Country.

Bow Valley Parkway Map PDF