Ross Lake

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

A sweet out-and-back singletrack trail that winds its way from Lake Louise to Ross Lake, this is an intermediate trail with a couple of short advanced sections that may be walked. The trail rolls along the sub-alpine forest and does not offer many views until you reach Ross Lake. Getting to the lake is worth the trip and so is the fun singletrack that takes you there.

The first 30 metres of the trail is shared with horses; please stay aware and give right of way. Once you turn right at the Ross Lake junction, you’ll find that the trail has very little traffic and can be enjoyed almost entirely in seclusion. Please stay BEAR AWARE when riding this trail. Carry bear spray and make lots of noise.

bikepirate rating:

Trail Stats

Distance: 14.6 km (return)
Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hrs
Elevation Gain: 247 m
Elevation Loss: 203 m
Min Elevation: 1,734 m
Max Elevation: 1,841 m
Technical Rating: Intermediate
Physical Rating: Moderate
Season: June - October
Permit Required: Park Pass

Trail Location

Trailhead: The trail is hidden in the trees just behind Chateau Lake Louise. Access the trailhead by riding through the staff parking lot starting from St. Piran Road. You will find the trailhead northwest of Hillside Cottage, the uppermost staff residence.

GPS:
N51 25.017 W116 12.655 (St. Piran Rd.)
N51 25.155 W116 13.027 (Trailhead)

Downloads

Map: click here
GPS Map (GPX): click here
Google Earth: click here
Trail Report: click here

Google Earth trail view only works if you have the program; download it here (free)

Buy your Lake Louise trail guide:
Bow Valley Mountain Bike Trail Guide

Options

The trail is an out-and-back, but may be done as a loop if you prefer to ride the old 1A road out or back. Once you arrive at Ross Lake, head up the trail for about 50 metres to the junction. Turn right and follow this trail out to the 1A. Do not go left; bikes are not allowed beyond this point. Once on the 1A head right (east) back to Lake Louise Drive.

Parking

If you’re not riding from town up the tramline trail (#2), then the best spot to park is just past the St. Piran road, which is the first right turn immediately after Deer Lodge hotel, in the public carpark. Don’t park on St. Piran as this is private property.

 
  • smae-ze

    the IA (Great Divide) is closed from the Yoho side of Ross Lake trail as well.  The closure is due to bear trapping.  You can’t access the highway without entering the closure. We (CLL) have put up a sign at the LL side warning of this. 

    • http://www.bikepirate.com Peter Oprsal

      Thanks for the update Smae-ze!

  • Tarynhajnrych

    I live in Lake Louise, right now (June.5) we’re still waiting on the trails to melt completely, especially the higher elevation ones like Ross Lake and the highline trail. One question too, do you have a posting for the Pipestone trail located just north of town?

    • http://www.bikepirate.com Peter Oprsal

      Thanks for the question Taryn. I currently do not have a Trail Page for Pipestone, but will add it as soon as the snow melts and I’m able to get out there to photo and GPS it. Stay tuned…

  • Blake

    Are there any trails that you can ride in the mid May time frame?

    • http://www.bikepirate.com Peter Oprsal

      It’s still dumping snow in Lake Louise at the moment and due to the depth of the current snow pack, it may be a while before one can ride in Lake Louise. We’re probably looking at late May to mid-June before you will be able to get out and ride your mountain bike there. Canmore and Banff should be good to go by end of April… if it only would stop snowing now.

  • jcase

    Thank you for this post. I am planning on visiting Lake Louise in a few weeks. I’d love to do this. Is there a rental bike store?  

    • http://www.bikepirate.com Peter Oprsal

      Yes, one shop in Lake Louise does offer bike rentals. Wilson Mountain Sports in the Samson Mall. Phone number is 403-522-3636 and website is http://www.wmsll.com/contact. Please feel free to mention that you got their info from bikepirate.com.



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