Pipestone Pass/Devon Lakes Backpack Trip

Image credit goes to marcshandro.com

This will be a 4-day backpack trip into Pipestone Pass/Devon Lakes.  This is one of the most breathtaking parts of the Rockies.  It feels more remote and is less traveled.  Camping at Devon Lakes is a real experience in the backcountry as there are no designated camping spots.  It is possibly one of Banff’s best-kept secrets!

Location: Banff NP, S end of Icefields Parkway, E of Bow Lake

Round Trip: 63.8km

Elevation Gain: 1270 meters in, 823 m out

Key Elevations: Trailhead 1830 m / North Molar Pass 2590 m / Fish Lakes 2225 m / Pipestone Gap 2435 m / Siffleur-Clearwater junction 2265 m / Clearwater Pass 2340 m / Devon Lakes 2277 m

Hiking Time: 4 days 3 nights

Difficulty: moderate

Aug 3rd: Pre-camp of your choice of location

Aug 4th Day 1:  Trailhead to Fish Lakes Campground 15.2km

Aug 5th Day 2: Fish Lakes Campground to Devon Lakes Approx. 16km

Aug 6th Day 3: Devon Lakes to Fish Lakes Campground 16km

Aug 7th Day 4: Fish Lakes to Trailhead 15.2

Hiking style is to allow plenty of time to smell the flowers, photograph, and enjoy the vistas.  This hike is not a heads down and storm through.  Terrain will be moderate and at times more challenging.  

Gear:  Hikers must have their own gear.  There is no established campground near Devon Lakes which means no convenient bear-proof food storage.  There are no tall trees to hang food either.  You will need a bear proof canister.  Check out mec.ca for some options.