Iceline Trail in Yoho: Is It Worth It?

Start near Takakkaw Falls

The Iceline starts in the Takakkaw Falls area of Yoho National Park. We parked near the falls and crossed toward the trail.

Takakkaw Falls stays visible for much of the hike, and one of the best parts is watching the perspective change as you climb higher above the valley.

Be ready for switchbacks

The beginning climbs intensely. There are a lot of switchbacks and you gain elevation quickly.

Eventually you leave the trees and enter a much rockier alpine landscape. That is when the hike becomes really special.

Glaciers, streams and alpine lakes

You move through huge rocks, several stream crossings, small glacial lakes and terrain where the glaciers feel incredibly close.

We had already seen plenty of glaciers from viewpoints on this trip, but getting this close to the glacial landscape felt completely different.

The smoke did not ruin it

Wildfire smoke definitely obscured some of the distant mountain views. We knew we were missing part of what should have been an enormous panorama.

But the immediate landscape was still fantastic: glaciers, rocks, streams, alpine lakes and Takakkaw Falls across the valley.

Would I hike it in smoke again? Yes. On a clear day, I think this is one of the top hikes in the area.

Our Verdict