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Devil's Thumb

Steep unmarked scramble above Lake Agnes to a perched viewpoint over Lake Louise and Plain of Six Glaciers — exposed and not for beginners.

Time

5h

Distance

11.9 km

Gain

1012m

Trailhead

Lake Louise lakefront (via Lake Agnes)

DirectionsTrail conditions

Conditions, access, and parking can change quickly. Check before going.

Plan notes

Best for

Experienced scramblers wanting a less-crowded viewpoint above Lake Louise.

Pair with

Lake Agnes Tea House on the return.

Access

Follow Lake Agnes Trail past the tea house and Big Beehive junction. Watch for the unmarked turn-off; the trail narrows quickly.

Season

Best July through September. Not recommended in winter due to avalanche risk.

Safety

Drop-off exposure on the upper trail and rockfall hazard from parties above — helmet recommended. Comfort with steep, exposed scrambling required.

No-car note

Lake Louise reachable by Roam Transit Route 8X.

From town

Longer drive

Similar hikes

Rocky Plain of Six Glaciers trail landscape above Lake Louise.

Photo: Florian Fuchs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

Challenging Hike

Plain of Six Glaciers

Glacier views, a second tea house, a moraine that feels like Mars.

LevelhardTime5hCrowdpopular

Best for

The trail trades crowds for a long valley walk, glacier views, and a wilder finish above the lake.

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Shuttle recommendedParking fills early
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View over Banff town and the surrounding peaks from the gondola side of Sulphur Mountain.

Photo: Ken Lund / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Challenging Hike

Sulphur Mountain (skip the gondola)

Switchbacks for 2 hours. Top is the same view, half the crowd.

LevelhardTime4hCrowdpopular

Best for

Same summit complex and boardwalk payoff, earned by switchbacks instead of a ride.

Mountainno-car-friendly+2
10.9 km700m
Challenging Hike

Cory Pass Loop

The hard one. Knife-edge views, screaming quads. Pack snacks.

LevelhardTime6hCrowdquiet

Best for

Big views and a quieter mountain feel when the classic lake trails are too busy.

Mountainsceniclocal favourite
13 km1000m