Moderate Hikemoderatelake

Taylor Lake

Steady forested switchbacks to a quiet alpine cirque. One of the calmer larch destinations west of Castle Junction.

Time

4.5h

Distance

12.6 km

Gain

595m

Trailhead

Taylor Lake lot, Trans-Canada Highway

DirectionsTrail conditions

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

Plan notes

Best for

A quieter alternative when Larch Valley is overrun.

Pair with

O'Brien Lake (a short side trip from Taylor Lake).

Access

Trailhead is on the Trans-Canada Highway, west of Castle Junction. Signage is clear.

Season

Best from late June through October. Larches turn gold in mid-to-late September.

Safety

Bear country — carry bear spray and check current trail bulletins before heading in.

From town

Short drive

Similar hikes

Moderate Hike

Johnston Canyon → Ink Pots

Push past the falls. Six bubbling springs in a meadow. Worth the extra hour.

LevelmoderateTime4hCrowdpopular

Best for

The meadow and bubbling springs feel completely different from the busy catwalk section.

Forestno-car-friendly+2
Shuttle recommendedParking fills early
11.6 km320m
Lake Agnes Tea House above Lake Louise in the forested alpine.

Photo: Wilson Hui / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Moderate Hike

Lake Agnes Tea House

Climb up, drink tea by an alpine lake. Bring cash as backup; payment options can vary season to season.

LevelmoderateTime3hCrowdpopular

Best for

Alpine lake setting and strong views without a full-day commitment.

Lakeno-car-friendly+2
Shuttle recommendedParking fills early
7 km400m
Moderate Hike

C-Level Cirque

Old coal-mine ruins on the way to a hidden cirque. Locals love it.

LevelmoderateTime4hCrowdquiet

Best for

Coal-mining history, forest, and a cirque payoff without the Lake Louise shuttle puzzle.

Mountainlocal favouritescenic
8.8 km460m