Route guide · Canadian Rockies, Alberta & British Columbia

Rockwall Trail

A 54 km point-to-point route in Kootenay National Park defined by a massive limestone cliff that towers over the trail. The hike traverses three high alpine passes, connecting meadows, glaciers, and scenic lakes. Planning turns entirely on logistics: securing a backcountry permit with specific campsite reservations on the competitive Parks Canada system is the main challenge.

Length: 32.9 mi
Duration: 3–5 days
Gain: +8,640 ft
Season: Jul – Sep

point-to-pointhigh point 7,659 ftchallengingdogs on leash

Plan this trip — it’s free See the day-by-day

permit required · we track who booked what · the whole crew on one page

Permit required — Parks Canada backcountry permit with designated campsite reservations required, booked online in advance. Official info

The shape of the trail

Route profile · camps

Floe LakePaint Pots

campelevation

Day by day

A reference itinerary, from real camps

Camps below are mapped campsites spaced to balance the daily miles — the same planner that builds a Trailmix trip. Your dates, pace and direction reshape it live.

Total32.9 mi · 3 nights

Days on trail

Day 1 · 6.2 mi · +2,740 ft · hardest
Trailhead → Floe Lake
A sustained, steep climb through a burn area with little shade leads to the iconic Floe Lake, situated directly beneath the Rockwall.
the hardest climb
Day 2 · 10.6 mi · +3,420 ft
Floe Lake → Tumbling Creek
A challenging day crossing two alpine passes, Numa and Tumbling, as you travel between the stunning Floe Lake and Tumbling Creek campsites.
Numa and Tumbling Passes
passes Numa Creek (12.0 mi)
Day 3 · 7.2 mi · +1,850 ft
Tumbling Creek → Helmet Falls
Hike beneath the towering limestone cliff of the Rockwall, climbing over Rockwall Pass before descending to the spectacular Helmet Falls.
over Rockwall Pass
Day 4 · 8.9 mi · +600 ft
Helmet Falls → Exit trailhead
A gentle, continuous descent through the forest from Helmet Falls, following Helmet Creek and passing the Ochre Beds to the Paint Pots trailhead.
mostly downhill exit
passes Helmet / Ochre Junction (29.1 mi)

Conditions at the trailhead

Floe Lake · updated daily

FRI 10·09

52° / 39°

rain · 60%

SAT 10·10

39° / 30°

cloud · 16%

SUN 10·11

46° / 27°

cloud · 4%

MON 10·12

52° / 30°

clear · 0%

TUE 10·13

51° / 33°

cloud · 2%

SNOWBOUND TRAIL — The higher passes are often snowbound until early or mid-July, and early autumn snow can make travel difficult. Parks Canada does not take reservations for Floe Lake until July 10.

BUGS — Mosquitoes and biting flies can be prevalent, especially in July and August in meadow and valley areas. Come prepared with insect repellent.

Know before you go

canada.ca · pariaoutdoorproducts.com · ronperrier.net · reddit.com

Advisory

Access and exit from the Rockwall Trail via Numa Creek Trail is not possible for the hiking season due to a bridge washout. Check Parks Canada for the latest trail reports. Parks Canada · current season

All advisories →

Best months

share of dry days · Open-Meteo Archive (ERA5), 10-year normals at the trailhead

TRAILHEADS

The route is point-to-point, typically hiked between the Paint Pots trailhead (north) and the Floe Lake trailhead (south), which are 13 km apart by road.

Parks Canada

GETTING BACK

There is no public shuttle; arrange a two-car shuttle, leave a bicycle, or plan to hitchhike back to your starting point.

Parks Canada

BEAR COUNTRY

Grizzly and black bears inhabit this area; carrying bear spray is mandatory, and all food must be stored in provided food lockers at campsites.

Parks Canada

WATER ACCESS

All five campgrounds have reliable water sources from nearby creeks or lakes, but water is limited between camps on high passes; purify all water before drinking.

Parks Canada

CAMPING FEE

A nightly backcountry permit fee is charged per person, in addition to a non-refundable online reservation fee and a valid National Park Entry Pass.

Parks Canada

FIRES

Campfires are prohibited in the Kootenay National Park backcountry; all cooking must be done on a portable fuel stove.

Asked around the fire (about this trail)

Do I need a permit for the Rockwall Trail?

Yes. Parks Canada backcountry permit with designated campsite reservations required, booked online in advance.

How many days does the Rockwall Trail take?

Most groups take 3–5 days. The reference itinerary here plans 3 nights, camp to camp.

When is the best time to hike the Rockwall Trail?

July – September. Outside that window expect snow, storm damage or closures to change the plan.

How do I get a permit for the Rockwall Trail?

Permits with campsite reservations are mandatory and booked via the Parks Canada Reservation Service. Reservations open in January and popular dates fill within minutes.

Are dogs allowed on the Rockwall Trail?

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trail but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Which direction is better to hike the trail?

Hiking south-to-north (Floe Lake to Paint Pots) tackles the biggest climb first. North-to-south saves the most dramatic scenery for last. Itinerary is often dictated by campsite availability.

Get the Rockwall Trail in the bag.

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