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 ftharddogs 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 steady climb from the trailhead to the stunning Floe Lake, the most scenic campsite on the trail. The final section involves a series of switchbacks.
popular first day
Day 2 · 10.6 mi · +3,420 ft
Floe Lake → Tumbling Creek
A long, demanding day crossing two passes: first Numa Pass, then down to Numa Creek, and back up over Tumbling Pass before descending to Tumbling Creek.
two major passes
passes Numa Creek (12.0 mi)
Day 3 · 7.2 mi · +1,850 ft
Tumbling Creek → Helmet Falls
This leg features a climb up to Rockwall Pass, the trail's namesake section with massive limestone cliffs, before descending towards Helmet Falls.
the Rockwall
Day 4 · 8.9 mi · +600 ft
Helmet Falls → Exit trailhead
A mostly gentle, forested descent from Helmet Falls to the Paint Pots trailhead, passing the Helmet/Ochre Junction camp.
forested exit
passes Helmet / Ochre Junction (29.1 mi)

Conditions at the trailhead

Floe Lake · updated daily

SAT 08·22

84° / 56°

cloud · 19%

SUN 08·23

69° / 53°

rain · 37%

MON 08·24

72° / 49°

showers · 6%

TUE 08·25

78° / 51°

part sun · 0%

WED 08·26

82° / 56°

showers · 7%

SNOW — The high passes can hold snow until mid-July, and early autumn snowfalls can make travel difficult. Parks Canada does not accept bookings for Floe Lake until at least July 10.

TRAIL DIRECTION — The trail can be hiked in either direction. A north-to-south hike (Paint Pots to Floe Lake) saves the most spectacular campsite, Floe Lake, for the last night.

Know before you go

happiestoutdoors.ca · bananabackpacks.com · inafarawayland.com · canada.ca

Advisory

Access and exit from the Rockwall trail will not be possible via the Numa Creek trail for the 2026 hiking season due to a washed-out bridge. Parks Canada · current season

All advisories →

Best months

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

TRAILHEADS

The two primary trailheads, Floe Lake and Paint Pots, are 13 km apart on Highway 93; arrange a car shuttle or be prepared to hitchhike.

Parks Canada

WATER

All campgrounds have reliable water sources from creeks or lakes; all water along the trail should be treated before drinking.

Parks Canada

BEAR COUNTRY

Kootenay National Park is home to grizzly and black bears; carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and store all food and scented items in the provided bear lockers at campsites.

Parks Canada

CAMPING FEE

A backcountry permit is required and costs $13.50 per person per night, in addition to a reservation fee and a daily or annual National Park Pass.

Parks Canada

GETTING BACK

There is no official shuttle service between the trailheads; hikers must use two vehicles, hitchhike, or arrange a private shuttle.

Parks Canada

FIRES

Campfires are only permitted at Numa Creek and Helmet/Ochre Junction campgrounds in designated fire pits, when there are no fire bans in effect.

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 between the trailheads?

There is no public shuttle. Most hikers use two vehicles to set a shuttle. Hitchhiking is also common; it is recommended to park at your exit trailhead and hitchhike to your start.

What if I can't get a reservation for Floe Lake?

You can still experience the trail. Consider a longer hiking day to bypass Floe Lake, or hike to Floe Lake as a long day-hike from the trailhead without staying overnight.

Which direction is better to hike?

Both directions offer a great experience. Hiking north to south (Paint Pots to Floe Lake) is often preferred as it saves the most scenic campsite, Floe Lake, for the final night of the trip.

Get the Rockwall Trail in the bag.

Dates, camps, gear split, meals and the crew — planned together on one page instead of forty threads.

Start a trip — it’s free