Your Guide to Hiking the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park
- foundinthewildca
- Dec 8, 2025
- 5 min read
If you’re dreaming of an iconic Canadian Rockies backpacking trip that's full of awe-inspiring landscapes, turquoise blue lakes, and massive rock faces covered in glaciers, then the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park is a must-hike. The Rockwall Trail is a 55 km point-to-point route that rewards the high effort with with some unforgettable views.
I've hiked the Rockwall Trail twice — the first time was as a standalone backpacking trip with friends in 2022 (north to south), and the second time was south to north as part of the Great Divide Trail. Both trips were incredible experiences and were full of moments that make us feel tiny in the best possible way.
If you're ready to take on this stunning multi-day hike, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: permits, campsites, timing, trailheads, planning tips, and what makes the Rockwall Trail such a iconic route.
Where Is the Rockwall Trail?
The Rockwall sits in Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, just west of Lake Louise. The trail parallels a towering collection of limestone cliffs - the “Rockwall” - for much of its length, ensuring that views along almost the entire journey are spectacular.
Distance: 55 km (34 miles)
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,500–3,000 m depending on direction
Time required: 3–5 days
Route type: Point-to-point (requires shuttle, hitching or two vehicles).
Trailheads: Where to Start and Finish
There are two primary trailheads along Highway 93:
1. Paint Pots Trailhead (North)
Most thru-hikers start here and travel south. This direction offers a gentler start and sets you up for Floe Lake as your final night, which is easily the most spectacular campground along the trail.
2. Floe Lake Trailhead (South)
A steeper, more direct approach if you’re hiking northbound. Some hikers park here, hike to Floe Lake, and reverse shuttle logistics later.
Both trailheads are easy to find, have good signage, and sit roughly 30–35 minutes apart by car.
Rockwall Trail Campsites
You must stay in designated backcountry campgrounds, and each one needs to be reserved in advance. The order of campsites will depend on your itinerary and your desired daily distance, but these are the core sites along the Rockwall:
Helmet Falls Campground
14 km from Paint Pots trailhead
Home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Rockies
A large campground where most people stay on the first or last night
Highly recommend doing the short hike out towards the base of the falls for a closer view.
Tumbling Creek Campground
Positioned beneath Tumbling Pass
Incredible views of the hanging cliffs and glaciers that feed Tumbling Creek
Numa Creek Campground
Located between Tumbling Pass and Numa Pass
A forested site with good access to water
A natural second-or-third-night option depending on pace
This is probably my least favourite campground on the Rockwall Trail just because it felt more crowded for how much space there was.
Floe Lake Campground
The crown jewel of the Rockwall Trail
A brilliant turquoise lake sitting below steep, dramatic peaks
Floe Lake is one of the most sought-after backcountry campsites and one of the hardest to get in Canada. If you can snag a permit here - do it. Sunrise and sunset at Floe Lake are unforgettable.
Permits: How to Secure Rockwall Trail Permits
Permits are required for all overnight trips in Kootenay National Park.
Book through the Parks Canada Reservation System
Reservations for the Kootenay Backcountry open on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 8 am MT for the summer season. Permits for campgrounds along the Rockwall Trail are very competitive, so make sure you're comfortable with the reservation system, create an account beforehand, and be ready right when booking opens. You can find more of my tips for securing permits here.
In order to hike the Rockwall, you'll need:
A backcountry camping permit for each individual campground you plan to stay at
A valid Parks Canada entry pass (daily or annual) - but if you're hiking between June 19 to September 7, 2026, the Canada Strong program will give you free admission and 25% off camping and overnight stays with Parks Canada!
If you can be flexible with your dates or campsite, this can significantly increase your chances of securing your permits.
Best Time of Year to Hike the Rockwall
The ideal season is mid-July through early September.
July: Snow lingers on high passes earlier in the month, but wildflowers peak.
August: The most stable weather and clearest trail conditions.
September: Cooler nights, the potential to see stunning golden larches, and fewer crowds — but increased chance of early snow.
Floe Lake often doesn’t fully melt out until early–mid July, so early-season hikers should check trail reports before committing. Wildfires are also a sad reality of hiking in this day and age, so even if the trail is open, the possibility of smoke impacting your trip is possible.
Tips for Hiking the Rockwall Trail Successfully
Here are my top tips for you to have your safest, most enjoyable trip:
1. Plan Your Vehicle Logistics Early
Because the Rockwall is a point-to-point hike, you’ll need:
Two vehicles parked at each trailhead, or
A pre-arranged shuttle, or
To hitchhike (common for Rockies hikers but never guaranteed)
Starting at Paint Pots and ending at Floe Lake is the most popular direction.
2. Be Bear-Aware
Kootenay National Park is prime grizzly and black bear habitat. The only time I've ever seen a grizzly on a hike is on the Rockwall Trail. Carry bear spray (and know how to use it), store food in provided lockers, and make noise while hiking.
3. Expect Steep Passes and Changing Weather
Even in July and August, you may encounter:
Afternoon thunderstorms
Heavy rain
High winds on exposed passes
Early season snow
View from Numa Pass towards the end of July
4. Bring a Layered Clothing System
Temperatures can swing dramatically. Essentials include:
Waterproof jacket
Insulating mid-layer
Gloves and toque
Plenty of dry socks
5. Water is Plentiful, But Always Filter
Most campgrounds and many creeks provide reliable water sources. Use a filter or purification tablets.
6. Pace Yourself (and Enjoy the Alpine!)
The Rockwall is the kind of trail that invites you to slow down, take photos, and breathe in the immensity of the space. Don’t rush your itinerary if you can help it — these views deserve time.
If you're planning on hiking the Rockwall Trail in 2026, I'd love to hear from you! Send any questions my way and good luck grabbing a permit in January.
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