Cuthead Ridge

Near Banff · Banff National Park

Hard · Loop · Official trail

Trail score 39 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Cuthead Ridge is a 8.3 km loop trail near Banff in Banff National Park. The route gains 703 m in total and tops out at 2,422 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard, and Parks Canada rates it difficult. Allow about 4 hours 45 minutes of moving time. Two side branches with the same name split off the route, at 10 m and 3.7 km. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Also used for horseback riding.

Length: 8.3km
Elevation gain: 703m
Estimated time: 4h45min; Moving time
Route: Loop
Highest point: 2,422m
Lowest point: 1,872m

Elevation profile

1,872 m to 2,422 m

Highest point 2,422 m, lowest 1,872 m, 703 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 42% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 51% of route

51% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 4.1 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Good for

Hiking, Horseback riding
Dog friendly (on leash)
Views, Alpine

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.4497° N, 115.7484° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 588 trails in Banff National Park

Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30