Great Divide Trail

About this trail

Great Divide Trail is a 27.0 km out and back trail in Pinto Lake Public Land Recreation Area. It runs 13.5 km each way. The route gains 1,788 m in total and tops out at 2,587 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 13 hours of moving time. It meets Pinto Lake Trail at 0.9 km, and passes seven other mapped junctions. Along the way you pass Pinto Lake and a stream crossing. Also used for backpacking.

Highest point 2,587 m, lowest 1,738 m, 1,788 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 42% over 100 m.

Along the way

1. 0.0 kmStream crossing
2. 0.0 kmPinto LakeLake

Good for

• Hiking, Backpacking
• Dog friendly (on leash)
• Lake, Views, Glacier, Alpine

Rankings

• 1in Best hikes in the Pinto Lake Public Land Recreation Area
• 4in Best glacier hikes in David Thompson Country
• 7in Best backpacking trails in David Thompson Country
• 8in Best glacier hikes near Saskatchewan River Crossing
• 12in Best lake hikes near Saskatchewan River Crossing

Trailhead

The trail starts at 52.1294° N, 116.8672° W.

Driving directions

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:

• Alberta Parks advisories and closures
• Avalanche Canada
• Alberta wildfire status

Nearby trails

• Pinto Lake TrailModerate · 7.4 km · 117 m gain · 0.9 km away
• Pinto Lake TrailEasy · 2.3 km · 77 m gain · 1.7 km away
• Sunset ViewpointModerate · 3.2 km · 253 m gain · 5.8 km away
• Sunset PassHard · 26.8 km · 1,325 m gain · 7.3 km away
• Mount Amery RouteHard · 23.9 km · 2,039 m gain · 7.4 km away
• Cirrus Mountain RouteHard · 17.7 km · 2,016 m gain · 7.9 km away