Helen Ridge Route

About this trail

Helen Ridge Route is a 11.0 km out and back trail in Banff National Park. It runs 5.5 km each way. The route gains 677 m in total and tops out at 2,464 m. Hike Alberta rates it expert. Allow about 6 hours 15 minutes of moving time. It meets Dolomite Peak Route at 1.4 km, and passes two other mapped junctions. Two side branches with the same name split off the route, at 4.6 km and 5.3 km. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass Helen Creek Pullout. Much of the route follows Helen Creek. Expect scrambling and exposure; this is mountain terrain. About 0.2 km is mapped as T4 alpine hiking, starting at 5.3 km. Also used for scrambling.

Highest point 2,464 m, lowest 1,910 m, 677 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 33% over 100 m.

Along the way

1. 0.0 kmHelen Creek PulloutViewpoint

Good for

• Hiking, Scrambling
• Dog friendly (on leash)
• Views, River or creek, Alpine

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.6549° N, 116.3767° 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:

• Banff trail conditions
• Banff closures and bulletins
• Alberta Parks advisories and closures
• Avalanche Canada
• Alberta wildfire status

Nearby trails

• Dolomite Peak RouteExpert · 6.5 km · 1,420 m gain · 1.0 km away
• Dolomite Shoulder RouteHard · 4.5 km · 587 m gain · 2.8 km away
• Bow Peak TrailHard · 12.4 km · 985 m gain · 3.1 km away
• Dolomite CircuitHard · 16.6 km · 981 m gain · 3.3 km away
• Crystal Ridge North RouteHard · 3.2 km · 325 m gain · 3.4 km away
• Crystal Ridge RouteExpert · 2.9 km · 383 m gain · 3.7 km away