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Hillsdale Ridge Trail

Near Massive · Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 36 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

2 km Open the map

About this trail

Hillsdale Ridge Trail is a 16.1 km out and back trail near Massive in Banff National Park. It runs 8.0 km each way. The route gains 1,055 m in total and tops out at 2,014 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 7 hours 45 minutes of moving time. At 5.0 km a 0.7 km side branch with the same name splits off. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass a stream crossing.

Length
16.1km
8.0 km each way
Elevation gain
1,055m
Estimated time
7h45min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,014m
Lowest point
1,470m

Elevation profile

1,470 m to 2,014 m
2,0141,470 0 km8.0 km

Highest point 2,014 m, lowest 1,470 m, 1,055 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 62% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 5G

Longest modelled gap
0.0 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.

Along the way

  1. 0.0 kmStream crossing
  2. 0.3 kmStream crossing
  3. 1.5 kmStream crossing
  4. 1.6 kmStream crossing
  5. 1.8 kmStream crossing
  6. 2.1 kmStream crossing
  7. 2.3 kmStream crossing

Good for

  • Hiking
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Views

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.2323° N, 115.7812° 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

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30