Hike Alberta
500 m N
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Ink Pots

Near Moose Meadows · Banff National Park

Moderate · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 61 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

1 km Open the map

About this trail

Ink Pots is a 5.7 km out and back trail near Moose Meadows in Banff National Park. It runs 2.8 km each way. The route gains 246 m in total and tops out at 1,745 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate, and Parks Canada rates it moderate. Allow about 2 hours of moving time. It meets Johnston Canyon Trail at 2.5 km, and passes one other mapped junction. The map also shows a separate section with the same name that is not part of this route. The distance and climb above follow this route only, not its branches. Along the way you pass a spring and Ink Pots. Also used for trail running, horseback riding and cross country skiing.

Length
5.7km
2.8 km each way
Elevation gain
246m
Estimated time
2h
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
1,745m
Lowest point
1,608m

Elevation profile

1,608 m to 1,745 m
1,7451,608 0 km2.9 km

Highest point 1,745 m, lowest 1,608 m, 246 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 27% 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. 2.5 kmSpring
  2. 2.5 kmSpring
  3. 2.6 kmInk PotsLandmark
  4. 2.6 kmSpring
  5. 2.6 kmSpring

Good for

  • Hiking, Trail running, Horseback riding, Cross country skiing, Snowshoeing
  • Dog friendly (on leash), Wheelchair friendly
  • River or creek

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.2623° N, 115.8358° 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