Johnston Creek

Near The Ink Pots · Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 71 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Johnston Creek is a 51.0 km out and back trail near The Ink Pots in Banff National Park. It runs 25.5 km each way. The route gains 1,876 m in total and tops out at 2,388 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard, and Parks Canada rates it difficult. Allow about 17 hours 45 minutes of moving time. It meets Mystic Pass Trail at 1.9 km and Badger Pass Trail at 15.5 km, and passes four other mapped junctions. Along the way you pass a stream crossing, a campground and a backcountry campground. Much of the route follows Johnston Creek. Also used for horseback riding and backpacking.

Length: 51.0km; 25.5 km each way
Elevation gain: 1,876m
Estimated time: 17h45min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,388m
Lowest point: 1,645m

Elevation profile

1,645 m to 2,388 m

Highest point 2,388 m, lowest 1,645 m, 1,876 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 48% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 71% of route

30% LTE · 41% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 7.3 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

0.6 kmStream crossing
1.7 kmCampsite 1Campground
1.7 kmCampsite 3Campground
1.7 kmCampsite 4Campground
1.8 kmLarry's CampCampground
1.8 kmLarry's Camp Backcountry CampgroundBackcountry campground
19.4 kmPulsatilla PassPass or saddle · 2,345 m
25.5 kmWildflower Creek Camp Ba15Campground

Good for

Hiking, Horseback riding, Backpacking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Views, River or creek, Camping, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.2797° N, 115.8208° 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