Lower Loop Route

Near Banff · Banff National Park

Moderate · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 73 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Lower Loop Route is a 7.7 km out and back trail near Banff in Banff National Park. It runs 3.8 km each way. The route gains 55 m in total and tops out at 1,405 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate. Allow about 2 hours of moving time. It passes six mapped trail junctions. Along the way you pass Banff Train Station, Big Horn Bed and Breakfast and Cave. Also used for trail running and mountain biking.

Length: 7.7km; 3.8 km each way
Elevation gain: 55m
Estimated time: 2h; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,405m
Lowest point: 1,383m

Elevation profile

1,383 m to 1,405 m

Highest point 1,405 m, lowest 1,383 m, 55 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 9% 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

0.3 kmBanff Train StationHistoric site
0.4 kmBig Horn Bed and BreakfastLodge or hostel
1.2 kmCougar Street Bed and BreakfastLodge or hostel
1.4 kmCaveCave

Good for

Hiking, Trail running, Mountain biking
Dog friendly (on leash)
Cave, Historic site, Hut or tea house

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.1802° N, 115.5785° 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