Hike Alberta
Mistaya Canyon 500 m N
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Sarbach Lookout

Near Saskatchewan River Crossing · Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 58 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

Mistaya Canyon 1 km Open the map

About this trail

Sarbach Lookout is a 8.9 km out and back trail near Saskatchewan River Crossing in Banff National Park. It runs 4.5 km each way. The route gains 555 m in total and tops out at 2,044 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard, and Parks Canada rates it difficult. Allow about 4 hours of moving time. It meets Mount Sarbach Route at 0.4 km. Along the way you pass Mistaya Canyon. Also used for horseback riding.

Length
8.9km
4.5 km each way
Elevation gain
555m
Estimated time
4h
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,044m
Lowest point
1,507m

Elevation profile

1,507 m to 2,044 m
2,0431,507 0 km4.5 km

Highest point 2,044 m, lowest 1,507 m, 555 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 29% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 0% of route

0% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap
4.5 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. 0.1 kmMistaya CanyonViewpoint

Good for

  • Hiking, Horseback riding
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Views

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.9434° N, 116.7219° 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