Hike Alberta
Simpson PassMonarch Viewpoint 1 km N
Route preview. The interactive map opens here with terrain, contours and live notices.Open the map

Simpson Pass

Near Banff · Banff National Park

Moderate · Out and back · Official trail

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

Simpson PassMonarch Viewpoint 1 km Open the map

About this trail

Simpson Pass is a 11.9 km out and back trail near Banff in Banff National Park. It runs 6.0 km each way. The route gains 480 m in total and tops out at 2,351 m. Hike Alberta rates it moderate, and Parks Canada rates it moderate. Allow about 4 hours 15 minutes of moving time. It meets Simpson Pass Healy Pass Trail at 1.8 km and Sunshine Village Simpson Pass Trail at 2.4 km, and passes one other mapped junction. Along the way you pass Simpson Pass. Also used for trail running and horseback riding.

Length
11.9km
6.0 km each way
Elevation gain
480m
Estimated time
4h15min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
2,351m
Lowest point
2,107m

Elevation profile

2,107 m to 2,351 m
2,3502,108 0 km6.0 km

Highest point 2,351 m, lowest 2,107 m, 480 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 27% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 84% of route

0% LTE · 84% 5G

Longest modelled gap
0.9 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. 2.3 kmSimpson PassViewpoint
  2. 5.7 kmMonarch ViewpointViewpoint
  3. 5.8 kmMonarch ViewpointViewpoint

Good for

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

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.0891° N, 115.8515° 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
Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30