South Kootenay Pass trail

Waterton Lakes National Park

Easy · Out and back

Trail score 37 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

South Kootenay Pass trail is a 3.5 km out and back trail in Waterton Lakes National Park. It runs 1.7 km each way. The route gains 195 m in total and tops out at 2,121 m. Hike Alberta rates it easy. Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes of moving time. Also used for walking and horseback riding.

Length: 3.5km; 1.7 km each way
Elevation gain: 195m
Estimated time: 1h30min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 2,121m
Lowest point: 1,930m

Elevation profile

1,930 m to 2,121 m

Highest point 2,121 m, lowest 1,930 m, 195 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 23% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 65% of route

65% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.6 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.

Good for

Hiking, Walking, Horseback riding
Dog friendly (on leash), Kid friendly
Views, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 49.1168° N, 114.1409° W.

Driving directions

Waterton Lakes National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy Discovery 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 63 trails in Waterton Lakes National Park

Trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30