Hike Alberta
Balfour/Rob Ritchie Hut 2 km N
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Wapta Traverse

Near Yoho Valley · Banff National Park

Hard · Out and back

Trail score 52 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

Balfour/Rob Ritchie Hut 5 km Open the map

About this trail

Wapta Traverse is a 28.7 km out and back trail near Yoho Valley in Banff National Park. It runs 14.3 km each way. The route gains 1,699 m in total and tops out at 3,008 m. Hike Alberta rates it hard. Allow about 12 hours 45 minutes of moving time. It meets Mount Balfour Route at 4.6 km. Along the way you pass Balfour/Rob Ritchie Hut. Also used for backpacking.

Length
28.7km
14.3 km each way
Elevation gain
1,699m
Estimated time
12h45min
Moving time
Route
Out and back
Highest point
3,008m
Lowest point
2,365m

Elevation profile

2,365 m to 3,008 m
3,0072,365 0 km14.4 km

Highest point 3,008 m, lowest 2,365 m, 1,699 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 37% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 39% of route

39% LTE · 0% 5G

Longest modelled gap
3.9 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. 9.5 kmBalfour/Rob Ritchie HutHut · 2,479 m

Good for

  • Hiking, Backpacking
  • Dog friendly (on leash)
  • Views, Glacier, Hut or tea house, Alpine

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.5296° N, 116.4009° 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
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30