Hermit Trailhead — Attraction in Area A (Kicking Horse/Kinbasket Lake)

Done this hike in early July, to the campground One of the best hikes I’ve ever done with massive value-for-distance. It is slightly longer than the 6km out-and-back on AllTrails. The first 250m will have you fooled that it’s not that steep, but rest assured this hike is definitely a quad burner for the first few kms with a steep trail up through the trees. You come out of the tree line about halfway, and whilst you continue uphill it seems to be a bit less steep, with more stepping up rocks. However, the trail is continuously uphill until you reach the campground with no flat sections. The rocks have been placed in many areas to act as stairs, occasionally you do need to take care as they are loose. The “rock scramble” is really short, and there is a rope for aid. We didn’t require it. There are no trail markers, but it was very easy to navigate in July. I imagine it would be much harder if there was snow. The campground was covered in snow, so would recommend waterproof hiking boots. Additionally, some of the springs do run onto the path so those areas can be wet and muddy. You could get away with not bringing lots of water as there are ample springs along the way. Between myself and my partner, we brought about 5L and it was overkill notwithstanding the fact was a warmer day. We did not see bears, but they are known to frequent the area so bear spray...

4 July 2024, Sunny, fast pace with lots of photo time after 2.5km 27°C (trailhead, 1300m), 18°C (snow zone, 2100m) 30mins(1.3km)- First view after steep hike 35mins(1.6km)- Open view 45mins(2.0km)- Highway view 55mins(2.3km)- Relatively flat platform-Can detour along the creek 60mins(2.5km)- Hike along falls/creek 70mins(2.7km)- Begin to see snow, open view with highway 75mins(2.8km)- Open view 80mins(2.9km)- Falls+Highway+Mountain+Trail all together per photo 85mins(3.0km)- Begin snow trail 95mins(3.15km)- A steep part with a rope to help 100mins(3.25km)- Entirely snow zone - Decided not to proceed to campsite

Normally I can hike for 2km without stop, but I took rests twice before reaching 1.3km first mountain view on Hermit Trail. Not hard but steep. Going down was easier than I thought, however definitely ankle hurting, 60mins for return.

Entering the snow zone, weather can change fast and avalanche can happen at any moment. Be careful.

I am fine with dogs, but if your dogs cannot control themselves from ongoing barking in the wild, keep them at home please. And yes you need a day pass/Discovery Pass to park your vehicle within national park regions. No crowd compared to other national...

This one may not be considered a hidden gem (although I would argue Canada's Glacier National Park is very underrated) but it was remarkably quiet for how accessible it was! We didn't see anyone until we we over halfway up and there was just one camper at the top. We visited July 7, 2023, a Friday on a holiday week for the Canada and the United States.

You need a permit to camp, but each site comes with its own platform, plenty of water in the nearby stream, a bear lockers, and a toilet (minor climb to get to it).

See more in our video: https://youtu.be/gZLr-Y0_-OI

Stats: 5.8-7.0 km / 3.6-4.4 miles round trip, 810 meters / 2660 ft elevation gain. Dog friendly, but make sure to bring lots of water for them and remember that this is...