Hiking the Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake
The Rockpile Trail is the most famous and popular “hike” at Moraine Lake. Though don’t let the word hike deter you, as it’s more of a walk that most visitors to Banff should be able to achieve. The Rockpile Trail brings you to the aptly named “Twenty Dollar View” because it is the scene once used on the former Canadian twenty-dollar bill.
We’ve seen many grand views in the world, and we still consider the view of Moraine Lake and the Ten Peaks from the Rockpile Trail one of the best we’ve ever seen. From the top of the Rockpile Trail, you can see Moraine Lake’s deep blue and truly appreciate the area’s natural beauty.
- Trailhead: Begins from the parking lot.
- Distance: 0.8 km return
- Elevation Gain: 30m
- Time: 30-45 minutes (return)
Finding the Rockpile Trail
Starting from the parking lot, look for the Rockpile Trail on your left-hand side (if facing Moraine Lake). Once you find the trail, it’s extremely straightforward to follow, and there are even a few signs to guide you.
The trail switchbacks along the backside of the rocky moraine and takes just five to ten minutes to reach the top. There’s a short stair section that makes it easily accessible to most able-bodied people. Watch for pikas and chipmunks frequently darting in and out of the rocks, but please do not feed them!
After about 10 minutes, you will reach the top, where there are plenty of viewpoints around! However, we find the left side is typically less frequented. The right side of the Rockpile Trail always seems to draw more of a crowd. Stay up here for as long as you want, enjoying the view before returning the same way you came.
The Rockpile Trail at Sunrise
Many visitors dream of seeing Moraine Lake at sunrise. If this is you, know that the top thing to do at sunrise is head up the Rockpile Trail to grab a photo. While you won’t be the only one at the top of the Rockpile at sunrise, it’s still a very serene experience.
Be sure to dress warmly (bring a hat!) and bring a hot thermos of coffee or tea. Even in the middle of July, it’s very chilly before the sun comes up at Moraine Lake!
Every Visitor Should Head Up the Rockpile Trail!
The Rockpile Trail is a very easy walk that any able-bodied person should be able to complete. It is less than .5km in length and has just 30 meters of elevation gain. You can reach the top of the Rockpile in 5-15 minutes.
Accessibility
There are quite a few steps to climb to reach the top of the Rockpile Trail, and because of this, it is not wheelchair accessible. We counted once, and it was 120 steps to reach the top. If you have limited mobility, we recommend walking the Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail or enjoying the views from one of the benches near the canoe docks.
While personal vehicles are not allowed to drive to Moraine Lake, those with a handicap placard can still park their cars there.
Getting to Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake Road (the only road to Moraine Lake) is only open from June 1st until Canadian Thanksgiving.
It’s not possible to drive yourself to Moraine Lake. However there are still quite a few ways to get to Moraine Lake, including the Parks Canada shuttle (cheapest option).
If you want to see Moraine Lake at sunrise, we recommend booking with Moraine Lake Bus Company or Fairview Limo. If you want to get to Moraine Lake and depart from Banff or Canmore, book with Via Via! We cover getting to Moraine Lake extensively on this website, so we encourage you to click around to learn more. The article below is a great starting point.
Other Moraine Lake Hikes
There are so many hikes around Moraine Lake that you can enjoy beyond the short Rockpile Trail. Some of our recommendations are Consolation Lakes, Tower of Babel, and Sentinel Pass. See all our favorites here. If you don’t fancy more hiking, we recommend going for a canoe on Moraine Lake after your walk up the Rockpile Trail.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- We now have an interactive map! With over 450 stops and pre built itineraries around the Canadian Rockies, our personal map and guide is your one stop shop to an epic trip here.
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendation is to go up the Banff Gondola – a must do experience. Other great summer experiences are the Maligne Lake Cruise (book in advance!) and the Icewalk tour on the Athabasca Glacier.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Book early to Moraine Lake: Get to Moraine Lake in 2026 hassle free! Book with Moraine Lake Bus Company, or consider the Hop On Hop Off which will take you to multiple stops!
- Get to Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, or Emerald Lake: Book with Via Via to get you to the best spots! Use code BANFFBLOG20 for 20% off.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Discover Car. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy. Don’t forget the Guide Along Audio App for driving the Icefields Parkway (Use our link for 25% off!)
- We can help you plan your 2026 trip to Western Canada! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by planning we can assist! We’ll hop on a 1 on 1 phone call, and PERSONALLY go over your plans and itinerary (or help you craft an itinerary), and will save you time and money with our personal recommendations. Calls are followed up with detailed trip notes afterward that I write myself. See our services here.
If you’re heading to Western Canada soon make sure to check out our interactive map with over 350 spots to help you plan!
- ✅ Hiking trails with links to trails & insider tips you won’t find online
- ✅ Our favorite photo spots, scenic views, waterfalls, must-visit attractions, and even swimming holes
- ✅ Our favorite restaurants, coffee shop & local spots that many skip.
- ✅ We add as we explore ourselves. That means we add new points every month!
- ✅ Map works with Google Maps!
- ✅ Pre built itineraries you can replicate,
- ✅ Discover spots via an ad-free interactive map and a grid, full of original content and videos
- ✅ Use on the go, mobile-first, offline-friendly, and made for the road.
- ✅ Local insights you won’t find on Google or AI – all in one place!
Hi, Me and my wife are visiting Alberta in September. We have never visited Canada before and could sure use some tips on how to get the best from our trip. Although we are staying in a hotel in Calgary, we plan on doing a day day trips up to Banff/Canmore.
I have a bit of a dodgy knee but would really like to do the Rockpile trail, just take extra pain meds for the day I guess.
Do we need any specific clothing?
Do we need to carry Bear spray?
Places to eat/visit?
Places to avoid?
Many thanks in advance
Stephen & Karen
Cwmbran
South Wales (UK)
Hi Stephen,
I think this article may help you with some of your questions: https://thebanffblog.com/banff-in-september/
I’m unsure if you’re planning to do any hiking, but in general we recommend you carry bear spray on any hikes you do in the Canadian Rockies, so it really depends on your plans.