Rockpile
easy Lake Louise viewpoint

Rockpile

A short scramble up a glacial debris mound to the iconic Valley of the Ten Peaks viewpoint at Moraine Lake.

๐Ÿ“ Distance 0.7 km loop
โฌ†๏ธ Elevation Gain 35 m
โฌ‡๏ธ Elevation Loss 35 m
โฑ๏ธ Time 30 min
๐Ÿ“… Season summer
๐Ÿ”๏ธ Difficulty Easy

About This Trail

The Rockpile trail is one of the shortest yet most rewarding walks in the Canadian Rockies, climbing a mound of glacial debris to reveal the legendary view of Moraine Lake backed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This vista once graced the Canadian twenty-dollar bill and remains one of the most photographed scenes in the country. Despite its brevity, arriving early is essential as the parking area fills quickly in summer.

Highlights

Iconic $20 bill viewpointValley of the Ten Peaks panoramaTurquoise glacial lake

Trailhead Information

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Starting Point

Moraine Lake

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Vehicle Required

This trail is not accessible by public transit. A personal vehicle or taxi is required.

Trail Location

Safety Tips

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Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bears are active throughout Banff National Park.

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Check trail conditions on the Parks Canada website before heading out.

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Tell someone your hiking plan โ€” where you're going and when you expect to return.

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Bring layers. Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer.

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Carry at least 1 litre of water per person. There are no water stations on most trails.

Check Latest Trail Conditions

Always check the official Parks Canada page for current conditions, closures, and advisories before heading out.

View on Parks Canada โ†’