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The Iceline Trail
Brief Description:
For very fit folks who like to cover long distances, there is no trail better than the Iceline above Takakkaw Falls and the Yoho Valley. It offers incredible views, big trees, waterfalls and a close encounter with the Emerald glacier.
Trail Access:
The trailhead is located right next to the Whiskey Jack Youth Hostel. Hikers should park in the main Takakkaw Falls parking lot.
Detailed Trail Information
| Duration | Distance | Level of Difficulty | Elevation Gain |
| full day | 17 km / 10.5 mi | difficult | 670 m / 2200 ft |
There are a number of ways to do the Iceline, including making it a backpack. This description talks about the shortest loop. A map is a good idea since there are a number of unmarked trails that can make the way confusing.
The Iceline begins with a steep ascent that is well switch-backed. Views of Takakkaw Falls make the effort worthwhile. Eventually the trail branches to the right and leads the hiker to the rocky moraines at the base of the Emerald Glacier, where it levels out. A panorama of peaks is visible across the valley and the trail provides close up views of the glacier itself. Thanks to its elevation, the Iceline is also home to true mountain dwellers like pikas, marmots and ptarmigans.
Begin the descent by taking the Celeste Lake connector trail and then the Little Yoho Valley trail in order to arrive at Laughing Falls. These trails make their way through beautiful old forest and past a lake. Rocks through the talus slopes were hand maneuvered into place by master trail builder Lawrence Grassi. The final part of the hike follows the forested valley bottom back to the Tak Falls parking lot. A number of small waterfalls along the way are worth visiting during the spring run-off.
Trail Information Courtesy Of: Great Divide Nature Interpretation
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