There are hikes, and then there are the ones that stay with you long after your boots come off. This one, tucked deep inside Banff National Park, is easily one of those. I’d highly recommend getting up early and doing it for sunrise, before the trail gets too busy.
Little and Big Beehive
Starting from Lake Louise, the path up to Little and Big Beehive felt genuinely doable for most people, as long as you set your mind to it. The higher you climb, the better the views get, with the turquoise water of Lake Louise stretching out below and the surrounding peaks framing the whole scene.
Devil’s Thumb
For those wanting to push a little further, Devil’s Thumb adds on to the hike, but it comes with a fair warning. The incline here is steep, and the rocks can get slippery, so it’s worth proceeding carefully if you decide to continue past Big Beehive.
Trail Details
For those tackling the full hike:
Distance: 9.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 4,048 feet
That said, if the full trail feels like too much, turning around at Little Beehive still makes for a completely worthwhile hike on its own.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
Parking at the Lake Louise parking lot comes with a fee of $36 CAD, roughly $26 USD, and the lot tends to fill up fast. Getting there early isn’t just for the sunrise, it’s practically necessary if you want a spot at all.
Some hikes are pretty. This one feels unforgettable.
Send this to the person you’d want to hike this with.