Explore Crypt Lake: The Ultimate Waterton Lakes Hike
Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, is home to one of North America’s most exhilarating hikes: the Crypt Lake Trail. This 17km (10.5 miles) round trip adventure has earned its place among the best hikes anywhere. It’s not just known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its unique challenges.
We visited the Waterton Lakes in spring of 2024 after spending a week at Glacier National Park in Montana. During our 6-week trip in Alberta, this hike was our most memorable and enjoyable overall. That’s a bold statement, considering we also visited Banff, Jasper, YoHo and Kootenay National Parks on the trip.
Getting There
The journey to Crypt Lake began with a picturesque 15-minute ferry ride across Upper Waterton Lake. This service, operated by Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company, departed from the marina at Waterton Townsite. The boat ride was essential as the trailhead started at Crypt Landing on the lake’s eastern shore. The ride itself was a scenic preview of the adventure ahead, offering views of the surrounding mountains and the historic Prince of Wales Hotel perched above the lake.
Securing tickets for the short boat ride across the mountain lake is essential; on our visit, we bought our tickets a day in advance and discovered only a handful of seats remained at that time.
Waiting to buy tickets the morning of the hike is not recommended, as there is no guarantee they’ll have a seat available on the boat. Ticket sales are a “first come, first served” ticket selling situation, so buying them in advance is critical.
As we puttered across the lake in the boat, the cruise service talked about the hike and provided general safety information. During the talk, the most important thing they told us was to be at the dock at 5:30 PM. We had about 8 hours to complete the out-and-back adventure.
If we were not on time, the boat would not wait for us and there is no other way back across. Missing the boat meant we’d be stuck there overnight. That was all the incentive we needed to be back at the dock at the required time!
Shuttle Hours
Crypt Lake Trail – 11.5 miles Out & Back – 2,890 ft Elevation Gain – Est. Time 6h 20m – Rated Difficult
The Hike
As we trekked along the trail on a cool June morning, the air was crisp and invigorating. The fresh air set a refreshing tone for the day’s adventure. Sections of the path were still partly covered in melting snow, creating slick patches that required careful navigation. Luckily, we brought our hiking poles with us for support and stability, because we needed them. Every step we took echoed softly in the tranquil landscape. It was a beautiful yet challenging experience that reminded us of the transitional beauty of the seasons, from winter to spring.
As we climbed, the trail revealed amazing views of Waterton Lake, sparkling like a gem in the sunlight. Ahead lay the impressive Crypt Valley, with rugged cliffs standing tall against the sky. The path became rocky; we watched our step as we passed enchanting waterfalls, each with its own vibe.
At one of the falls, we felt the refreshing mist from the water in the air. The wind swirled vapors into our faces and chilled our bodies, but it was a beautifully natural and welcome place to take a rest.
The true star was Crypt Falls, a stunning 600m cascade showcasing its beauty as we approached. The view was stunning and was an introduction to what lay ahead.
The Adventure Intensifies
The real thrill of Crypt Lake Trail came about midway, where we encountered a series of obstacles that made this hike unforgettable for us. These elements added an “Indiana Jones” vibe to our hike, making it not just a walk in nature but a genuine adventure.
The Ladder
About half a mile from the ladder, the rocky trail proceeded across the face of the mountain and narrowed, forcing groups of hikers to walk single file. Navigating the uneven terrain forced us to focus on what we were doing, and our conversation turned quiet for a while. Each step required careful placement, as the loose stones shifted underfoot, making the journey both challenging and exhilarating.
We were aware there was a ladder ahead of us, but we didn’t know what it looked like or exactly where it was. Interestingly, it was directly ahead, but we couldn’t see it until we were about a city block away from it. We first identified it from a distance when we saw another group of hikers climbing it. Watching them maneuver heightened our excitement and anticipation for the adventure that lay ahead.
The Tunnel
As we climbed up the ladder, we found ourselves in this big granite nook in the mountain that was roughly the size of a three-car garage. It was roomy enough for about 10-12 people to hang out comfortably, making it feel cozy yet impressive. Over to our right was a smaller opening, just big enough for one person to squeeze through at a time. The tunnel was pretty narrow and low, so anyone of average height had to hunch down to get through, which made our movements slow and restricted.
The tunnel went on for about 30-40 yards (I’m guessing), and when I stepped in. The cool air wrapped around me and cranked up my excitement. As I made my way through, I could see Gail in front of me and the light from the exit at the other end. I felt a bit anxious as I moved through the opening, but a smile never left my face. I totally enjoyed the tunnel experience.
The Chains
As we exited the tunnel, the trail remained narrow and rocky that required thoughtful navigation. The trail unexpectedly turned left to reveal a very steep rocky scramble that challenged our stamina and focus. The steepness compounded by the strong winds that whipped around us, added an element of danger to the ascent.
With little room for error, the park’s management had thoughtfully added chains to the rocks to give climbers. It was nice to have something secure to hang onto as we made their way to the top.
Although we found this section of the hike was quite fun and exhilarating, the rocky uphill climb was clearly the most challenging and dangerous part of the hike.
Hikers who suffer from a fear of heights will struggle with this section. The narrow path is precarious, with sheer drops, and every step is thoughtfully placed and deliberate. Additionally, the unpredictable weather changes can make the surroundings even more daunting. Despite these obstacles, the breathtaking views in this section are well worth the effort, creating a lasting sense of accomplishment once we reach the top.
The Reward – Crypt lake
After these challenging sections, we discover more areas with snow to navigate through. The snow in the higher elevations was deeper and more difficult to walk on but it did not keep us from continuing on. After about a mile, we finally reached Crypt Lake, nestled in a dramatic, horseshoe-shaped cirque. The lake’s turquoise water was frozen and was a stunning contrast to the rugged cliffs and green forests surrounding it.
It was a perfect spot to rest and picnic before starting the journey back.
Return Journey
The descent was as challenging as the ascent, especially with tired legs but I always enjoy the hike back to see all the views in a different perspective. This trail did not disappoint. The scenery was even more spectacular going down!
Because we had plenty of time before we had to be back to the dock, we opted to take a detour via Hell Roaring Falls for an added scenic touch. Although it was steep, the waterfall was worth the effort to see.
Preparation
This trail isn’t for beginners. It requires good fitness, hydration, bear spray, and hiking poles for stability. Earlier starts are recommended to avoid crowds, especially during peak season. Check the ferry schedule and weather conditions beforehand.
Conclusion
Hiking to Crypt Lake is more than just a hike; it’s an adventure that combines natural beauty with physical challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or looking to test your limits, Crypt Lake Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park will not disappoint. For us, it was our favorite hike while in Canada that offered memories and stories that will last a lifetime.
