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This 5-day trek is one of the most iconic multi-day hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
The Rockwall Trail cuts through the heart of Kootenay National Park, winding beneath towering limestone cliffs, icy glaciers, and meadows bursting with wildflowers in the summer and mushrooms in the fall.
What makes this multi-day hike stand out? The wall. A 900-meter sheer limestone escarpment that runs for kilometers, often draped in waterfalls and backed by hanging glaciers. It’s dramatic, wild, and unlike any other trail in the Canadian Rockies.
Most hikers do this as a point-to-point trek over 3–5 days. The route starts at the Paint Pots trailhead, climbs into alpine country via Tumbling Creek, and exits through Numa Pass, which is the highest pass in the Kootenay National Park at 2,300 meters (7,546 feet).
Hiring an ACMG hiking guide on this 5-day trek means you don’t have to stress about logistics, permits, or bear hangs. Just focus on each mindful step and each mountain view, while someone else keeps you on track and well-fed.
Day 1: Paint Pots Trailhead to Helmet Falls Campground
Distance: ~15 km | Elevation Gain: ~500m | Time: 5–6 hours
- Begin with an easy stroll past ochre-colored mineral springs at the Paint Pots.
- Follow Tumbling Creek into the forest before starting a steady climb.
- Reach the dramatic Helmet Falls, one of the tallest in the park, and camp nearby.
- Soak in your first big Rockwall views with the sound of cascading water in the background.
Day 2: Helmet Falls to Tumbling Creek Campground
Distance: ~12 km | Elevation Gain: ~450m | Time: 5–6 hours
- Start the day with a climb into the subalpine as you approach Rockwall Pass.
- Enjoy sweeping views of hanging glaciers, scree slopes, and wildflower meadows.
- Descend into the Tumbling Creek valley, surrounded by dramatic peaks.
- Camp near a glacial creek with time to explore the cirque behind the campground.
Day 3: Tumbling Creek to Numa Creek Campground
Distance: ~12 km | Elevation Gain: ~700m | Time: 6–7 hours
- Climb steeply through forest and switchbacks to reach Numa Pass—the highest point of the trail.
- Cross alpine meadows with spectacular 360° views of the Vermilion Range.
- Descend toward Numa Creek, where you’ll camp in a lush valley with riverside access.
- This is a big day, but one of the most rewarding.
Day 4: Numa Creek to Floe Lake
Distance: ~10 km | Elevation Gain: ~600m | Time: 5–6 hours
- Begin your second climb of the trip through a burn zone that’s come alive with wildflowers.
- Reach Floe Lake, a turquoise gem nestled beneath the Rockwall cliffs.
- Set up camp early and spend the afternoon chilling by the lake or exploring the ridge behind it.
- Sunset on Floe Lake is something you’ll never forget.
Day 5: Floe Lake to Floe Lake Trailhead
Distance: ~11 km | Elevation Loss: ~700m | Time: 4–5 hours
- Begin your final descent through forested switchbacks.
- Take in the last views of the Rockwall towering behind you.
- Arrive at the Floe Lake Trailhead on Highway 93.
- Shuttle back to your starting point, or celebrate with a cold drink in nearby Banff or Radium Hot Springs.
Why Go With A Hiking Guide?
Between backcountry permits, meal planning, and figuring out bear safety, this 5-day trek can get complicated. A hiking guide handles everything for you.
They’ll get you to the right camp, at the right time, with enough snacks and stories to keep morale high. They also bring deep local knowledge about the local flora, fauna and fungi as well as the geology, weather patterns and the fascinating indigenous history of the area.
Plus, when the rain rolls in or the trail gets tough, you’ll be glad you have someone who’s done it all before.
Your only job? Hike, breathe, and look up in awe and wonder.
Ready for an Epic Rockwall Highline Adventure?
Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a chance to unplug in wild beauty, the Rockwall Higline Trail in Kootenay National Park delivers.
Please complete the form below to request to book your guided trek and experience the Rockwall Highline Trail the way it was meant to be… fully present, deeply connected, and awe-inspired.
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Added By Kyle Pearce
I started Nature Retreats to spotlight ecolodges, retreat centers and ecotourism projects following sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect fragile biodiversity.
I have been running mindful hiking retreats for the last 7 years that integrate mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices.
Romeo Rum UA
3 months agoAmazing part of the Canadian Rockies. The most beautiful places you should visit are Numa Falls, Simpson River, Kootenay Valley viewpoint, Hot Rodium Springs itc.
Joshua Merrell
a year agoThis place is SO GORGEOUS! All of the hikes are super friendly, usually very short, and super easy. It's incredible how pretty this place is for how little foot travel is required.
Morris A
a year agoThis is a wonderful national park with a lot to offer. Its trails are well-marked and maintained. It is much less crowded than other national parks near it. The only real downside is that, since it is less commercialized, there are fewer options for food and water. The park would benefit from some potable water options. Marble Canyon path was breathtaking and good for casual hikers. There are many more challenging hikes for the adventurer, though.
Kevin Lester Fallarcuna
11 months agoProbably one of most underrated National park that we visited on our last trip. People usually go for Banff and Jasper National Park. But this one you have to check it out and what it has to offer. Lots of scenic views and some lookout along the way. Since this place is barely driven by motorist I feel like the chances of you finding wildlife are higher in this national park. As we drove by we saw multiple sightings of bear and other wildlife. The sad part of this national park is when you drive along, you can see the devastation of forest fire that affected this national park. This park is a good reminder of how beautiful this country that we live and hopefully, we can respect it and the future people can see the beauty of this park.
Pramod Koli (Pbkoli)
8 months agoAdjecent to Banff National Park, lot of points of interest like Numa falls and paint pots to explore. Also provides ample opportunities for easy to difficult hikes, beautiful views of mountain peaks, glaciers and lakes. Drive along 93 from Banff to hot springs is very scenic. You can visit the continental divide which serves as a border between Banff and Kootenay National parks as well as Alberta and British Columbia province.