Ibantik Lake via The Notch landscape

Photo: Photo by Datingscout on Unsplash

Ibantik Lake via The Notch

~2 days · 4 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance4 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain643 ft
Gain / mile161 ft
High point10,627 ft

What the Ibantik Lake via The Notch is known for

An easy out-and-back overnight of about 4 miles one way from the Crystal Lake Trailhead off the Mirror Lake Highway, passing Wall Lake and climbing through The Notch, a rocky gap in Notch Mountain, before dropping to Ibantik Lake on the far side. The trail sees heavy day traffic as far as Wall Lake and The Notch, but the lake itself makes a quiet first backpack with good camps above the shore.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Ibantik Lake via The Notch on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 32,874 ft to 34,790 ft over 4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 2.0 mi · 50%
  • Downhill 1.6 mi · 39%
  • Flat 0.4 mi · 11%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Ibantik Lake via The Notch take?

Most backpackers hike the Ibantik Lake via The Notch in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Ibantik Lake via The Notch?

The Ibantik Lake via The Notch climbs roughly 643 ft total — about 161 ft per mile, topping out near 10,627 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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