Rockwall Trail
~3 days · 32.8 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Rockwall Trail is known for
The Rockwall Trail is a point-to-point traverse in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia — officially about 55 km, 52.8 on Ridgefold's mapped route — running beneath the sheer limestone escarpment known as the Rockwall in the Canadian Rockies. It links Floe Lake and the Paint Pots, passing Numa Pass, Tumbling Pass, and Wolverine Pass, with hanging glaciers, larch meadows, and alpine passes along the way. It is typically hiked as a multi-day backcountry route through the Vermilion Range.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,416 ft to 7,395 ft over 32.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 13.6 mi · 42%
- Downhill 11.9 mi · 36%
- Flat 7.2 mi · 22%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Rockwall Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Rockwall Trail scores 36/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best hiked from mid-July through September, once the high passes are snow-free and before autumn storms arrive; the larch meadows turn gold in late September.
Permits: A Parks Canada backcountry wilderness pass and campsite reservations for the designated Rockwall campgrounds (Floe Lake, Numa Creek, Tumbling Creek, Helmet Falls) are required.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Rockwall Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Rockwall Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 32.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Rockwall Trail?
The Rockwall Trail climbs roughly 9,360 ft total — about 285 ft per mile, topping out near 7,671 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Rockwall Trail?
Best hiked from mid-July through September, once the high passes are snow-free and before autumn storms arrive; the larch meadows turn gold in late September.
Do you need a permit for the Rockwall Trail?
A Parks Canada backcountry wilderness pass and campsite reservations for the designated Rockwall campgrounds (Floe Lake, Numa Creek, Tumbling Creek, Helmet Falls) are required.
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.