Skoki Valley

A high-alpine valley in the Slate Range of Banff National Park; ~26 km long, 13 km wide; characterized by Proterozoic slate, sedimentary sandstone, siltstone, and limestone. All 18 named peaks exceed 2,500 m; Mount Richardson (3,086 m) dominates the western horizon. Caroline Hinman was among the first to commercialize trails north of Lake Louise toward Skoki and Ptarmigan Lake for women’s recreational pack trips. The valley is core grizzly bear habitat; Parks Canada manages it for bear reproduction and restricts access accordingly.

Landmarks. Skoki Lodge (National Historic Site, 2,165 m); 11 km from Lake Louise; Merlin Lake (2,268 m); turquoise glacial tarn 3 km from the lodge; Skoki Lakes (Myosotis 2,265 m, Zigadenus 2,280 m); accessed via the Myosotis Chimney, a narrow rock crack requiring basic bouldering; Wall of Jericho (2,910 m); castellated limestone fin between Merlin and Skoki Lakes basins.

Skoki Loop. Standard route: 33.5–36.8 km round trip via Boulder Pass (2,350 m), Deception Pass (2,485 m), Packer’s Pass (2,475 m). Campgrounds: Hidden Lake (Sk5), Baker Lake (Sk11), Merlin Meadows (Sk18). Backcountry permits required; reservations open January 26 (year prior) at 8:00 am MT. Group of Four mandatory during berry season (July 10–September 15); bear spray required.

Access. Fish Creek trailhead near Lake Louise Ski Resort; Parks Canada shuttle from Park and Ride. Whitehorn Road restricted 8 pm–6 am (May–October) for wildlife. Roam Route 8X from Banff townsite.