The Crypt Lake Hike: One of the Best Hikes in the World

Compiled by Pete Heck and the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on September 5, 2024

We bet you’ve heard of the Crypt Lake hike before – it frequents many of the best hike lists, including this one by National Geographic. It’s a premier hike in Waterton Lakes National Park and was on our to-do list for many years. Living nearby, it was always easy for us to get from Lethbridge to Waterton, but we needed to wait for other things to line up: our fitness level (it’s a tough hike!) and proper timing. It needs an early morning start to ensure enough time to complete and return by 5:30 pm for the boat shuttle back.

And the stars for this hike finally aligned on my birthday a couple of years ago! Near the end of summer (when our hiking legs were strongest) and fueled by birthday cake, we spent the night before in a Waterton hotel and got up early to make the trek. What followed was an adventurous day in beautiful weather…but whether I would also rank it as one of the “best hikes” plagued me all day. (Did I? Read to the end to find out.)

Conquering the Crypt Lake Hike

Essential Information

The Crypt Lake Hike is known as challenging and strenuous and is only for moderate to experienced hikers. A few tricky areas make the trail not recommended for those with vertigo or an intense fear of heights or small spaces! We also do not recommend this trail for children.

How to Get to the Crypt Lake Hike

The Crypt Lake Hike is unique because it is usually only accessed by boat. Thankfully, during the warmer summer months, there is a daily shuttle from the Waterton Marina via Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. Currently, the return shuttle is $32 CAD, and seating is first-come, first-served. Pro tip: sit near the back of the boat, closest to the exit. This will mean you are among the first to depart the boat and have a clearer path toward the trail. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes each way.

We recommend getting to the Waterton Marina as early as possible to get your boat ticket. There is usually a significant line-up by the time the ticket office opens.

Because there are only a couple of shuttles per day (and sometimes only one shuttle per day), keeping track of time on your hike is imperative so that you don’t miss the boat departure from Crypt Landing. We highly recommend checking the shuttle schedule before planning your hike to ensure its accuracy. The shuttle is also weather-dependent, especially in the cooler autumn months.

The 2024 schedule for the Crypt Hike Shuttle:

• June 1-21: Depart Waterton Marina at 9:00 a.m., pick up from Crypt Landing at 5:30 p.m.
• June 22 – September 1: Depart Waterton Marina at 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., pick up from Crypt Landing at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• September 3 – October 6: Depart Waterton Marina at 9:00 a.m., pick up from Crypt Landing at 5:30 p.m.

Additionally, It is possible to hike or bike the Wishbone Trail to the Crypt Lake Trailhead, but that adds 14 kilometres to your route.

How long does the Crypt Lake Hike take?

On average, the Crypt Lake Hike takes approximately six hours, but you might add some time if you take longer breaks. An optional side trip to Hell Roaring Falls can add 20-30 minutes to your hike.

Remember: you must be back at the dock for your shuttle departure time, so always keep track of time!

What to Expect on the Crypt Lake Hike

If you haven’t figured it out already, let us reiterate: the Crypt Lake Hike is not for the faint of heart! It is a strenuous, thrilling hike that is best for moderate to experienced hikers. You will experience challenging terrain, including significant elevation gain, switchbacks, a ladder, a natural tunnel, and a narrow cliff traverse. That being said, the challenge is worth the incredible views of Waterton Lake, Crypt Lake, and the surrounding mountains, and we think that the Crypt Lake Hike is one of the best things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park.

It is worth noting that this trail is very popular in the summer. When taking the boat shuttle to Crypt Landing, the hike will initially feel crowded as everyone departs simultaneously. However, groups start to disperse depending on speed and timing, and the trail soon feels quieter. Don’t feel pressured by hikers ahead or behind you; hike at your own pace, and you’ll be fine!

Starting at the Crypt Lake Trailhead, you’ll begin the hike through a dense forest until you climb to the junction of Hell Roaring Falls and Hell Roaring Canyon. If you want to add the side trip to Hell Roaring Falls onto your hike, we recommend saving that until the end to ensure you have enough time and energy (more on that below). As the Crypt Lake Trail ascends, you’ll get amazing views of Upper Waterton Lake and the surrounding Canadian Rockies. You’ll also encounter Twin Falls, an excellent place for a little break.

Once out of the forest in the second half of the hike, you’ll soon spot Burnt Rock Falls and, eventually, Crypt Falls. The terrain is much rockier here, and you’ll encounter a variety of slopes and switchbacks. There’s also a small stream to cross. The views of the mountains, valleys, and falls are truly epic in this section!

Finally, you’ll reach the infamous cliff traverse (it’s a narrow path on a cliff, proceed very carefully), steel ladder, and natural tunnel section of the trail. Be prepared to line up as people (naturally) move slowly through this section to ensure everyone’s safety; it can become a bit of a human traffic jam! This is the most technical part of the trail and can feel quite intimidating, but take your time; safety always comes first. Once up the ladder, you’ll climb through a low tunnel, followed by the cable section. We recommend using the cables to help you on the rocky mountainside as much as possible, as the trail becomes narrow and has a steep ascent along a rocky ledge.

Of note: Dalene didn’t attempt the ladder, as it requires quite a hoist up from the top to enter the tunnel, and she was not confident of her strength to do so. After the hike, we sent a note to Parks Canada, suggesting they add a handhold to make this easier and, most importantly, safer. Instead, Dalene returned along the cliff edge and waited for me to reach the lake and then return.

After that challenging section, you’ll finally reach Crypt Lake! Carved out by a glacier, the lake sits in a cirque. The pristine alpine lake is famous for its reflections of the mountains in its crystal-clear waters. If you’re lucky, you may see some mountain goats! It’s an excellent place for lunch before turning around and heading back.

As this is an out-and-back trail, you’ll have to return the way you came, tunnel and all. Expect a steep ascent in sections on the return hike.

Side trip to Hell Roaring Falls

If you have time and are up for an extra challenge, add a side trip to Hell Roaring Falls onto your Crypt Lake Hike. Veer off the main trail at the signposted junction to head to Hell Roaring Falls; as mentioned above, we recommend doing this at the end of your hike to ensure that you have sufficient energy and time to complete it. In total, this adds about 20-30 minutes to your hike.

Checklist for the Crypt Lake Hike

The Crypt Lake Hike is not the kind of trail that you can wake up and decide to hike that day. Advance preparation is required! As an experienced hiker, you most likely already have these items, but it’s important to remember to bring:

• Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots. Make sure you have already worn these in, as nobody wants brand-new boots (and brand-new blisters) on the trails!
• Hiking poles are recommended on the Crypt Lake Trail’s rocky terrain.
• Comfortable hiking clothing. We recommend layers that you can peel off on a hot day or add on a cool day. The weather can change in an instant in the mountains!
• Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen.
• Water – and lots of it! Some people also bring a filter or water purification tablets.
• Lunch and snacks. You’ll be on the trail all day, so bringing enough to eat is imperative. Energy bars are great for a quick pick-me-up on the trail.
• A first aid kit with plenty of bandages for those pesky blisters and minor scrapes or cuts.
• A phone with GPS or a map and compass. The trail is signposted, and there are usually plenty of people on the hike, but it’s always best to be prepared just in case.
• Some people bring gloves for the steel cable and tunnel section.

Safety and Precautions

Remember: Waterton Lakes National Park is in bear country! Always take bear safety seriously, which includes hiking in groups. You may want to consider carrying bear spray with you. As the hike is strenuous, ensure that you have sufficient water, snacks, sun protection, and a first aid kit. The Crypt Lake Trail can get very hot in summer, and parts of the trail are incredibly sunny.

The trail has a few tricky sections that are assisted by chains, cables, and a ladder, but even the most experienced hikers should move at a slower pace to ensure everyone’s safety.

Final Tips and Our Thoughts About the Crypt Lake Hike

The Crypt Lake Hike is one of the most popular hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park. Expect crowds and line-ups on the boat ride, at the trailhead, and at the tunnel, ladder, and chain section. Again: go as early as possible for the shuttle to ensure you get on the boat. Space is limited, especially in peak season!

Is it on my best hike list? Honestly, I would give it a 7 out of 10. This 17 km trek is a one-and-done hike for me. Was I happy I did it? Sure, I can check this one off my list. And there are certainly some thrilling moments and scenic viewpoints. But a lot of the trail is via a mostly unscenic path, and the reward at the end of the hike is a lake which got a “huh, so that’s it?”. I firmly believe you can get more bang-for-your-buck (physically speaking!) on other trails.

But there are many other amazing hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park! If you’re up for another challenge, consider the Bertha Peak Route, the Carthew Alderson Trail, or the Mount Lineham Trail.