Gibbon Pass

Rating: Moderate
Distance: 3.1km (one way to the pass)
Elevation gain: 460m
Allow: 3 – 4 hours return
 

Gibbon Pass is our favorite hike. This short but steep trail leads to open alpine meadows and stunning views of the peaks surrounding Gibbon Pass. You can see Mt. Assiniboine to the south-east. The meadows are filled with wildflowers in July and August, and in September, the gorgeous larch trees turn a brilliant gold. Jim Brewster named the pass for John Murray Gibbon who founded the Skyline Hikers and Trail Riders of the Canadian Rockies.

The trail: Heading north, you start right in with a steady but well-graded climb through coniferous forest. The trail levels out briefly at about 1.5km, then begins its short ascent to the pass. At the centre of the pass is a giant cairn honouring John Murray Gibbon.