This is a Trail Running Route that circles the Lake Louise area, crosses over four surrounding passes, passes through most of the major regional highlights, and involves passing over one glacier. It should be completed in very late summer to allow the glacier to be fully exposed. There is a risk of rockfall through Opabin Pass in bad weather, and the route from Wenkchemna to Opabin Lake is largely undefined.
This route begins at the bridge over the Lake Louise outflow. Take the route towards Fairview Lookout and break off to climb over Saddleback Pass. Upon descending out of the pass, turn up the Paradise Valley drainage, pass Lake Annette, and climb through Sentinel Pass. Descend through Larch Valley to reach the Wenkchemna Pass/Eiffel Lake Trail. Follow the trail to the top of the pass. From Wenkchmna, the trail largely disappears but descends straight down to the valley floor, then turns north towards Opabin Pass. Upon reaching the moraine, stay to the right and climb the nasty scree to reach the top of the pass. From here, descend straight down the pass to reach the top of the glacier. Cross the glacier at the midpoint, past the snow melt markers, to reach the moraine; then boulder hop to Opabin Lake. From Opabin Lake, follow the well-defined path to the Yuckness Alpine Route to Lake Oesa with a view of Abbott Pass. Follow the pathway to the North side of the Oesa drainage to descend to the North Shore of Lake Ohara. Join the access road by the campground and follow until reaching the Ross Lake trail. Follow the Ross Lake Trail past the lake to return to the Lake Louise area and finish at the Lake Louise outflow bridge where you started.
