In 2014, National Geographic called Crypt Lake one of the World’s 20 Most Thrilling Trails. Today, it continues to be one of the most sought after outdoor adventures in Alberta — and one of the best hikes in Waterton National Park! Where the prairies meet the mountains, Waterton Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with multiple hikes and excursions for everyone. If you’re looking for an adventurous day, don’t miss your chance to experience the Crypt Lake hike!
Last Updated: January 26, 2024
I had been wanting to check out the Crypt Lake hike in Waterton Lakes National Park for a while. In August 2020, it was finally time to put a trip together and invite my good friend, Kevin, along for the ride. He was more than happy to join!
On a Friday afternoon, the two of us drove down from Calgary and bought our boat shuttle tickets. Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company sold tickets one day in advance and didn’t sell online, so we had an excuse to spend the night near Waterton. We explored gift shops in town, ate dinner at Thirsty Bear, spotted a momma black bear and her cubs, and then made our way to our accommodation for the night.
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Table of Contents
About Crypt Lake Hike — Hiking in Waterton National Park
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
Distance: 20 km out and back
Difficulty: Difficult due to trail length, tunnel, cables, and steep sections
Elevation: 700 metre gain
Time: Approx 5 to 7 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but consider whether your dog wants a strenuous hike.
Features: The Crypt Lake hike is one of the most impressive day hiking adventures in southern Alberta. After taking the Crypt Lake ferry from Waterton to the trailhead, gradually gain elevation up switchbacks followed by impressive mountain and waterfall views, such as Burnt Rock Falls and Crypt Falls. To top if all of, scramble through the tunnel, up the cable-assisted trail on the mountainside, and finally reach the glacier-fed Crypt Lake on the Canada-U.S. border. With all of these trail features, this is clearly some of the best hiking in Waterton!
Crypt Lake Trail Map
Crypt Lake Trailhead
To access to the Crypt Lake trailhead, you must book the Waterton Shoreline Cruise boat shuttle from Waterton town. After purchasing our tickets the day before, we arrived in Waterton around 7:45 am for the first come, first served Crypt Lake ferry. Even at that time, many eager hikers waited in line for the first departure. We left the dock at 8:15 am. I can definitely see how this shuttle can sell out, which is the reason we purchased tickets the day before. In 2023, the Crypt Lake ferry price was $32 plus tax per person.
During the boat ride, our Parks Canada guide provide instructions instructions and tips before setting us loose on the Crypt Lake hike. Interestingly, he shared that bear bells are indeed dinner bells, and are a source of curiosity for bears. He also suggested carrying a water filter (I brought this one). After about 15 quick minutes, we docked at Crypt Landing and disembarked for the adventure ahead!
The return shuttle was scheduled for 4 o’clock to bring us back to Waterton. Kevin and I didn’t make it on the first shuttle, but another boat wasn’t far behind. Be sure to check the Crypt Lake ferry departure times unless you want to spend a night with the bears. When we hiked, the final pick-up was scheduled for 5:30 pm.
Read next: 2-Day Goat Lake Hike and Avion Ridge in Waterton Park
Crypt Lake Hike — Best Hikes in Waterton National Park
This Crypt Lake hike gains some significant elevation over a fairly long distance. At the beginning, switchbacks allow us to zig zag up the trail with relative ease. Once above the treeline, the scenery opened up to what felt like an Indiana Jones movie! The switchback trail continued upward and vistas with mountainous landscapes appeared. Soon we heard the roaring of Burnt Rock Falls, and eventually Crypt Falls offered another rewarding view. As you continue, hikers eventually head into the narrow tunnel through the mountain, followed by a cable-assisted cliff traverse. What a thrill!
After passing through the cave, reaching Crypt Lake itself is the cherry on top on this already rewarding experience. This pristine alpine lake is surrounded by sheer cliffs, with reflections off the crystal-clear waters. We decided to take a well-deserved rest, eat our packed lunch, and even cool off in the glacier-fed waters — brrrr!
Crypt Lake Hike Difficulty — Tunnel and Cables
The old backcountry campground marked a turning point in our Crypt Lake Trail adventure, signalling the beginning of an even more thrilling section. We continued our way along the mountainside, and surprisingly, the trail was less daunting than I had anticipated. Then we arrived at the roughly eight-foot high steel ladder, the gateway to the 60-foot tunnel carved through the mountain. Well, there’s no turning back now!
Entering the tunnel was one of the most exciting parts of the Crypt Lake hike. Watch your step and take your time, especially emerging on the other side. There’s a challenging rocky stretch, with safety cable to help hikers navigate the mountainside. While it may seem daunting at first, this section is very manageable but important to go at your own pace. I remembered the voice of our Parks Canada boat guide, “No one has ever died on the exposed section of Crypt Lake.” A comforting thought as I hiked up.
Navigating through the tunnel and the cable-assisted rocky section was the most technical part of the Crypt Lake hike. The trail is fairly difficult and most visitors will appreciate having prior hiking experience. Overall, I found Crypt Lake to be a rewarding mix of challenging terrain and spectacular views!
Read next: Table Mountain Hike in Southern Alberta—What You Should Know
Crypt Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park
Crypt Lake itself is at an elevation of 1,890 meters (6,200 feet) in a pristine and relatively untouched area. This clear-blue lake supports a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, and a variety of bird species (though we didn’t see much!). After we arrived, I remember feeling like I was resting at the edge of the world, with no signs of technology or civilization around. If you want to take a swim, just know that that the water is typically very cold (even in summertime) due to this high elevation and glacial runoff. Kevin and I were quite lucky to have a warm and sunny day to enjoy the Crypt Lake area.
Don’t Miss the Boat: Crypt Lake to Crypt Landing
After what felt like a couple of hours, we began the 8 km journey back toward Crypt Lake landing, but this time hiked toward Hell-Roaring Canyon for a change of scenery. This detour adds a bit of distance to the overall total, but more than worth it if you have time to spare. We set aside 2.5 hours to get back to the trailhead, which was more than enough time for us. There was a bit of a bottleneck at the cable and tunnel section, so keep that in mind when planning your return trip.
We took the detour to Hell Roaring Canyon on the way back. With no switchbacks and some steeper hiking sections, I suggest saving Hell Roaring Falls for the end of your trip. We also found some overgrown areas, which seemed like fewer visitors take this route. We didn’t cross paths with any other hikers on the way back. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, visiting Hell Roaring Falls at the end of your hike could be the way to go.
Read next: Bear’s Hump Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park
Know Before You Go
Parking: Visitors can park next to the Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company dock Waterton townsite. Then make your way to board the Crypt Lake ferry to reach the trailhead.
Toilets: Toilets are available at the parking area and there is an outhouse at the old backcountry campground near Crypt Lake. No toilet on the boat shuttle. It’s best to come prepared with toilet paper and a trowel, and practice Leave No Trace principles in the backcountry.
Water: Bring enough water for your long day hike. I brought my 2-litre Osprey Reservoir and a Nalgene water bottle. I also packed my lightweight water filter, just in case.
Boat Shuttle: You’ll need to purchase a ticket for the Crypt Lake ferry to access the trailhead. The first boat leaves at 8:30am and the last boat returns at 5:30pm. Check Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co. for updated pricing and schedules.
Crypt Lake Tunnel & Cables: Be prepared for the 60-foot tunnel through the mountain on your way up Crypt Lake, which involves climbing an 8-foot ladder. On the other side, hikers will make their way up the mountain on the cable-assisted trail.
Safety: Hikers must be completely self-sufficient on the Crypt Lake Trail. Bring your day pack with a first aid kit and everything else you need to stay happy and healthy.
Crypt Lake Waterton Packing List
Here is my packing list for the Crypt Lake Trail:
- Day pack (Osprey Hikelite 18)
- Hiking boots (Scarpa Kailash)
- Hiking poles (Komperdell)
- Rain shell (Arc’teryx Beta LT)
- Waterproof pack cover
- Water reservoir (Osprey 2L Reservoir)
- Water bottle (Nalgene)
- Water filter (MSR TrailShot)
- Emergency shelter
- Lighter / matches
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Toilet paper
- PackTowel
- Headlamp (Petzl)
- Knife (Mora)
- First aid kit (Adventure Medical Kit)
- Down jacket (Patagonia Down Sweater)
- Map / compass
- Satellite communications (Zoleo)
- Powerbank (Anker)
- Food / snacks
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Where To Stay in Waterton
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Waterton, why not set up a tent or park your RV at the the Waterton Townsite Campground? I had the opportunity to camp here in the past, but unfortunately wasn’t able to snag a site this time. Remember, you’ll need a reservation if you plan to camp before your Crypt Lake hike.
Waterton Townsite Campground is a popular choice due to its prime location, as the only frontcountry campground in Waterton Lakes National Park. The campground is close to the downtown area, with well-maintained campsites (for tents and RVs), flush toilets and shower facilities, and easy access to nearby trails. Book early to avoid disappointment on the Parks Canada online reservation service or by calling 1-877-737-3783.
Don’t Miss These Waterton Hikes
Here are a few more Waterton hikes that you might enjoy. If you’re looking for a multi-day adventure, I’d highly recommend backpacking to Goat Lake and Avion Ridge.
- 2-Day Goat Lake Hike and Avion Ridge in Waterton Park
- Hiking at Red Rock Canyon and Blakiston Falls in Waterton
- Bear’s Hump Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park
Have you experienced the Crypt Lake hike in Waterton Lakes National Park? How did your trip go? Let me know in the comments below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
Wiarton lake is beautiful . I was there over 15 years ago, this hike sounds great. Your photos along the ridge walk are enticing.
Thanks, Kelly! This was my first time in Waterton Lakes National Park… and I’d go back in a heartbeat! If you ever get the chance, Crypt Lake is definitely a great day hike.
I will get back