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1.2 miles
Distance
106 ft
Climb
-5 ft
Descent
01:45:14
Avg time
101 ft
Altitude change
4,923 ft
Altitude min
5,024 ft
Altitude max
4,923 ft
Altitude start
5,023 ft
Altitude end
1.6%
Grade
-1.8%
Grade max
9%
Grade min
3,819 ft
Distance climb
676 ft
Distance down
1,739 ft
Distance flat
01:45:14
Avg time
Minnewanka Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Winter Fat Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaBanff National Park
Banff, Alberta -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlue (2 votes)
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Local Popularity65 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 65 in Trail Running
- 75 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC, Fat
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Climb DifficultyGreen
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Physical RatingModerate
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SeasonSept 15 - July 10
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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Land Owner
Out and back trail along Minnewanka lake. Usually opens up early in the season for riding. The hardest climb is near the beginning, the rest is up and down along the lake shore. The riding is not super-technical, but it is singletrack with roots and rocks. It's also fun in the winter, where you can ride on the frozen lake [studded tires recommended - make sure it's frozen - ride at your own risk].
Note that Minnewanka is one of the most popular trails in Banff. There can be HUGE crowds of hikers on weekends. Start and finish early on the weekends, or ride on weekdays to avoid the masses. If you are riding the trail, don't stop for a rest on the narrow exposed sections - keep moving until you can find a spot to stop where others can pass you.
Seasonal Restriction for bicycle is in effect from July 10 - September 15.
Access Info
Public Transit - Route 6
From the Minnewanka parking lot, the trail starts at the northeast end past the picnic tables.
Disclaimer
Seasonal Closure to bikes is from July 10 - September 15
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 2 rides
- 17 miles average
6 Months
- 4 rides
- 13 miles avg distance
All
- 180 rides
- Last: Jun 17, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Minnewanka Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 6 months
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Directions to minnewanka trailhead
(51.247730, -115.500600)
Photos
103 more »
Videos
6 more »
50:42 |
68 |
Sep 1, 2025 , Banff
14:21 |
349 |
Mar 19, 2023 , Banff
6:38 |
969 |
Sep 19, 2019 , Banff
0:00 |
19 |
Aug 20, 2022 , Banff
Trail Lists
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2018 Shred List85 trails
Routes with this trail
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Nearby Trails
- Stewart Canyon Trail 2 miles
- Minnewanka 2 miles
- Cascade Valley Trail 2 miles
- Bankhead Interpretive Trail 2 miles
- Cascade Ponds - Bankhead 5 miles
Banff National Park
- By danny
& contributors - #5946 - 35,557 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Minnewanka
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Where is Minnewanka located?
Minnewanka is located in Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta, Canada. It is part of the Banff National Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 51.24773, -115.5006.
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How hard is Minnewanka?
Minnewanka is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 0.1%. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
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What is the elevation gain for Minnewanka?
Minnewanka has 142 m of elevation gain. The trail has 121 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,500 m to 1,568 m.
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How long is Minnewanka?
Minnewanka is 15.0 km long. The trail type is singletrack.
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