Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
382.00 m (1,253.28 ft)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
7.50 km (4.66 mi)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Located at mile 378 of the historic Alaska Highway, Baba Canyon Trail lies within Stone Mountain Provincial Park and is a short drive from the Summit Lake Campground. Parking is available on either side of the highway; however, parking on the opposite side of the highway is recommended for larger RVs or trucks with trailers. 

The trail leads northeast from the highway, staying close to the creek edge and crossing it several times. Because of the generally rocky terrain, the trail (a worn mark in the ground from past hikers and wildlife) is only visible when it enters the trees or where there is some sort of ground cover. Following the creek for most of the canyon will naturally lead you to visible sections of the trail. 

For much of Baba Canyon, hikers can generally pick their own route by staying close to the creek and following it upstream. Many small waterfalls, canyons, deep clear pools, and interesting rock formations can be found this way. 

At about 2 kilometers along the trial the creek divides and splits to either side of a ridge. This is a great place to clamber up the hillside and turn back for a view of Baba Canyon and the expansive MacDonald Creek drainage beyond. 

To continue onward, hikers have the option of going right or left. Both options follow drainages into the upper alpine valley, which offers continued exposure to waterfalls, alpine blooms, and panoramic views of Stone Mountain Provincial Park. 

Special note: Late spring and early summer finds a diverse array of wildflowers in Baba Canyon, and the observant hiker can even find the beautiful ladyslipper orchid. Also note that this creek is subject to daily water level changes during spring runoff, usually around the end of May and beginning of June, forcing hikers to wade across the creek several times to return to the trailhead. There is also great potential for spotting stone sheep, marmot, porcupine, or caribou in the area.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Panoramic views. Interesting rock formations. Availability of water. Wildlife corridor.

Cons

Lack of defined trail in areas. Parking area is undeveloped. No services such as restrooms.

Trailhead Elevation

3,654.86 ft (1,114.00 m)

Highest point

4,908.14 ft (1,496.00 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Waterfalls
Wildlife
Big vistas
Big Game Watching
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Northern Rocky Mountain Foothills, British Columbia
Northern Rocky Mountains – Muskwa Ranges, British Columbia
Stone Mountain Provincial Park

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Stone Mountain Provincial Park
Northern Rocky Mountain Foothills, British Columbia

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