Cory Pass Loop
Cory Pass Loop is a loop hike in Banff National Park near Banff, Alberta, with a total distance of about 13 km and about 915 m of elevation gain. It’s set between Mount Edith and the Cory Pass area, then continues out through Gargoyle Valley as the route circles the east side of Mount Edith before returning to the trailhead.
Expect a demanding day: the route is commonly rated strenuous/difficult, with steep inclines and loose scree along sections around the pass area. Typical timing is in the 5–7 hour range for most hikers covering the full loop.
Most hikers do the loop clockwise to get the steepest climb earlier, then descend and work around the loop back toward the trailhead. The loop links Cory Pass with the Edith Pass side of the route and includes time spent on narrowing terrain that runs along the mountain’s side.
The pass country opens into rocky, exposed terrain around Cory Pass and the Gargoyle Valley segment, where the landscape is defined by unusual limestone formations. Conditions can be rough enough that foot placement matters, especially if snow patches or wet, loose surfaces are present.
Navigation is usually straightforward for most of the day, but there is a short, hardest section at Cory Pass that involves some scrambling. Blue paint markings are reported on that difficult bit, with steep drop-offs close by on either side.
The route is remote enough that water may not be available along the way; plan to carry what you need for the full outing. It’s also done in terrain where you should be ready for changing alpine weather throughout the day.