Rockwall Trail

Starting in Paint Pots, the first stage ends at Helmet Falls with the option to split at Ochre Junction. The trail winds up the valley with a foreground of crystal blue rivers, fed from the backdrop of Limestone Peak, Helmet Mountain & Falls. After passing through the pine forests, you end at the delightful Helmet Falls campground, with room for about 15 tents, and an option to hike up to the base of the Rockies’ 11th tallest waterfall if you have the energy left.

The second stage of the Rockwall Trail heads to Tumbling Creek campsite & includes two mountain passes overlooking alpine rivers and meadows. The start includes a gentle ascent but is rewarded with a stunning opening in the forest to see the rock wall in its entirety. The second pass arguably makes this the toughest day but ends with a descent down into the camping quarters. We combined this stage and the following one which made for a doable but taxing day.

The third stage again immediately brings you straight out of the creek with the steepest ascent of the hike but brings you up to another pass with beautiful views down into the valley to follow. This trail continues to steeply wiggle down, on a dusty path ending in head-high wild growth until you reach Numa Creek, a beautiful campsite with a creek through the middle and waist-high wildflowers throughout.

Departing Numa Creek (there’s a pattern here) begins with a reasonably gentle ascent up to Floe Lake with valley views, waterfalls, and more meadows to be found throughout. On reaching the final pass, you’re rewarded with the imposing Floe Peak and an easy run from the rocky pass down to the crystal-blue Floe Lake. If you’re lucky enough to camp here (reservations are very competitive), enjoy a swim and mirror reflections in the morning.

The final stage descends through some forest steeply and then follows the Floe Creek in a notably exposed section, again littered with wildflowers, until you cross the also blue Kootenay River & end at Highway 93.

The best time of the year to hike the Rockwall is from early July until September. As you’re hiking in the mountains, be aware that there might be snowfields in early summer and campsites can only be reserved for July at the earliest.

Keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can change rapidly, and it’s important to be prepared for all conditions, including rain or snow. Always check trail conditions and local weather forecasts. Additionally, consider your hiking experience and skill level, as some trails in the Rockies can be challenging and require proper equipment and experience.

On top of the weather, precautions need to be taken to manage the animals and wildlife in the area – in particular, bears. Be sure to carry your smell-able items in a bear canister, bring bear spray, and a horn or bells.

Though unlikely to be a negative encounter, bears, both black and grizzly, are not uncommon in the region – bear spray is a must. Learn how to use it, and ensure you are aware of bear safety practices such as always making noise whilst hiking to avoid surprising a bear.

No food or anything that has an odor can be kept at your campsite – use the bear cans available to you at every site.

Other than that and regular camping equipment, some people might feel more comfortable with some microspikes if it’s looking snowy, but in season this is unlikely – you can use the Rockwall Facebook Group to get reports on the latest conditions.

Wildfires can also be a risk, follow park guidance on this also.

Remember – there are no shops, or any infrastructure on the way or at either end, so you’ll need water purification for creek water, and all the food for the whole trip to be with you from the start.