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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely | Map and Routes

Bay · Wetland

5 (24 ratings)

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, a paradise for walkers and hikers. Spanning over 1,096,513.0 acres, this pristine wilderness offers an array of trails ...

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, a paradise for walkers and hikers. Spanning over 1,096,513.0 acres, this pristine wilderness offers an array of trails and routes to explore. With over 100 routes available, including the popular Snowbank and Disappointment Lakes Loop, Kekekabic Trail, and Snowbank Trail, visitors can embark on invigorating walks and hikes amidst stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, this park caters to all activity levels, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as you traverse its diverse terrain. From the serene Snowbank and Old Pines Loop to the rugged Kekekabic Trail, each route offers a unique adventure for walkers and hikers. With an extensive network of trails totaling over 300 miles in length, this park provides endless opportunities to engage in outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in a day hike or a multi-day backpacking excursion, the park's well-maintained trails and stunning vistas make for an unforgettable experience. For walkers and hikers looking to explore the natural wonders of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the park promises an unparalleled outdoor experience. From its crystal-clear lakes and dense forests to its abundant wildlife, this wilderness area is a haven for nature enthusiasts. As you plan your visit, be sure to download Pacer Pedometer for detailed information about the park's routes and trail options. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or hiking with friends and family, the park's diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity are sure to captivate all who seek an immersive outdoor escape.

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Walking and Hiking in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, United States, offers an exceptional experience for walking and hiking enthusiasts. As one of the most renowned destinations for outdoor activities, this park provides an array of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With essential amenities like restrooms ...

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, United States, offers an exceptional experience for walking and hiking enthusiasts. As one of the most renowned destinations for outdoor activities, this park provides an array of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With essential amenities like restrooms available, walkers and hikers can embark on their adventure fully prepared. The park boasts fascinating attractions such as the Hegman Lake Pictographs and numerous breathtaking viewpoints, making it an ideal playground for those seeking both physical activity and scenic wonders. Whether you are an avid hiker or a casual walker, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely promises a fulfilling and enriching outdoor experience.

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Other Info about Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Hours7AM-6PM
Phone(218) 343-7951
Websitehttp://www.boundarywatersguideservice.com/
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/boundarywatersguideservice/

Essential Amenities in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Restroom

Things to See in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Viewpoint

Overlook

Archaeological site

Hegman Lake Pictographs

Best Walking Routes in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

#1 - Snowbank and Disappointment Lakes Loop
1
Length: 24 milesEst. Time: 6h18m

Rugged 24 mile loop around Snowbank and Disappointment Lakes in the BWCA

#2 - Snowbank Trail
1
Length: 20.4 milesEst. Time: 5h59m

Rugged 20 mile wilderness trail in the BWCA around Snowbank Lake

#3 - Kekekabic Trail
1
Length: 38.6 milesEst. Time: 11h55m

Rugged wilderness trail thru the Boundy Waters Canoe Area

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See All Routes

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Mike Lennon
10
Rebecca
5
PacerPal
3
4melanie wong
2
5Michael
1
6Chrissy
1
7just spit
1
8skthcarlson1
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
1
3
2
4
Spider Lake PMA
2
Drag Lake PMA
1
4

FAQs About Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Where is the best place to walk in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, United States?

The best place to walk in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the Kekekabic Trail, known for its beautiful scenery and diverse terrain. This 38.6-mile trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience, allowing walkers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. (Routes info provided by Pacer community)

How many routes are in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, United States?

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers a variety of routes for walkers and hikers to explore. There are a total of 7 routes in the park, each with its own unique features and landscapes to discover. (Routes info provided by Pacer community)

Which is the longest route in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely, United States?

The longest route in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the Kekekabic Trail, spanning 38.6 miles. This trail provides a challenging and rewarding hiking experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the park and offering walkers a chance to immerse themselves in the wilderness. (Routes info provided by Pacer community)

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely?

The park provides restrooms as an essential amenity for walkers and hikers.

How accessible is Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely?

The accessibility of the park depends on the specific trail or area being visited. Some trails may have more challenging terrain and be less accessible than others.

What kind of sports can I do in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Ely?

In addition to walking and hiking, visitors can also engage in activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing within the park.

What is the best season to walk in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?

The best season for walking in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is typically from late spring to early fall when the weather is milder, and the trails are more accessible. However, summer is the most popular time for hiking due to the warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness experiences a wide range of weather conditions. Visitors should be prepared for fluctuating temperatures, including warm summers and cold winters. Additionally, be prepared for rain and potential thunderstorms, especially during the summer months.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, moose, wolves, deer, and various bird species. Hikers should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions, such as storing food properly and making noise to avoid surprising any animals.

Last updated: Jan 1, 2026

Parks Near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

1
3
2
4
Spider Lake PMA
2
Drag Lake PMA
1
4

Latest Check-ins at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

RebeccaOct 2, 2025
Oct 2, 2025Cycling
RebeccaSep 30, 2025
Sep 30, 2025Cycling
MichaelAug 17, 2025
Aug 17, 2025Walking
Mike LennonJul 18, 2025
Jul 18, 2025Walking
Mike LennonJul 17, 2025
Jul 17, 2025Walking
ChrissyJul 25, 2025
Jul 25, 2025Cycling
Mike LennonJul 16, 2025
Jul 16, 2025Walking
Mike LennonJul 16, 2025
Jul 16, 2025Walking
Mike LennonJul 15, 2025
Jul 15, 2025Walking
Mike LennonJul 13, 2025
Jul 13, 2025Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

RankingCheck-ins
Mike Lennon
10
Rebecca
5
PacerPal
3
4melanie wong
2
5Michael
1
6Chrissy
1
7just spit
1
8skthcarlson1
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
#1- Snowbank and Disappointment Lakes Loop
1
Length: 24 milesEst. Time: 6h18m

Rugged 24 mile loop around Snowbank and Disappointment Lakes in the BWCA

#2- Snowbank Trail
1
Length: 20.4 milesEst. Time: 5h59m

Rugged 20 mile wilderness trail in the BWCA around Snowbank Lake

#3- Kekekabic Trail
1
Length: 38.6 milesEst. Time: 11h55m

Rugged wilderness trail thru the Boundy Waters Canoe Area

#4- Snowbank and Old Pines Loop
1
Length: 29.8 milesEst. Time: 8h49m

Rugged 30 mile loop hike using the Snowbank and Old Pines Loop Trails

#5- Powwow Trail
1
Length: 30.1 milesEst. Time: 8h43m

A very rugged 30 mile trail in the BWCA. A trail guide can be found at https://www.boundarywaterstrails.org/powwow-trail-guide/ Volunteers have been hard at work and the trail is once again passible but there are still difficult sections.

#6- Kekekabic Trail
1
Length: 16.2 milesEst. Time: 4h36m

Kekekabic Trail is a 16.2 mile (37,000-step) route located near Prairie Portage, Minnesota. This route has an elevation gain of about 515 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Snowbank Trail
1
Length: 15.3 milesEst. Time: 4h55m

Snowbank Trail is a 15.3 mile (35,000-step) route located near Ely, Minnesota. This route has an elevation gain of about 711.8 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Kekekabic Trail
1
Length: 11.6 milesEst. Time: 3h28m

Kekekabic Trail is a 11.6 mile (27,000-step) route located near Ely, Minnesota. This route has an elevation gain of about 843 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#9- Carp Portage
1
Length: 0.1 milesEst. Time: 2m

Carp Portage is a 0.1 mile (318-step) route located near Ely, Minnesota. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#10- Old Pines Loop Trail
1
Length: 7.2 milesEst. Time: 2h51m

Old Pines Loop Trail is a 7.2 mile (17,000-step) route located near Ely, Minnesota. This route has an elevation gain of about 324.7 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#11- Snowbank Spur Trail
1
Length: 4.4 milesEst. Time: 1h20m

Snowbank Spur Trail is a 4.4 mile (10,000-step) route located near Prairie Portage, Minnesota. This route has an elevation gain of about 200.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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