Ranney Hill Trail
A well-marked trail near Yellowknife offering rewarding summit views and unique geological features, perfect for a refreshing outdoor escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Ranney Hill Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A well-marked trail near Yellowknife offering rewarding summit views and unique geological features, perfect for a refreshing outdoor escape.
"A hidden trail offering relaxation, good viewpoints, and a refreshing breeze."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the rocky climb and potentially muddy paths. Protect your ankles!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the ascent. The hike can be more challenging than it looks.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 11 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Top of Ranney Hill
Panoramic vistas of surrounding lakes and wilderness. A rewarding climb for stunning scenery.
Pink Quartz Vein
Ascent to Ranney Hill
A unique geological feature, this striking pink quartz vein adds a special touch to the hike.
David Lake Loop
Base of Ranney Hill
An easier, well-marked path around David Lake, offering a gentler introduction to the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the rocky climb and potentially muddy paths. Protect your ankles!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the ascent. The hike can be more challenging than it looks.
Must-see places in and near Yellowknife
We're visiting Yellowknife the second week of September. What are the most interesting places to visit in town and within 50km? (We will have a car). We enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, but also like visiting heritage sites. I'm also interested in people's recommendations…
Camping Around Yellowknife
Hey y’all Me and some buddies are planning on flying up to Yellowknife from Halifax for a little camping trip. Any recommendations for nearby hikes or nice tent camping. We are also planning on renting a car if anyone has any insight to how expensive that is. Thanks :)
🚗 Parking Lot Fills Up
Weekends are busy! Arrive early or consider a weekday visit for easier parking.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Summit
The trail offers opportunities to explore surrounding lakes and less-traveled paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for the rocky climb and potentially muddy paths. Protect your ankles!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the ascent. The hike can be more challenging than it looks.
🚗 Parking Lot Fills Up
Weekends are busy! Arrive early or consider a weekday visit for easier parking.
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Summit
The trail offers opportunities to explore surrounding lakes and less-traveled paths.
✨ Enjoy the Vibe
A hidden gem offering relaxation, great viewpoints, and a refreshing breeze.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ranney Hill Trail is praised for its accessible beauty and rewarding summit views, offering a great escape close to Yellowknife. While the climb can be tougher than expected and parking fills up on weekends, most visitors find it a well-marked, enjoyable hike with unique geological features and opportunities for further exploration.
"A nice and easy hike close to town. Well marked with a nice view and many ways to continue further and explore the surrounding lakes."
Julien Schroder
"A great hike with some great views. Ranney Hill itself was a bit tougher to climb than I thought it would be."
Martin Male
"This is the hidden trail in yellowknife, not very popular but it gives you relaxation and good view points, vibes and always feel like we have to explore it more. Very reliable because of some seating zones and the last interesting part a big hill rock with fresh breeze, sunshine brings the smile on your face."
Nisha Sondhi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ranney Hill Trail is located near the end of the road to Vee Lake, just off the Ingraham Trail. It's a short drive from Yellowknife, and the parking lot has recently been upgraded.
Public transport options are limited for reaching trailheads outside of town. Having a car is highly recommended for accessing Ranney Hill Trail.
The drive is relatively short, typically around 15-20 minutes from Yellowknife, making it an accessible outdoor activity.
Yes, the trail is generally well-marked, especially the main path. However, exploring further off-trail might require a good sense of direction.
Parking at the trailhead is typically free, though it can fill up quickly on weekends and during peak seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ranney Hill Trail is a public access area and does not require any admission tickets or fees to enter.
As an outdoor trail, Ranney Hill is accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
To avoid crowds, it's best to visit on weekday mornings. Weekends tend to be more popular with locals and visitors alike.
While possible, winter hiking can be challenging due to snow and ice. Proper winter gear and caution are advised if attempting a winter visit.
No permits are generally required for day hiking on Ranney Hill Trail.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to the top and back typically takes about 90 minutes, but this can vary depending on your pace and how much you explore.
The trail is generally considered easy to moderate. The initial part around David Lake is easier, while the climb up the hill is rockier and more strenuous.
Yes, the summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and wilderness, making the climb worthwhile.
The easier parts around David Lake are suitable for children. The rocky ascent to the summit might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
While there are seating zones for rest, dedicated restrooms or picnic areas are not typically mentioned. It's best to come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The unique pink quartz vein is also a visually interesting subject.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers great views.
The trail has some rocky and uneven sections, so it's advisable to secure your phone or camera when not actively taking pictures to avoid drops.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and aviation rules before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit