Banff, Alta., trail where hikers died in rockslide reopened

A rock slide, centre, is shown near Bow Glacier Falls north of Lake Louise, Alta. in Banff National Park on Thursday, June 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal

Banff’s Bow Glacier Falls trail, the site of a fatal rockslide in 2025, has reopened to the public with new advisories about the risk of rockfalls.

Banff National Park announced the trail’s reopening on Thursday “following a detailed geotechnical assessment and installation of new warning signage.”

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“The assessment examined rockfall hazards in the area and identified lower-risk zones and areas with higher exposure. New signs now clearly mark the end of the official trail and warns visitors to increased rockfall risk beyond the end of the official trail,” officials said in the post.

Park officials say “rockfall is a natural hazard in mountain environments” and all guests must be aware of the risk.

On June 19, 2025, the cliffside along the trail collapsed while several groups of hikers were in the area.

Jutta Hinrichs, 70, and Hamza Benhilal, 33, were killed in the rockslide.

Parks Canada is advising visitors of Bow Glacier Falls to respect the posted signs and avoid steep slopes beyond the marked trail.

Hikers should also travel in groups, stay alert and avoid lingering in areas where rockfall risk is present.