Hiking White Buddha Via Powderface

White Buddha via Powderface is a 3.7 km trail leading to a large limestone ridge frequented by hikers and climbers. The scenic trail has a small waterfall, climbing wall, and a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding foothills of the Canadian Rockies.

How to find White Buddha Trailhead via Powderface

To access White Buddha via Powderface trail parking lot on HWY 66 about 1km west of Elbow Falls.

The trail leads into the trees with a few up and down sections that follow a dry creek bed. (in Sept) Cross the bridge and up ahead about 1 km in, you will hear a creek on your left. Interesting as it seems this creek leads to nowhere, maybe underground?

Once finding the small waterfall path on the left and snap a few photos, look to the right and there will be a path leading up, as well as tiny pink flag tape on the first pine tree. ( pictured above)

White Buddha Trail

White Buddha trail is a pretty steep switchback with some uneven narrow areas leading up to the white rock.

At about the half way point a few big boulders arise from the hillside. A great place to rest and take a few photos before continuing on. Just up the trail the huge white rock face will appear.

Once at the rock, the path meanders alongside the rock wall where climbers are often seen practicing their skills. Then the path starts to ascend up a scree slope where trekking poles come in handy but not a necessity.

At the top is a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding foothills and the valley below. Chipmunks will welcome you to their rocky domain ready to snag on to whatever crumbs that fall from your snack. lol

The top of White Buddha is very rocky with some cool rock formations ascending from the screed slope allowing for some great photos.

We descended the same trail however if you follow the path to the west it will take you to the Prairie Creek Loop below Prairie Mountain ( read this blog) that takes you back to HWY 66.