Mount Stephen Trilobite Beds

The Burgess Shale is known the world over for the amazing middle Cambrian lifeforms preserved within its beds. What’s less well known is that there is more to the Burgess Shale than Walcott Quarry. In fact, Walcott Quarry wasn’t even the first fossil discovery site. That was the Mount Stephen Trilobite Beds.

Now part of the Burgess Shale UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mount Stephen Trilobite Beds were first discovered by railway workers building the CPR in the 1880s. They’re now part of Yoho National Park and can be found approximately five kilometres due south of Walcott Quarry (as the crow flies). The trilobite beds are found on the western slope of Mt. Stephen, southeast of Field, British Columbia.

Two operators provide guided hikes to Mount Stephen Trilobite Beds; Parks Canada and the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. A portion of the trail is open to the public, however, the trail eventually enters restricted areas which are off limits to anyone not on a guided hike. Pay heed to trail signs to avoid fines.

While this hike is shorter than the Walcott Quarry hike, it remains challenging. That challenge comes from the relatively steep elevation gain of 800 m over 4.5 km distance (one way). Hikes occur from mid-June through mid-September each year, beginning at the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre in Field.

Reservations are required to participate on this hike and you’ll need a valid National Park Pass. I did this hike a quarter century ago and it was terrific. The abundance of trilobite fossils is impressive and it should be noted other fossilized critters have been found as well. Check out the websites shown below to begin booking your journey back to the Cambrian.