Glacier Lake
Statistics
Glacier Lake
| Total Distance: |
18.0 km (return) |
| Estimated Time: |
6 hours |
| Average Grade: |
0.2% |
| Structure: |
Linear - Return |
|
|
Elevation Loss:
|
-15 m |
| Start Elevation: |
1450 m |
| Min Elevation: |
1435 m |
|
Southeast Lyell Glacier
| Total Distance: |
40.0 km (return) |
| Estimated Time: |
14 hours |
| Average Grade: |
0.4% |
| Structure: |
Linear - Return |
|
|
Elevation Gain:
|
85 m |
| Start Elevation: |
1450 m |
| Min Elevation: |
1435 m |
| Max Elevation: |
1520 m |
|
Directions
The trailhead is on the west side of the Icefields Parkway, approximately 500 m north of Saskatchewan Crossing.
Details
*it should be noted that the actual elevation gain is approx 210 metres in, then 220 metres loss to get down to the lake shore, and then back up and over again on the way out. So if you are day tripping, this makes the elevation gain for the day 430 metres. Uphill both ways*
This is an excellent option for an early season hike when things are still frozen at higher elevations.
An initial descent on an easy trail leads to the bridged crossing of the North Saskatchewan River. Climbing gently from the river, you cross a treed plateau before encountering a wide view of the valley and the route you are about to follow.
You flank the river for a short distance before following a tributary west. This is a sustained but moderate climb through coniferous forest. It levels off as you cross the top of the forested ridge before beginning your moderate descent to the shores of Glacier Lake at 9.2 km.
Another trail continues beyond the lake to the toe of the Southeast Lyell Glacier and its lake, which makes for an excellent day hike. The first 3.5 km takes you around the north shore of the lake.
A boot path continues west through the sparse trees. At 5 km, you find yourself being pinned against the north bank by the creek on your left. Cross using the fallen trees at this point. Watch for ribbon on the trees after the crossing to guide you. You cross one more small stream, but it is important to keep to the north side of the main channel.
There are two sections where the creek pushes into the north bank and you are forced into the trees for some very unpleasant bushwacking through significant deadfall. Thankfully these sections are short. Stay close to the creek bed and you will soon pick up the trail again. Finally, the creek bends northwest and you are soon presented with the final low crest before the lake at the toe of the Southeast Lyell Glacier is reached at 10 km. It is a full day hike from Glacier Lake but with very little elevation gain.
Trip Reports:
http://www.clubtread.com/sforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=26847
Photographs
GPS Waypoints
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