Sunset Pass
Statistics
| Total Distance: |
16.0 km (return) |
| Estimated Time: |
6 hours |
| Average Grade: |
9.6% |
| Structure: |
Linear - Return |
|
|
Elevation Gain:
|
765 m |
| Start Elevation: |
1400 m |
| Max Elevation: |
2165 m |
|
Directions
Take Hwy 93 (Icefields Pkwy) 16.5 km north of the David Thompson Hwy junction. TH is on the right at the bottom of a hill.
Details
Trail starts with a steep, 3 km climb up a number of switchbacks, with brief views of the valley below and two of Norman Falls. MOST OF THE ELEVATION GAIN TAKES PLACE IN THE FIRST FEW KILOMETERS.
At the junction of the Sunset Lookout trail the slope moderates a bit, and a number of other switchbacks take you up past a dry lakebed to the meadows. Norman Lake campsite is 400 m ahead and to the right across a stream, but the trail follows the stream up the valley. If you go to the campsie, you will have to head back to the creek to go further on. After a couple of kilometers, you will see a well-marked split. Left across the stream is the route to Pinto Lake and the lookout; a kilometer more and a steep short climb, and you're at the lookout.
To get to the summit of Sunset Pass, follow the stream to the right. It;s actually lower than the lookout, but it's a nice hike up through a forested valley.
Peter McClure
Photographs
GPS Waypoints
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