Yoho Valley/Iceline
Statistics
| Total Distance: |
37.3 km (return) |
| Estimated Time: |
2 - 3 days |
| Average Grade: |
3.6% |
| Structure: |
Linear - Return |
|
|
Elevation Gain:
|
670 m |
| Start Elevation: |
1540 m |
| Max Elevation: |
2210 m |
|
Directions
Yoho Nat. Park
Trailhead: Parked at Whiskey Jack parking lot at the end of the Yoho Valley Road (Takakkaw Falls). Trailhead is from the Whiskey Jack hostel.
Details
Day one: TH via Iceline trail to Little Yoho campsite (#6): 10.7 km.
Day two: sidetrip part way to Kiwetinok Lake: +-4 km. #6 Campsite down Little Yoho Valley / Whaleback / Twin Falls to campsite at Twin Falls (#5) 11.0 km.
Day three: sidetrip part way up to Yoho Glacier +-4.5km. #5 campsite to TH via Yoho Valley 7.1km.
Spot Elevations: TH 1540m, High Point on Iceline 2210m, Stanley Mitchell Hut 2055m (same more or less as #5), Whaleback 2210m.
Trail condition: Good, minor rock hop stream crossings on the Iceline Trail.
Day 1: Almost immediately the trail switches back thru the trees climbing steadily until it breaks the tree-line and the trail moderates as the views improve. For a fair ways Takakkaw falls keeps you company with its roar from across the valley. There were also many rock strewn barren sections <06><07>A couple small lakes along the trail.
The campsite is typical National Park style with tables, bear poles etc. and the bonus of one of the newer style composting outhouses (very little odour).
Headed down the Little Yoho Valley Trail past the Stanley Mitchell Hut (Alpine Club of Canada) along the roaring Little Yoho River <15>and then switchback again up the Whaleback Trail. A few strawberries along the way broke up the climb. Shot south from part way up.
The next landmark is the top of Twin Falls. (There is also a potential side-trip up Waterfall Valley).
There is a campsite sited right on the banks of the Little Yoho River.
Day 3: There is an optional short trip part way up toward the Yoho Glacier. Lots of interesting rock formations and streams. A worthwhile side worthy of at least a half day venture if not longer.
The Yoho Valley Trail follows the Yoho River drainage and periodically streams come in from the sides with worthwhile side-trips to see falls along them. The first stop is at Laughing Falls. The second Point Lace Falls. Both very worthwhile diversions. This section of trail is more or less a gentle drop to the trailhead and would make an excellent beginner trip, up and back to Laughing Falls or Twin Falls campsite.
Photographs
GPS Waypoints
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