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24 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 09:36 AM
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Hey everyone, my first post, I've been reading a lot of threads on here and I've purchased the "don't waste your time in the rockies book" and come up with an itinerary. We'll be travelling mid July, Lake O'Hara is booked.
1: Drive Canmore to Jasper
2: Hike Berg Lake Trail
3: Snowbird Pass
4: Hike Out
5: Drive back to Canmore
on the drive to Jasper and back, stop for Wilcox Pass, Parker Ridge, Mt Edith Cavell, Peyto/Bow Lake
6: Lake O'Hara
7: Lake O'Hara, sleep Abbott Pass Hut
8: Lake O'Hara
9: Lake Moraine, Sentinel Pass, Paradise Valley
10: Helicopter to Lake Magog, Hike Nub Peak
11: Hike out via Wonder Pass
Is this a good itinerary with a nice variety? We could leave out Assiniboine and check out the Iceline trail in Yoho, or do the Conrad Kain hut hike in the Bugaboos. Unfortunately we can't add another day for Assiniboine, and even if we got rid of day 9, the helicopter doesn't fly that day so we would just be hiking in anyways and I think we'll appreciate not having to slog in after 10 days of hiking. Let me know what you think! We're east coasters if that makes any difference, we've spent a lot of time out west in the winter but never in the summer.
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Calgary, Alberta
Andorra
3787 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 10:05 AM
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It's a short time to see some of the places. but you're definitely hitting the highlights.
I'd say it's a pretty great itinerary.
The only possible concern is that you have a lot of high alpine planned (normally a good thing). *Hopefully* that will be accessible in mid-July, but if this snow stays around like it did last year, you should be prepared for snow in many of those places. I'd suggest ensuring you have waterproof boots and gaiters. It shouldn't be likely that any would be impassable unless we keep getting more snow or something.
Do you have accommodations in Canmore? If you're staying with a friend or something, that makes sense. If you're just grabbing a hotel or campground, I would suggest staying in Lake Louise or Field on the night of day 5, as there's no reason to go east, and it puts you closer for the early morning to O'Hara.
I think you could go either way on Assinniboine/Iceline. The Iceline is a great trail, but Assinniboine is awesome, and the helicoper flight is pretty neat. So as long as you don't mind just getting a taste of the area, I think it's a good one. Actually, it's not implausible that depending on what exactly 'mid-July' means, that the bridge won't be in yet on the Whaleback section of the Iceline.
I would suggest trying to stop and do the hikes you have in mind (Wilcox and Parker) on the way up, and leave yourself the way back to stop in along the way and explore anything that looks interesting (Bow and Peyto Lakes, etc.) Edith Cavell also has a short hike in the meadows that you might want while you are there, and there are a few other nice short hikes if you want a mid-way walk. (Beauty Creek is a great small leg-stretcher). |
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282 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 10:17 AM
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That sounds like a wonderful trip with solid variety. I like how you've added Snowbird Pass to your Berg Lake trip. You will really enjoy this trail! It will give you greater and more spectacular views of Mt Robson and its glaciers.
Lake O'Hara also a good choice though could easily spend a week up there.
My preference goes to Mt Assiniboine over Iceline Trail, if you had to choose between the two. The helicopter ride in will be nice. The hike out via Wonder Pass is good. Once past the Bryant Creek Shelter, it turns into a slog but that is how it goes. Make sure you have sufficient water. Our group left Magog Lake with what turned out to be insufficient water due to a very hot day, we ran out of water coming down from the pass and there were no water sources from the pass until the lakeshore at the bottom of the valley. We were very thirsty!
I cannot comment about the Bugaboos, this remains on my list of places to explore.
Wilcox Pass and Parker Ridge are both cool places indeed.
I think you will have a great trip. I don't think you can go wrong with your choices. I think you will discover how different the Rockies can be in the summer time. Maybe you can add a story or two and some pictures when you're done. |
Edited by - jeffs78 on 04/27/2012 10:20 AM |
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Calgary, Alberta
Canada
1186 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 12:10 PM
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Iceline is overrated. It's okay, but it's not one I would have at the top of my list.
Deciding between Assiniboine and Bugaboos is a tough one. If you are just going up to the Conrad Kain hut, I would say do Assiniboine. If you feel like you could tackle a scramble or at least part of one, I would lean towards seeing the Bugaboos. Just getting up to the shoulder of Eastpost Spire would offer some great views.
My trip report from Bugaboos/Eastpost Spire:
http://www.clubtread.com/sforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36498
And Assiniboine/Nub Peak:
http://www.clubtread.com/sforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=40146
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24 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 7:28 PM
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Thanks, looks like we'll stick with the plan. Assiniboine is definitely short, but at least it gives us a taste and next time we can hike from Sunshine. One of you mentioned the chance of there being snow, especially around Berg Lake.. should we pack crampons or micospikes? Should we expect icy conditions too?
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calgary, ab
Canada
149 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 9:20 PM
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| I don't think you will need crampons or micospikes, but i can't see the trails in Assiniboine being snow free. Your itinerary looks great, if you have any extra time helen lake/cirque peak is another great destination. While your headed west, I’m going east and doing the ECT. Have a great trip. |
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Finally stopping that crazy suffering that is ice, climbing to concentrate on great ski tours!
3502 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2012 : 9:22 PM
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| When are you going? Berg Lake area is usually long snow free by July 1. It's only 1600M. |
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2012 : 12:31 AM
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Wow, this looks like a great itinerary. Perhaps the best one of anyone who comes to explore the Rockies for a brief time that I've seen on this forum. Lake O'Hara, Berg Lake Area and Mt. Assiniboine PP Core Area are in my view the three most scenic places in the Rockies and your itinerary dwells around them.
Abbot Pass Hut is a fantastic destination. Mind you it's more an easy scramble than a hike on a barely discernible trail. Scree gets really nasty if you get off the trail. Helmet is recommended although most hikers seem to not wear it. I think some snow will make the ascent easier. In mid-July the upper section of the trail will very likely still be snowbound. The ascent gully is very narrow, hidden in the shadow most of the day. If I were you I'd bring along an ice-axe and crampons just in case. You probably won't need crampons for (I assume) late-afternoon ascent but they can come handy for a morning descent (there's not much to do near the hut for a hiker). It's a very steep hike (I tried to upload a few photos but got an error message). You can see some in my TR:
http://www.clubtread.com/sforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23347
Regarding Berg Lake, Snowbird Pass Trail usually has some snow but is hikeable by early July. All snow should be gone except a few patches by mid-July unless we have a very late summer. In the worst case scenario you'll need just gaiters to reach the Pass.
If you find extra 2-3 hours near Berg Lake I highly recommend a short but steep hike to Mumm Basin. Views are phenomenal!
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Edited by - Engor on 04/28/2012 12:51 AM |
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24 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2012 : 05:19 AM
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| I'm just wondering if maybe we shouldn't postpone the trip until later if some of the trails will have snow on them, maybe we won't be seeing these areas at their best? |
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24 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2012 : 05:53 AM
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Oh and also, I'm debating whether we should spend the night at Abbott Pass Hut, or just go up in the morning, have lunch and hang out for a bit, then head back down in the afternoon? Not staying overnight would save us $75 but that's not really much of a factor. Just wondering if doing it all in a day might be a bit much, or if the overnight offers a much greater experience than just a couple of hours for lunch.
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| Engor
Intermediate Member
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Calgary
838 Posts |
Posted - 04/29/2012 : 11:53 PM
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I would pick the 2nd or 3 week of August. It's when the weather usually stabilizes and you have a higher chance of sunny days. Mid-July weather is more unpredictable. It can still rain a lot but usually not as much as in June.
I'd prefer staying overnight in Abbot Pass Hut. Spending a night in the highest building in Canada that the hiker/scrambler can reach, at the altitude of a few dozen meters short of 3000m, is a great experience in itself with a bonus of treating yourself to the sunset and sunrise that high. Since from the hiker's point of view there is little to do near the hut, it's a good idea to spend the first half of the day exploring Lake O'Hara Region (for example, Opabin Plateau and Yukness Ledges or Wiwaxy Gap and Huber Ledges) before venturing the steep trail up to the hut from Lake Oesa. Similarly, you can descent in the morning to explore this fantastic area more (another option, Lake McArthur and All Souls' Prospect) before taking the last bus at 6:30pm back to the highway. |
Edited by - Engor on 04/29/2012 11:56 PM |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1542 Posts |
Posted - 04/30/2012 : 11:14 AM
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| For a day when the legs are too tired to hike, you might consider renting a canoe on Maligne Lake. We did a 22 km, 7 hr paddle last August and loved it. |
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Calgary, AB
Canada
33 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2012 : 08:12 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Rachelo
....I would suggest staying in Lake Louise or Field on the night of day 5, as there's no reason to go east, and it puts you closer for the early morning to O'Hara.
This is a good idea, rooms at the West Louise Lodge are fairly cheap. Its run down and nothing to look at, but its clean and has hot water. Its also 5 min from the O'Hara parking lot so you can sleep in a little |
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24 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2012 : 05:34 AM
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Thanks for the tips, on day 5 we won't actually be driving back to Canmore but its good you guys picked up on it :) We're going to camp at Kicking Horse or Lake Louise campground. I'm assuming there's no real advantage to one campground over the other? Not sure if it's worth booking in advance, if so LL is the only one that allows reservation, we're a group of 6/2 tents.
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24 Posts |
Posted - 05/04/2012 : 06:05 AM
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| Argh, I wish it was possible to edit posts on this forum :) Another option on day 5 might be to stay at Takkakaw Falls campground, that way we at least get a glimpse of that area. Does it tend to fill up in July? How long of a drive would it be from the campground to the highway? Thanks! |
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Red Deer, AB
Canada
45 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2012 : 2:38 PM
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| It is possible. The icon in the middle of the 5 on the top of your post that has a comment bubble with a pencil on it. |
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24 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2012 : 08:16 AM
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Just an update for anyone finding this thread later on, the itinerary was great and worked out perfectly (for us). Mount Robson was the definite highlight, we got beautiful weather, if you go to Berg Lake make sure you have an extra day to Snowbird Pass or you're missing the best part.
On the way up to Canmore we hiked up Wilcox Pass and on the way back we did Parker Ridge. In both cases the view is west so the earlier you get up there the better. If you only have time for one I would say Parker Ridge because you can see the Saskatchewan Glacier which you can't see from the road. Wilcox pass just gets you a little higher up to get a better view of the Athabasca Glacier but you can see it from the road. There's also a short trail you can take to the foot of Saskatchewan Glacier which looked like it would be nice.
Lake O'Hara. Second best, it's a very unique place. There is literally something for everyone.. flat walks around the lakes, mellow hikes up to the higher lakes (osea, macarthur), tough hikes with lots of elevation gain (alpine circuit, all soul's prospect), scrambling (yukness peak, mount schaffer, etc), and mountain climbing (victoria, huber, etc..). And all equally accessible from the same campground, very neat place. Great for families. Glad we had 3 full days, ended up hiking the alpine circuit, hiking to macarthur lake and scrambling up schaffer, and scrambling up yukness on our final day.
I wish we would have had two days in Lake Louise instead of one, we hiked Sentinel Pass (very nice) but didn't bother with Paradise Valley as it seemed like a long slog in the woods. Would have liked a second day to hike the Plain of Six Glaciers.
Assiniboine, we took the chopper in and wonder pass/bryant creek out. We only had time to hike Nub Peak which I think is an absolute must do no matter how little time you have. Assiniboine was nice but you need 5 days minimum to do it properly if you're hiking in. I wouldn't hike in via Mt Shark, booooring trail.. it takes two days in from sunshine.. and then two days out with nub peak thrown in somewhere. And a day to check out the continental divide from the wonder pass side. I think those 5 days could be better spent elsewhere, very happy we only devoted 2 days to Assiniboine.
Hope this helps!
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Edmonton, AB
Canada
464 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2012 : 09:21 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by qwimjim
Just an update for anyone finding this thread later on, the itinerary was great and worked out perfectly (for us). Mount Robson was the definite highlight, we got beautiful weather, if you go to Berg Lake make sure you have an extra day to Snowbird Pass or you're missing the best part.
On the way up to Canmore we hiked up Wilcox Pass and on the way back we did Parker Ridge. In both cases the view is west so the earlier you get up there the better. If you only have time for one I would say Parker Ridge because you can see the Saskatchewan Glacier which you can't see from the road. Wilcox pass just gets you a little higher up to get a better view of the Athabasca Glacier but you can see it from the road. There's also a short trail you can take to the foot of Saskatchewan Glacier which looked like it would be nice.
Lake O'Hara. Second best, it's a very unique place. There is literally something for everyone.. flat walks around the lakes, mellow hikes up to the higher lakes (osea, macarthur), tough hikes with lots of elevation gain (alpine circuit, all soul's prospect), scrambling (yukness peak, mount schaffer, etc), and mountain climbing (victoria, huber, etc..). And all equally accessible from the same campground, very neat place. Great for families. Glad we had 3 full days, ended up hiking the alpine circuit, hiking to macarthur lake and scrambling up schaffer, and scrambling up yukness on our final day.
I wish we would have had two days in Lake Louise instead of one, we hiked Sentinel Pass (very nice) but didn't bother with Paradise Valley as it seemed like a long slog in the woods. Would have liked a second day to hike the Plain of Six Glaciers.
Assiniboine, we took the chopper in and wonder pass/bryant creek out. We only had time to hike Nub Peak which I think is an absolute must do no matter how little time you have. Assiniboine was nice but you need 5 days minimum to do it properly if you're hiking in. I wouldn't hike in via Mt Shark, booooring trail.. it takes two days in from sunshine.. and then two days out with nub peak thrown in somewhere. And a day to check out the continental divide from the wonder pass side. I think those 5 days could be better spent elsewhere, very happy we only devoted 2 days to Assiniboine.
Hope this helps!
The hike in to Saskatchewan Glacier is awful... It's mostly moraine hopping. I'll never do that approach without full snow cover.. Big Bend Peak is a much better choice (though I haven't done it yet).
I'd like to visit Robson area for sure. I'm not optimistic about the weather, but if it's good, then next weekend. 5 peaks in 3 days on full force. We will see...
I think my first time going in Assiniboine area will be to attempt Mount Assniboine... It's a scramble from the west face, and I just need a partner who wishes to drive his truck in... Next year! |
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Calgary, Alberta
Andorra
3787 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2012 : 11:50 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by qwimjim
I wish we would have had two days in Lake Louise instead of one, we hiked Sentinel Pass (very nice) but didn't bother with Paradise Valley as it seemed like a long slog in the woods. Would have liked a second day to hike the Plain of Six Glaciers.
Assiniboine, we took the chopper in and wonder pass/bryant creek out. We only had time to hike Nub Peak which I think is an absolute must do no matter how little time you have. Assiniboine was nice but you need 5 days minimum to do it properly if you're hiking in. I wouldn't hike in via Mt Shark, booooring trail.. it takes two days in from sunshine.. and then two days out with nub peak thrown in somewhere. And a day to check out the continental divide from the wonder pass side. I think those 5 days could be better spent elsewhere, very happy we only devoted 2 days to Assiniboine.
The two days in via Sunshine are not travel days, but part of the excellence. A large amount of that route is through alpine meadows, so it is worth doing because it's a beautiful hike that ends in a beautiful place. It's about adding to the destination.
But when you have a very limited time, it is plenty logical to spread out your time and see more places.
Paradise Valley is not worth doing as a hike on its own, but people who enjoy days without retracing their steps find it a nice way to return. From Sentinel Pass, you hike down through the rocks, then along treeline for a bit, then go down below treeline the rest of the way out. It's popular as a loop (well, horseshoe). Not because it's necessarily worth the hike just by itself.
Plain of Six Glaciers is nice, but there's not much there you didn't see similar elsewhere. Given what you did, that's a pretty small miss.
The Saskatchewan Glacier is generally much better viewed from Parker Ridge than from the hike up to its base, unless you just want to touch a glacier without many other people. Parker Ridge kills for the scenery.
good to hear you had a great trip!
When did you end up coming? |
Edited by - Rachelo on 09/25/2012 11:51 AM |
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Help with 11 day Rockies itinerary?
