Fall Hike

[chathamf]

Anywhere within an hours drive that you guys would recommend for a hike this weekend? Not looking for anything crazy intense, but nothing super beginner either. Intermediate I guess. Would like something with a nice view at the top.

What do you guys recommend?

[Mitsu3000gt]

Rundle Mountain would probably be super nice this time of year, access just behind Canmore, enough foot traffic to be safe & hopefully Bear free haha. There is a nice little clearing near the top perfect for a picnic or taking in the view. Reasonably easy hike.

[chathamf]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
Rundle Mountain would probably be super nice this time of year, access just behind Canmore, enough foot traffic to be safe & hopefully Bear free haha. There is a nice little clearing near the top perfect for a picnic or taking in the view. Reasonably easy hike.

Just read up on Rundle. Looks like a nice hike. Says about 8 hours though? Little longer than I'm hoping for this weekend, but definitely looks like something I'd like to check out.

[msommers]

Go to Larch Valley by Lake Louise now. It's honestly world renowned to see the valley this time of year.

[Christian@IE]

Fullerton Loop near Bragg Creek (across from Allen Bill Pond) is a great hike that seems to fit the criteria you're looking for and is only about 30 minutes out of the city.

If you haven't been to Elbow Falls since the floods, you can stop by on your way out to see how much it's changed.

Larch Valley may be a little further than he's looking for if he's looking for something within an hour's drive.

[pheoxs]

Bragg creep area is really nice and theres a few really nice hikes of varying length there

[chathamf]

Yea the Larch Valley hike does look awesome, and I'm considering sucking it up and doing the drive. But more likely to grab something a little closer to town. Will read up on some hikes near Bragg Creek.

Thinking maybe the Larch Valley hike would be best with renting a room for the night in Banff.

[supe]

I just climbed Mt st. piran last weekend, its amazing. Lake Louise looks 10x better from the top.

[ga16i]

What about the Sulphur Mountain hike? Well beaten trail all the way to the top. Quite a nice view from up there.

[msommers]

Originally posted by chathamf
Yea the Larch Valley hike does look awesome, and I'm considering sucking it up and doing the drive. But more likely to grab something a little closer to town. Will read up on some hikes near Bragg Creek.

Thinking maybe the Larch Valley hike would be best with renting a room for the night in Banff.

Just know that in the Lake Louise area, many hikes have a 4 or more persons requirement because of bears. It's the dumbest fucking rule and I'm absolutely hate it. I honestly don't know how hard they enforce it but they advertise the fine is $4,000.

I'm heading out there Monday if we can get 4 people. Or maybe just pick up some randoms at the trail head, we've done this before.

If you're not wanting to drive that far, Ha Ling by Canmore is very popular and has a nice view. Or on the other side of the valley for a more challenging hike, you could do Lady McDonald. Heart Mountain is another popular one in the area. I'd recommend Cascade Mountain because the view is absolutely stunning, but it is a long hard day and definitely not beginner - intermediate type difficulty. I'd put it on the list for later on once you've hiked more, it's awesome!

You can also search hikes on Trailpeak - I find it super useful.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by chathamf


Just read up on Rundle. Looks like a nice hike. Says about 8 hours though? Little longer than I'm hoping for this weekend, but definitely looks like something I'd like to check out.

I'm not sure we were looking at the same hike, I think this one is West rundle, or something like that.

My GF and I hike pretty fast but it took us 3 hours tops round trip with a stop for lunch near the top. We also didn't go 100% to the summit since it was a shale scramble, but we went most of the way.

The Tea House hikes around Lake Louse would be good choices as well.

$4000 fine for the bear areas :eek: Had no idea it was that high. Then again I am terrified of bears and have no problem with it :rofl:

[chathamf]

Originally posted by msommers


Just know that in the Lake Louise area, many hikes have a 4 or more persons requirement because of bears. It's the dumbest fucking rule and I'm absolutely hate it. I honestly don't know how hard they enforce it but they advertise the fine is $4,000.

I'm heading out there Monday if we can get 4 people. Or maybe just pick up some randoms at the trail head, we've done this before.

Yea that's pretty ridiculous. I haven't really done much hiking. Do you guys take any precautions as far as bears and whatnot go? Is bringing bear mace worthwhile?

[chathamf]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt


I'm not sure we were looking at the same hike, I think this one is West rundle, or something like that.

My GF and I hike pretty fast but it took us 3 hours tops round trip with a stop for lunch near the top. We also didn't go 100% to the summit since it was a shale scramble, but we went most of the way.

The Tea House hikes around Lake Louse would be good choices as well.

Can you find a link to this one?

[msommers]

Yes I would strongly encourage you to have bear spray. It honestly should be in all hikers' kits. This time of the year they're mostly concerned about stuffing their faces as much as possible but there's always an off-chance someone hasn't been able to eat as much as they were hoping for. It's the scrawny bears you really have to weary of, and mom/cubs of course.

Mt Baldy, Indefatiguable, Ribbon Falls (potentially closed still), Chester Lake (easy and beautiful) are good ones too. Here's more with conditions and info:

http://www.albertaparks.ca/peter-lougheed/information-facilities/trails.aspx

[msommers]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
I'm not sure we were looking at the same hike, I think this one is West rundle, or something like that.

My GF and I hike pretty fast but it took us 3 hours tops round trip with a stop for lunch near the top. We also didn't go 100% to the summit since it was a shale scramble, but we went most of the way.



I'm not sure which one you honestly did. It makes me think it might have been Ha Ling. Because EEOR is not that quick and Mt. Rundle itself is a fucking slog!

Actually maybe it was EEOR since you said you didn't summit. You must motor something fast if it was though!

[ga16i]

Ditto on bear spray, get some and bring it. Was out at Peyto Lake last weekend and came across a f@#$ing grizzly. Someone else up there wandering a bit warned us and we packed up to go and I grabbed the spray in hand just in case. There were 5 of us plus infant, we started making loud noises and start descending the way we came single file. This mother f@#$er is kind of half galloping sideways just poking its head up over the ridge facing us and disappears back down the ridge away from sight again. These big guys moved FAST. Luckily, it didn't follow us any further.

[ga16i]

Here's a link to Parks Canada about bear sightings for the past week.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/mtn/ours-bears/miseajour-update/miseajour-update-byk.aspx

The week before, there were sightings at Banff Springs Golf Course, and Johnston Canyon. These guys can be anywhere right now.

[phreezee]

I enjoyed Grassi Lakes in Canmore a few weeks ago.

[chathamf]

Haha I'm sure once I tell my old lady about the bears I'll be left without a hiking partner anyhow. We packed up the car for camping few months ago and headed to Kananaskis. Spotted a bear as we pulled into the campground and she made me drive right home haha.

[msommers]

Well there goes that idea hahaha

[chathamf]

I'll just be quiet about that detail haha. Any recommendations for a somewhat cheap hiking boot?

[statick]

From the sounds of it, Ha Ling or the Tea House at Louise might work well for you guys this time. In any case, have fun, let us know how it goes and share some pictures if you have any.

Boot choice is considerably subjective, since it's mostly about fit and comfort. For example, I need some solid support at the ankles, whereas a friend of mine almost always prefers shoes as he prefers having the mobility. Get out and try some on, see what feels right to you.

[C_Dave45]

If you want an easy hike with an amazing view, the Kananaskis fire lookout is nice.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o312/CalgaryDave/Eau%20Clare%20July%202011/P1010009.jpg


http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o312/CalgaryDave/Eau%20Clare%20July%202011/P1010015.jpg


http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o312/CalgaryDave/Eau%20Clare%20July%202011/P1010025.jpg


http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o312/CalgaryDave/Eau%20Clare%20July%202011/P1010033.jpg

[bleu]

Originally posted by statick
From the sounds of it, Ha Ling or the Tea House at Louise might work well for you guys this time. In any case, have fun, let us know how it goes and share some pictures if you have any.

Boot choice is considerably subjective, since it's mostly about fit and comfort. For example, I need some solid support at the ankles, whereas a friend of mine almost always prefers shoes as he prefers having the mobility. Get out and try some on, see what feels right to you.

My husband is an avid hiker. Ha Ling offers great views. He is hiking to to the Tea House and then continuing on further today.

For half day hikes he has usually gone to Prairie Mountain, Moose Mountain, WindTower/Door Jam.

I wish I could enjoy hiking as much as he does, but I don't!

[statick]

Originally posted by bleu


My husband is an avid hiker. Ha Ling offers great views. He is hiking to to the Tea House and then continuing on further today.

For half day hikes he has usually gone to Prairie Mountain, Moose Mountain, WindTower/Door Jam.

I wish I could enjoy hiking as much as he does, but I don't!

Spot on, Moose Mountain as well!

I've not been to Prairie Mountain or Wind Tower, I'll have to head over some time.

[SIC1]

. double post

[SIC1]

Originally posted by msommers


I'm not sure which one you honestly did. It makes me think it might have been Ha Ling. Because EEOR is not that quick and Mt. Rundle itself is a fucking slog!

Actually maybe it was EEOR since you said you didn't summit. You must motor something fast if it was though!



Originally posted by chathamf


Can you find a link to this one?

http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-EEOR-East-End-Of-Rundle-near-Canmore-AB-4020


This is definitely EEOR aka East End of Rundle/South Summit. It's 4 hours Round-trip Car summit car. 3 hours to the bench/col where most the local chicks go to get a good tan.

this is a quick jaunt that I do back to back with ha Ling.

True summit of Rundle from the West/banff is 7-10 hours for the average hiker and is a boring walk thru trees then 1 hour of slogging.

Since you are coming from Calgary

I would suggest K-Country/Canmore

-Mt Baldy
-Heart Mountain include the Twin Towers
-Yamnuska
-Doorjam/Loder
-Lady MacDonald

If you want to venture farther and plan to make a overnight then Lake Louise/moraine lake area is the place to go. Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass and getting more advance,

-Eiffel Peak. - break off the larch valley/Sentinel pass ford the stream and slog lookers left. It's one mountain left of Pinnacle Mountain - Sentinel Pass - Temple will be to it's right.

If you have the time and the patience:
Temple it is only long if you aren't in shape or do not have route finding skills.

You can also try Fairview mountain.

The trail runs left of Lake Louise parking lot

If you are to see the Larches and larch madness This is prime time
check the following link for more details.

http://therealbanff.com/fallfest201

[msommers]

Interesting about Temple. I've always been under the impression it was a difficult hike, even for experienced hikers. I did Cascade summit a couple months ago and I was plenty sore but not dying by the end. Have you done Cascade to compare?

[kaput]

.

[chathamf]

Thanks for all the info guys. I think I will end up checking out something around Canmore - likeley Ha Ling. Didn't end up going today as planned, but will pick up some gear this week and try to go next weekend. Will take some pics. Really looking forward to it.

[SIC1]

Originally posted by msommers
Interesting about Temple. I've always been under the impression it was a difficult hike, even for experienced hikers. I did Cascade summit a couple months ago and I was plenty sore but not dying by the end. Have you done Cascade to compare?


Yes, Ive done both every year since I moved to Banff in 08 except Cascade in 2012 due to the birth of my daughter.

Cascade
http://instagram.com/p/sIR9_YmrcR/
http://instagram.com/p/rrqXU5mrTL/
Cascade is a grind and mindfuck (especially the beginning/end hike because of the ascent out from the trail from Mystic chair to the Norquay parking lot.


Temple
http://instagram.com/p/sQ8hdomrYh/
http://instagram.com/p/sPoRSGmrSR/
Temple is a route finding, long day, It involves awesome scenery both ways.
Temple has a straight forward longer approach, espcially the drive since it's another 15 from Lake Louise hamlet by Trans-Canada Hwy.

if anyone is keen you can also download the PDF from the Park Canada website for Cascade, Temple and Rundle

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/brochures.aspx

[ga16i]

Originally posted by kaput
I did Sentinel Pass today. I found it easier and way more worthwhile than Ha Ling. Larches are pretty much done though, last week would have been ideal.

Thanks for that tip. Went to Sentinel Pass yesterday and agree that it's easier than Ha Ling. It's not as long and the rocky bits aren't all that loose and quite walkable. That parking lot fills up FAST.

[jsn]

I just did the Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive Trail yesterday. Pretty nice and relaxing hike. 4.5km round trip but you can hike up abit more near the top of the circle. Pretty beautiful hike, and you get to see those yellow Larch's that Larch valley has. NOTE: I did see a grizzly bear on the side of the road on the drive back. It surprises me how stupid people can get. I saw a couple park and get out of the car to try to get a close photo of the grizzly. This is why people get mauled :banghead:

You can see the trail near the middle of the first picture. This is just past the main circle and you can hike up to just past that ridge.
http://s29.postimg.org/4pnk6ri2f/IMG_20140928_160155.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/adtuxnmer/full/)
image upload free (http://postimage.org/)
http://s29.postimg.org/ghbfhkcon/IMG_20140928_162209.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/z9nal592r/full/)
image hosting over 2mb (http://postimage.org/)


Originally posted by statick


Boot choice is considerably subjective, since it's mostly about fit and comfort. For example, I need some solid support at the ankles, whereas a friend of mine almost always prefers shoes as he prefers having the mobility. Get out and try some on, see what feels right to you.

I prefer the boots as well simply because of the ankle support. It's nice to have just incase you're walking on uneven terrain. If it's a simple/easy hike and you don't need the boots, you can always just wear runners. MEC has a great selection of boots and a wide range of prices.

[wintonyk]

Originally posted by chathamf


Just read up on Rundle. Looks like a nice hike. Says about 8 hours though? Little longer than I'm hoping for this weekend, but definitely looks like something I'd like to check out.

There is 2 summits for Mt Rundle. True summit from banff which is quite the trek. And the south summit from canmore. It's maybe 3 or 4 hours max. I have seen teenagers training out of the nordic centre do it in just over an hour and a half i think.

From whitemans gap, ha ling on the left and rundle south summit on the right.

[bleu]

Originally posted by jsn
I just did the Ptarmigan Cirque Interpretive Trail yesterday. Pretty nice and relaxing hike. 4.5km round trip but you can hike up abit more near the top of the circle. Pretty beautiful hike, and you get to see those yellow Larch's that Larch valley has. NOTE: I did see a grizzly bear on the side of the road on the drive back. It surprises me how stupid people can get. I saw a couple park and get out of the car to try to get a close photo of the grizzly. This is why people get mauled.

I might just have to hike this next weekend. I prefer nice, easy hikes if I do go - no scrambling or fear of falling for me.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by bleu


I might just have to hike this next weekend. I prefer nice, easy hikes if I do go - no scrambling or fear of falling for me. How about bears?

[Dumbass17]

Any recommendations for this weekend? (Feb 13)
It's supposed to be +10C

[msommers]

Still likely to be quite icy and lots of snow, and would recommend crampons.

[Brent.ff]

Cant beat a quick romp up prairie. She'll be icy, but doable without the yak-trax

[relyt92]

I imagine being one of the easier hikes it shouldn't be too bad, but anyone have experience with Johnston Canyon this time of year?