Athabasca Glacier – Page 2 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Smoke & Water – The Canadian Rockies to the Babine Mountains (8-7-18 & 8-8-18)

Day 4 & Part of Day 5 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!

8-7-18, 7:46 AM, 53°F, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada – SPHP pulled out onto Icefields Parkway Hwy 93. Within minutes, Lupe saw Bow Lake again, and magnificent Mount Jimmy Simpson (9,731 ft.). Yesterday she’d had the grand good fortune to make it to the summit, but mountain climbing wasn’t on the agenda today. This was a rest and travel day.

Not the kind of hurried, don’t stop for anything except restrooms, fuel, and food sort of travel. The Canadian Rockies are too wonderful for that! Although the American Dingo was going hundreds of miles, she would still have opportunities to stop at favorite places along the road.

So that was the plan. By the time Lupe reached Jasper National Park, though, the sky was uncharacteristically hazy. Smoke from distant forest fires dimmed normally crisp views of the mountains.

8-7-18, 9:09 AM, 58°F, Icefields Centre, Jasper National Park – Smoky, but not bad. SPHP stopped so Lupe could see one of the Canadian Rockies’ most amazing views from the highway, the Athabasca Glacier. The huge glacier, one of six major arms of the Columbia Icefield, has retreated a long way over the past century, but remains a must see, if one has any opportunity at all!

Of course, Lupe had seen the Athabasca Glacier before – a couple of times from an even more spectacular vantage point up by Wilcox Pass. Despite the smoke, the view from the highway was still absolutely worthwhile.

*The **Athabasca Glacier** is a must see attraction of the Canadian Rockies!* Photo looks SW.

**Mount Athabasca**, one of several splendid peaks near the Athabasca Glacier. Photo looks SSE.

**Mount Athabasca (11,453 ft.)** with help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SSE.

As Lupe and SPHP continued N on Icefields Parkway Hwy 93, the smoky haze did not diminish. The smoke marred views of the mountains, but didn’t interfere with sights closer by. Waterfalls, rivers, and lakes were destined to become the focus for the day. Luckily, the Carolina Dog was going to go right past some great ones!

8-7-18, 9:57 AM, 62°F, Sunwapta Falls, Jasper National Park – The first big waterfall N of the Athabasca Glacier was Sunwapta Falls. The silt-laden Sunwapta River was running high. A torrent of light gray water swept by an upstream island then plunged into a narrow gorge immediately downstream.

Lupe checked out the impressive scene from both a bridge over the gorge, and a chain link fence at the very brink of the falls.

**Sunwapta Falls**. The **Sunwapta River** starts at Sunwapta Pass at the S end of Jasper National Park. Meltwaters from the Athabasca Glacier contribute to the flow.

*Wow! I don’t think we’ve ever seen **Sunwapta Falls** with such tremendous flow before!*

8-7-18, 10:28 AM, 68°F, Athabasca River, Jasper National Park – The Sunwapta River flows into the mighty Athabasca River. Athabasca Falls was going to be absolutely roaring today! Before Lupe got that far, though, SPHP stopped at the American Dingo’s favorite picnic ground on the W side of Icefields Parkway Hwy 93.

This choice spot right along the Athabasca River was often completely vacant several years ago when Lupe first discovered it. For some reason there hadn’t been any signage for it along the highway. Signage was sadly present now, but since it was still a bit early for lunch, Lupe found her picnic ground delightfully quiet again this morning.

Loop enjoyed a stroll upstream along the Athabasca River, spent some time roaming the forest looking for squirrels to bark at, and even went wading along the river’s edge. Having skipped breakfast, SPHP had an early lunch at one of the tables overlooking the river, while catching up the trip journal.

*How’s this for a view from your picnic table? There’s always squirrels in the forest, too!*

*I’ll stay right by the edge here, SPHP, promise! I remember that giant waterfall downstream. Not going over that!* Loop in the **Athabasca River**.

8-7-18, 11:31 AM, 75°F, Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park – The turn to Athabasca Falls was only 5 miles N of the picnic ground. This close to noon on a lovely day in early August, Athabasca Falls was teeming with tourists. Justifiably so. Lupe and SPHP played tourist, too. It was a wait your turn at the viewpoints situation, but totally worth it.

Lupe liked all the activity! People smiled at her, children petted her, plenty of other doggie tourists were available to sniff with, and, of course, there was that enormously powerful waterfall to admire.

*Even if you have to wait in line, just do it! **Athabasca Falls** is so impressive!*

**Athabasca Falls** is 20 miles S of Jasper just off Icefields Parkway Highway 93.

8-7-18, 1:07 PM, Yellowhead Pass – The morning had flown by. After a stop for fuel in Jasper, SPHP drove W on Yellowhead Hwy 16. Only 21 miles to the British Columbia border at Yellowhead Pass (3,760 ft.).

SPHP stopped here briefly, so Loop could stretch her legs. A small lake, Portal Lake, was nearby. A sign said there was a 20 minute return trail along Portal Lake, but Lupe didn’t take it. Greater sights were ahead.

Lupe reaches **British Colombia** at **Yellowhead Pass**.

By **Portal Lake** at **Yellowhead Pass**.

8-7-18, 1:38 PM, 72°F, Moose Lake – At the British Columbia border, Lupe also entered Mount Robson Provincial Park. Continuing W on Hwy 16, SPHP expected the sky to clear any time now, but instead the smoke was getting thicker. By the time Lupe made it to Moose Lake, it was hard to see the mountains at all.

Fortunately, there were 2 more big waterfalls ahead to look forward to along the Fraser River.

At Yellowhead Pass, Lupe entered Mount Robson Provincial Park.

*Well, here we are at beautiful **Moose Lake** along Hwy 16, but it’s smokier than ever!*

8-7-18, 1:58 PM, 75°F, Overlander Falls, Mount Robson Provincial Park – The first waterfall on the Fraser River was Overlander Falls. A trailhead was right along Hwy 16 just a mile or so before the Mount Robson Park visitor center. Lupe took a shady 10 minute trail from Hwy 16 down a series of switchbacks to the gorgeous waterfall.

Overlander Falls was only 30 feet high, but the Fraser River gushing through a narrow gap and dropping into a huge swirling pool of pale blue-green waters was an amazing sight. While relaxing by Overlander Falls, Lupe wound up making a new friend from Saskatchewan.

*10 minutes on this lovely trail will get us down to Overlander Falls!*

**Overlander Falls** is the uppermost of 2 major waterfalls on the **Fraser River**.

**Overlander Falls** isn’t as big as Sunwapta Falls or Athabasca Falls, but the color of the water and this big swirling pool are simply amazing!

*There’s always time for love and new friends!*

8-7-18, 3:16 PM, 78°F, Rearguard Falls Provincial Park – The second major waterfall along the Fraser River was only 10 miles from Overlander Falls. Rearguard Falls has its own provincial park! Once again, Lupe took a 10 or 15 minute trail from a trailhead right along Hwy 16 down to the waterfall.

Rearguard Falls wasn’t even as high as Overlander Falls, almost more of a giant rapids than a waterfall, but the breadth and strength of the water surging over it was also impressive. A sign up by the parking lot said Rearguard Falls was as far up the Fraser River as salmon were able to make it.

*Here’s the plan, SPHP! When we get down to the falls, I’ll race in and snag us one of the big salmon leaping out of the river, while you fight off the bears. Ready? Let’s do this!*

*I can almost taste that big delicious salmon already! Come on, it’s this way!*

A first glimpse of **Rearguard Falls** from the trail.

*How’s this for a snazzy walkway setup? We’re almost to Rearguard Falls now.*

**Rearguard Falls**. The air was still smoky, but the **Fraser River** was simply gorgeous!

**Rearguard Falls** on the Fraser River.

*So beautiful! Kind of a shame there aren’t any salmon here today, though. I was really looking forward to seeing SPHP fend off the grizzly bears, while I nabbed us dinner!*

8-7-18, 5:06 PM, Goat River, British Columbia – After leaving Rearguard Falls, it hadn’t been much farther to the junction with Yellowhead South Hwy 5. Nearly all the traffic went that way, heading for Kamloops. Lupe and SPHP stayed on Yellowhead Hwy 16 going NW following the wide Fraser River valley.

The Fraser River was seldom in view, but this was now a most relaxing drive with virtually no traffic. Loopster was well past McBride, the only community of any significant size, when, after crossing a bridge, a short side road led down to a rest area and picnic ground by the Goat River. This was a beautiful spot Lupe had been to once before in 2016.

It wasn’t quite time to eat yet, but the Carolina Dog was happy making a brief exploration along the river.

Lupe enjoys a drink from the **Goat River.**

The **Goat River** was considerably higher than when Lupe had stopped here in 2016.

The Goat River was a nice break, but the last one of the day. The long drive continued. Lupe went through Prince George (86°F!) and beyond, still on Yellowhead Hwy 16. The whole day, for hundreds of miles, had been smoky. If anything, the smoke was getting worse.

8-7-18, 8:43 PM, 67°F, Dry Williams Lake – Beyond Fort Fraser a pinkish-red sun sank into the murk. An eerie twilight developed. The smoke was bad. Nevertheless, time to call it a day. A rest area appeared a few miles farther on at Dry Williams Lake. This would do nicely! There were picnic tables, and a mowed area where the American Dingo could romp with a view of the lake.

Lupe had gone a long way today. The day’s highlights had all involved water in some form – a glacier, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Smoke had increasingly spoiled the mountain views, but it couldn’t last forever, could it? After dinner (not fresh salmon unfortunately), the Carolina Dog curled up on her pile of pillows and blankets to snooze and dream of crystal blue skies tomorrow.

8-8-18, 6:45 AM, 54°F, Dry Williams Lake – The sun rose as it had sunk last night, oddly colored from a murky sea of smoke where a horizon should have been. Any dreams of crystal blue skies were apparently just that – dreams. The forest fires must not be terribly far away. The G6 was covered with a layer of ash. A short stroll around the rest area to let Lupe do some sniffing, then it was time to hit the road again.

Lupe had barely left Dry Williams Lake, when upon rounding a bend in the road, a patch of blue sky was visible to the N. The end of the smoke! Conditions improved steadily. Crystal blue skies weren’t a mere dream! It took an hour and a half to drive completely out of the smoke. By then it wasn’t much farther to Houston.

A stop in Houston is traditional, perhaps even mandatory. Lupe always visits Houston’s lovely Steelhead Park. Hwy 16 goes right past it. Loop wasn’t about to miss out on Steelhead Park on this crystal blue summer day, a dream come true!

**Steelhead Park** in Houston is a piece of paradise! Come on, let’s go sniffing around. The sniffing is fantastic here!

**Steelhead Park** is supposed to be in honor of steelhead fishing, which Houston is famous for, but for me, it’s all about the flowers.

**Steelhead Park**, Houston, British Columbia

*Kind of bright out with the smoke gone.*

*Why, it’s a Dingo god! It’s OK, though, if you just keep worshiping me, SPHP!*

*There’s the steelhead pond, over there.*

*Hey, SPHP! Here’s our big chance! Not a bear in sight. I’ll go nab us a steelhead from the pond.*

*Too late! Not a single one left! Wonder if the city of Houston knows all their steelheads are gone? Either bears got ’em or people bought ’em. The pond is full of coins.*

Steelhead Park was a lovely break from the road. Lupe had a fun time sniffing among the brilliant flowers. Adventure was calling, though.

Lupe and SPHP left Steelhead Park at 9:45 AM. Less than 2 hours later, the Carolina Dog was standing on Babine Lake Road E of Smithers with her next big adventure in sight.

**Mount Astlais** (L) & **The Big Onion** (R), Babine Mountains, British Columbia 8-8-18

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Overlander Falls, Rearguard Falls & Ancient Forest, British Columbia, Canada (8-2-17)

Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls, Overlander Falls & Rearguard Falls in the Canadian Rockies (8-3-16 & 8-4-16)

Wilcox Pass Trail, Jasper National Park (7-31-13)

Parker Ridge & the Saskatchewan Glacier, The Icefields Centre & the Athabasca Glacier (7-27-13)

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.

The Athabasca Glacier & Wilcox Pass, Jasper National Park, Canada (8-3-16)

Day 5 (Part 1) of Lupe’s summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska.

After midnight, Lupe heard rain. Always light, never heavy, but steady. SPHP hoped there would be new snow on the mountains in the morning. Morning came. No such luck. The night hadn’t been quite cold enough. Even if there had been new snow, Lupe might not have seen it. The mountaintops remained shrouded by clouds and mist.

In early morning mist and light rain, Lupe and SPHP explored along the shore of Bow Lake from the picnic ground to where Lupe could see the toe of the Crowfoot Glacier. The toe was the only part of the glacier not lost in the clouds.

Only the toe of the Crowfoot Glacier was visible from the shore of Bow Lake with the mountaintops shrouded in fog and mist. Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.

A visit to the Athabasca Glacier, and a trek up to Wilcox Pass were on Lupe’s agenda for the day. Unfortunately, both would be pointless in this weather. All the glorious sights would be hidden from view.

The American Dingo had been to Wilcox Pass twice before, on both her 2013 & 2014 Dingo Vacations. The views from the overlook toward the Athabasca Glacier and surrounding peaks were the most spectacular Lupe had seen anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. Missing out on Wilcox Pass would be simply tragic!

Nothing we can do, Loop, but head N and see what conditions are like when we get there! Maybe these clouds will burn off or move out by then.

Nothing had really changed, though, by the time Lupe and SPHP drove over Sunwapta Pass into Jasper National Park. The sky was still completely overcast, the mountaintops hidden from view. Light rain fell intermittently. It didn’t look like Wilcox Pass was in the cards at all.

Surprisingly, most of the Athabasca Glacier could be seen beneath the clouds. Lupe could still take the little hike up toward the toe of the glacier.

At the start of the trail to the Athabasca Glacier. The glacier comes into view from the top of the low ridge seen beyond Lupe. Years ago it was possible to walk right up onto the glacier, but now authorities have roped off the last part of the approach supposedly due to public safety concerns.

Near the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Photo looks SW.

As close to the Athabasca Glacier as Lupe was allowed to go. Meltwaters seen below the toe of the glacier are the headwaters of the Sunwapta River. Photo looks SW.

A look at the upper end of the Athabasca Glacier using the telephoto lens. Unseen above is the Columbia Icefield from which the glacier flows. The Columbia Icefield is the largest in icefield in North America, covering about 125 square miles.

The short hike to see the Athabasca Glacier didn’t take very long, but during that time, the rain virtually stopped. Off to the N, SPHP noticed two tiny patches of blue sky. That was all it took. Once back at the G6, Lupe and SPHP drove S on Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 a few miles to the Wilcox Pass trailhead.

Only 3 vehicles were at the normally popular trailhead, an indication of how poor conditions had been to start the day. Disappointingly, instead of growing as hoped, the tiny patches of blue sky had disappeared. It was misting again. The temperature was only in the 40’s (°F).

Lupe was undeterred. The Carolina Dog was ready to hit the trail! Another vehicle pulled into the trailhead as Lupe began her ascent to Wilcox Pass (10:00 AM).

The first part of the Wilcox Pass trail winds around in a forest while climbing steadily. Shortly after crossing a wooden bridge over a steep slope, Lupe came to the first viewpoint. Part of the Athabasca Glacier was in view, but clouds still clung to the mountains.

Lupe on the Wilcox Pass trail a little beyond the first viewpoint. Part of the Athabasca Glacier is seen on the L. Photo looks WSW.

Beyond the first viewpoint, the forest thinned quickly. The trail was relatively level for a short distance, as it led along the edge of a ridge. The Athabasca Glacier could now be seen most of the time.

The steepest part of the climb was next. The trail turned away from the view and went up a big slope. Lupe passed by scattered patches of stunted forest, and was soon above tree line. Ominously, instead of clearing up, the sky was looking darker. The mist was heavier than before.

Lupe wasn’t turning back now! The hardest part of the climb was over. The trek to Wilcox Pass was becoming progressively easier when, suddenly, Lupe stopped. She had seen or sniffed something up on the slope above the trail!

A small herd of Bighorn sheep was resting on the tundra. Lupe was fascinated. She wanted to stay right here and watch. Actually, she wanted to go trophy sheep hunting, but the leash prevented her from having too much fun.

Bighorn sheep near the Wilcox Pass trail. Lupe was fascinated! She would have liked to go trophy sheep hunting, but the leash spoiled her fun.

As Lupe watched Bighorn sheep, the mist turned to rain. The few people who had come up to Wilcox Pass earlier in the day were now slogging past Lupe and SPHP on the way back down the trail. The couple that had been following Lupe up turned around and retreated, too.

SPHP finally persuaded Lupe to press on, leaving the sheep to enjoy their solitude. As Lupe neared Wilcox Pass, a chill wind drove the rain down more fiercely. Lupe and SPHP were totally alone. That was awesome! The fresh breeze felt good, too, but the rain would have to let up pretty soon if Lupe was to remain up here for long.

In mist, wind, and rain, Lupe nears Wilcox Pass. Mount Wilcox is up ahead. Photo looks NW.

Lupe made it to Wilcox Pass. Conditions weren’t terrible, but they weren’t encouraging either. The vast and lonely pass was beautiful and mysterious beneath the sullen sky.

The stupendous panoramic view that Lupe had come to see was at the end of a side trail to the SW, not right at Wilcox Pass itself. Even though it appeared likely the view was going to be obscured by clouds and rain, Lupe and SPHP set off on the side trail. The solitary hike over the forlorn, broken wild tundra might have to be its own reward.

Lupe up on one of the first little high points on the way to the viewpoint SW of Wilcox Pass. Photo looks NNW at the broad empty expanse of Wilcox Pass. The main Wilcox Pass trail is seen beyond Lupe and to the R. Staying on the main trail would have taken Lupe over the pass and down to Tangle Creek.

The commanding, panoramic view of the Athabasca Glacier and surrounding peaks Lupe was on her way to see is perhaps 0.5 mile to 1.0 mile SW of the main trail at Wilcox Pass. The trail to the viewpoint climbs several small ridges, and goes through a series of lower areas, too, on the way. Lupe and SPHP made good progress to one of the higher ridges, where there was a large cairn.

It was still windy, but thankfully, the rain was starting to let up. The clouds were lifting. Lupe could now see the summit of Mount Wilcox (9,462 ft.). Even better, off to the N was another patch of blue sky! It was bigger than the tiny patches of blue sky SPHP had seen before.

Lupe on the ridge with the big cairn (not pictured). It was still windy, but the clouds had lifted enough so Lupe could see the top of Mount Wilcox. There was even a patch of blue sky! Photo looks NNW.

Lupe on the ridge with the big cairn. Photo looks E at the huge W ridge of **Nigel Peak (10,535 ft.)** on the E side of Wilcox Pass.

Lupe still on the ridge with the big cairn. Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 can be seen in the distance heading over Sunwapta Pass. Photo looks SE.

The weather continued improving as Lupe and SPHP followed the side trail SW. The patch of blue sky near Mount Wilcox was growing fast!

The patch of blue sky near Mount Wilcox was growing fast! Photo looks NNW.

By the last little valley to be crossed on the way to the SW viewpoint. This ravine had a tiny stream in it. Sunwapta Pass is visible in the distance on the L. Photo looks SE.

The last little valley to be crossed before reaching the final ridge was narrow and had a tiny stream flowing through it. Lupe crossed the stream and climbed up on the final ridge. The whole ridgeline featured tremendous views. Lupe and SPHP followed the trail NW to another big cairn. This cairn appeared to be the end of the side trail, and a fantastic spot to take in the panoramic view.

Going a short distance SW down the slope from the cairn got Lupe out of the worst of the wind. At first, clouds still obscured the mountains surrounding the Athabasca Glacier. However, the now huge hole in the clouds near Mount Wilcox held out the promise of clearing skies and splendid scenes soon to come. Lupe and SPHP got comfortable, and prepared to watch the big show.

Lupe reaches the viewpoint at the end of the side trail SW of Wilcox Pass. Clouds still hung around the Athabasca Glacier (L) and Snow Dome (R). Photo looks SW.

Mt. Athabasca (L) and Mt. Andromeda (Center) are in the clouds. The **Icefield Centre** and related facilities are seen 1400 feet lower down along Icefields Parkway Hwy 93. Photo looks SW.

Lupe at the last big cairn at the end of the side trail leading SW from Wilcox Pass. The huge span of blue sky around Mount Wilcox was very encouraging! Photo looks NNW.

Taking a break trying to dry off and warm up while waiting for the big showy mountain and glacier display to begin! Photo looks SW.

Lupe had made it to the viewpoint just in time. It was only a matter of a few minutes before blue sky started appearing over the Athabasca Glacier. The summit of Snow Dome (11,483 ft.) was the first to be revealed.

The summit of Snow Dome was revealed as the big patch of blue sky passed over. Part of the Athabasca Glacier is visible along the L edge. Photo looks SW.

Lupe watches the big show. Photo looks SW.

For 40 minutes, Lupe and SPHP watched the changing scene. The blue sky tried hard, but never could reveal the summits of the other peaks around the Athabasca Glacier. Clouds clung to them. Sometimes it seemed like the peaks were creating more clouds all by themselves.

It was all still gorgeous. SPHP was very glad that Lupe came up to Wilcox Pass and over to the viewpoint. What a shame it would have been to miss all this grandeur!

The Athabasca Glacier and Sunwapta Lake. Photo looks SW.

The summits of Mt. Athabasca and Mt. Andromeda refused to emerge from the clouds.

Mt. Athabasca using the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.

The sunny summit of Mount Wilcox. Photo looks NNW using the telephoto lens.

The Athabasca Glacier. From Lupe’s high vantage point, part of the Columbia snowfield which feeds the glacier is in view. Photo looks SW.

Eventually the big patch of blue sky started losing the battle. More clouds were coming. The sky darkened. The big show was over, at least for now. It was time for Lupe to go. She had lots of fun on the way back exploring the heather.

The blue sky had encouraged others to start coming back up to Wilcox Pass, too. Soon Lupe and SPHP were no longer alone. Sporadically, it rained again, but this time not hard enough to discourage everyone. Now, Lupe and SPHP were the only ones going down, while others came up.

Lupe was pleased and excited to see that the Bighorn sheep hadn’t gone anywhere. They were still peacefully watching the passing parade. Lupe got a little more sheep watching in, too.

Lupe was pleased to see that the Bighorn sheep hadn't gone anywhere. She got in a little more fun watching them before continuing down the trail. — Lupe was pleased to see that the Bighorn sheep hadn’t gone anywhere. She got in a little more fun watching them before continuing down the trail.

When Lupe emerged from the forest at the Wilcox Pass trailhead again (2:47 PM), the clouds were nearly all gone. Blue skies and sunshine prevailed, and things had warmed up considerably (59°F).

SPHP drove Lupe down to the Icefield Centre across the highway from the Athabasca Glacier. The place was a madhouse. SPHP was fortunate to get a parking spot in the huge parking lot. The place was packed with vehicles, with lots more circling around looking for an opening.

The views from the Icefield Centre weren’t as good as from high above in the Wilcox Pass area, but the scene was still magnificent. Now that their summits were in clear view, Lupe agreed to pose for a few more photos of the high snowy peaks surrounding the Athabasca Glacier.

Part of Snow Dome (L) and **Mount Kitchener (11,499 ft.)** (R) with the Dome Glacier between them. Too bad the sky never got this clear while Lupe was on high near Wilcox Pass! Photo looks WSW.

A closer view using the telephoto lens. Photo looks WSW.

The Dome Glacier (Center) and Snow Dome (L). Photo looks WSW.

The Dome Glacier (L) and Mt. Kitchener (R). Photo looks W.

Mount Andromeda (11,286 ft.) (L) and the Athabasca Glacier (R). Photo looks SSW. — **Mount Andromeda (11,286 ft.)** (L) and the Athabasca Glacier (R). Photo looks SSW.

Lupe with beautiful snow and glacier covered Mount Athabasca in the background. Photo looks S.

The rainy, misty morning was long gone, having finally given way to this bright, sunny afternoon. Lupe had been close to the Athabasca Glacier, made it to Wilcox Pass, and seen glorious sights from on high.

Well, Looper, it’s what, not even 3:15 PM, yet. What now?

Since we are in the Canadian Rockies on a fine summer afternoon, looks like time for another adventure to me!

The clever Carolina Dog was so right! Lupe and SPHP hopped in the G6, left the teeming Icefield Centre parking lot, and headed N on Icefields Parkway Hwy 93. When you are in the Canadian Rockies, the next big adventure is never far away!

Note: Although there are many areas of superb beauty in the Canadian Rockies, the Wilcox Pass trail to the dramatic snow and ice-covered panoramic view of Mt. Athabasca, Mt. Andromeda, the Athabasca Glacier, Snow Dome and Mt. Kitchener is the most scenically rewarding half day hike Lupe and SPHP have found to date.

The Wilcox Pass trailhead is located less than 0.25 mile off the N bound side of Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 along the gravel road that leads to the Wilcox Creek campground. The turnoff is just a mile or two N of the Banff and Jasper National Parks boundary at Sunwapta Pass, and just a couple miles S of the Icefield Centre across from the Athabasca Glacier.

The Wilcox Pass trail is in good condition. The side trail to the viewpoint SW of the pass is easy to spot and follow. Total elevation gain is on the order of 1,400 feet. One section of the main trail is fairly steep, but most of it is only moderately strenuous.

Another great trail to a glacier view is only 10 minutes away. The Parker Ridge trail, which is even shorter (and less time-consuming) than the Wilcox Pass trail, switchbacks up to a spectacular view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. The Parker Ridge trailhead is along the S bound side of Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 several miles S of the Jasper National Park and Banff National Park boundary at Sunwapta Pass.

Links:

Next Adventure Prior Adventure

Wilcox Pass Trail, Jasper National Park, Canada (7-31-13)

Wilcox Pass Trail, Jasper National Park, Canada (7-29-14)

Parker Ridge & the Saskatchewan Glacier, The Icefields Centre & the Athabasca Glacier, Banff National Park, Canada (7-27-13)

Want more Lupe adventures? Choose from Lupe’s 2016 Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index or Master Adventure Index. Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures.