Banff National Park – Page 2 – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

Parker Ridge & the Saskatchewan Glacier, Banff National Park, Canada (9-6-16)

Day 39 of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska

6:20 AM on this beautiful early September morning found Lupe already on the road, heading SE on Yellowhead Highway No. 16. Ever since leaving Alaska, Lupe had made her 450 mile daily quota or a little more. Today she didn’t need to go so far. She could spent part of the day visiting some favorite places in the Canadian Rockies.

Lupe’s first stop came before mid-morning when she reached her favorite picnic ground in Jasper National Park. For some unknown reason, there’s no signage for this great picnic area right along the E bank of the mighty Athabasca River. It’s located 5 or 6 miles S of Athabasca Falls along the W side of Icefields Parkway Hwy 93.

The Athabasca River was much lower than Lupe had ever seen it before, but until today she had never been here this late in the season. Previously, the river had always come right up to the bank at the edge of the picnic ground. Now a wide expanse of riverbed was exposed beyond the bank. Lupe went down to the riverbed, and trotted over rounded stones to the water’s edge.

Lupe had never seen the Athabasca River so low before. She went way out across exposed riverbed to this boulder. Photo looks upstream (SE).

Loop at the Athabasca River near her favorite picnic ground.

Every other time Lupe had seen the Athabasca River, it had been a light gray color, running high, and full of silt. Now the river was a beautiful blue.

When the Athabasca River is running higher, it is a light gray color and full of silt. Today the river was running low and a beautiful blue. Photo looks downstream (NW).

Time for a late breakfast. After checking out the river, Lupe returned to the picnic ground. While SPHP heated up soup and Swiss Miss, Lupe had a fine time barking at squirrels in the trees. When breakfast was ready, Lupe helped SPHP devour the soup. She didn’t get any Swiss Miss.

Lupe got to spend nearly 2 hours at the picnic ground. She took short walks through the forest along the river with SPHP, barked at squirrels, and returned to the Athabasca River.

Looking upstream again toward **Mount Christie (10,236 ft.)**. Photo looks S.

Happy times at the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park! Mount Christie in the background. Lupe’s still keeping a sharp eye out for squirrels up in the trees on the riverbank. Photo looks S.

Late in the morning, another vehicle pulled in to the picnic ground. No doubt more would be coming as lunch time approached. Lupe and SPHP hit the road again. Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 through the majestic Canadian Rockies is always a spectacular drive.

Lupe and SPHP enjoyed the scenery, passing by many gorgeous places Lupe had explored on her 2013 and 2014 Dingo Vacations. Lupe didn’t stop again, however, until she reached the trailhead for Parker Ridge (7,612 ft.). By now it was early afternoon, and the trailhead parking lot was packed. SPHP had to wait for a parking spot to open up.

Parker Ridge is Lupe and SPHP’s favorite short day hike in the Canadian Rockies. A well-traveled trail switchbacks up the side of the ridge. On the other side is a tremendous view of the huge U-shaped valley carved long ago by the Saskatchewan Glacier. The glacier can still be seen in the upper part of the valley flowing down from the Columbia Icefield. The trail gains over 800 feet of elevation on its way to the ridgeline.

The Parker Ridge Trail was very busy, but the glorious view of the Saskatchewan Glacier from the other side of the ridge made dealing with the crowd totally worthwhile.

Once over the ridgeline, Lupe had fantastic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Photo looks SW.

The Saskatchewan Glacier from Parker Ridge. Photo looks SW using the telephoto lens.

The way the terrain is configured, Lupe’s view of the Saskatchewan Glacier actually improved as she followed the trail on the other side of Parker Ridge away from the glacier. More of the toe of the glacier could be seen from here.

The farther Lupe followed the trail away from the Saskatchewan Glacier, the more she could see of the glacier’s toe and the pond below it. Photo looks SW.

Looking W along Parker Ridge. On the other side of these mountains is Jasper National Park and another impressive glacier. The Athabasca Glacier can be seen from Icefields Parkway Hwy 93, but for a truly amazing view of it, Lupe recommends taking the trail to Wilcox Pass.

Saskatchewan Glacier from Parker Ridge using the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.

An even closer look at the toe of the Saskatchewan Glacier through the telephoto lens.

Across the huge valley carved by the Saskatchewan Glacier, Lupe saw high peaks and impressive snowfields. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe followed the Parker Ridge trail far enough away from the Saskatchewan Glacier to where she could see its entire toe.

Lupe with a view of the entire toe of the Saskatchewan Glacier from Parker Ridge.

A close-up showing the entire toe of the glacier.

Several groups of people had gone this far along the trail, too. Everyone was hanging around enjoying the glacier view. After several minutes, Lupe realized people and Carolina Dogs weren’t the only ones interested in being here. A mountain sheep wandered up the steep side of Parker Ridge from the valley below, likely more interested in finding something to eat than the grand view.

After all, mountain sheep are so used to splendid scenery they pretty much take it for granted. A good meal can be harder to come by.

A mountain sheep wandered up to the Parker Ridge trail from the deep valley below. The sheep seemed used to people, but rather alarmed to be confronted with the presence of an American Dingo!

When the mountain sheep saw Lupe, it hesitated before coming any farther up. Lupe and the mountain sheep were both extremely interested in each other, but for different reasons.

For mountain sheep in the Canadian Rockies, spectacular scenery is easy to come by. Photo looks ESE from close to the end of the Parker Ridge trail.

For a few minutes, Lupe and the mountain sheep had a stare down. Lupe was a very good American Dingo. She did not bark or lunge at the sheep. She wouldn’t have gotten anywhere anyway, since she was on her leash.

Lupe and the mountain sheep stared each other down for several minutes before the sheep decided it was safe to come farther on up Parker Ridge.

When Lupe didn’t do anything except stare in rapt attention, the mountain sheep decided maybe it was safe to come farther on up Parker Ridge. It turned out this sheep was an advance scout. Several more mountain sheep suddenly made their appearance.

The first mountain sheep was only a scout. When the scout decided it was OK to advance despite Lupe’s presence, the rest of the flock started appearing. Six sheep ultimately came into view.

A total of six mountain sheep came up onto Parker Ridge from below. Lupe still didn’t bark, but the sight of all these mountain sheep wandering around nearby was almost more than she could bear. The Carolina Dog was trembling with excitement from nose to tail. She kept glancing up at SPHP pleading to be turned loose. She was absolutely 110% certain fresh mutton would taste better than the soup she’d had for breakfast.

This situation wasn’t going to be sustainable. To Lupe’s enormous disappointment, SPHP insisted that she head back away from the mountain sheep. She was most reluctant to comply, but in the end, she had no choice. Parker Ridge had certainly been an exciting adventure, but oh, how much better it might have been!

Lupe on Parker Ridge on the way back to the G6. **Mount Wilcox (9,462 ft.)** is in view at Center. To the R is Wilcox Pass, where there are tremendous views of the nearby Athabasca Glacier. Photo looks NW.

Lupe and SPHP returned to the G6 (3:48 PM, 48°F). Lupe continued S on Icefields Parkway Hwy 93. Her biggest adventure for the day up on Parker Ridge was over, but she still had some fun ahead of her. Overcome with drowsiness from the gorgeous, relaxing drive, SPHP eventually parked the G6 at Lupe’s favorite picnic ground in Banff National Park on the SE side of Bow Lake.

After an hour’s nap, Lupe got to go see wonderful Bow Lake.

Lupe at beautiful Bow Lake. Photo looks W from near the picnic ground.

The red roof of the Num Ti Jah Lodge is in view at the foot of **Mount Jimmy Simpson (9,731 ft.)** across Bow Lake. Photo looks NW.

On a path at the picnic ground. No one else was around. Lupe and SPHP had the whole place to themselves.

The picnic ground was completely deserted, even though it was dinnertime. After a good look at Bow Lake, SPHP prepared dinner at a table near the shore. At this late stage of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation, supplies were almost completely exhausted. Lupe and SPHP shared the last of the soup and sardines.

Good thing Lupe was well on her way home! Swiss Miss and tea was all that remained to sustain SPHP, though Lupe still had some Taste of the Wild and Alpo in reserve.

By the time this feast was over it was 7:00 PM, but there was still light in the sky. Lupe and SPHP drove over to the Num Ti Jah Lodge at the N end of the lake. Lupe went down to the shore and saw a curious thing. A piece of wood was swimming around as if it were alive!

Near Num Ti Jah Lodge, Lupe saw a curious sight. A piece of wood was swimming around in Bow Lake as if it were alive!

Lupe had spotted a beaver! The beaver paddled around near the shore completely unconcerned by Lupe’s presence. Lupe wasn’t really certain why that piece of wood seemed so lively, but finally lost interest in it since it never came out of the water where it could be properly sniffed and inspected.

The beaver paid Lupe no attention. Since it never left the lake, Lupe eventually lost interest in it.

The beaver had a short stick it was gnawing the tender thin bark off of.

After a few minutes, the stick didn’t have much bark left. The beaver looked quite satisfied with this treat.

After a few minutes, the lively piece of wood (seen beyond Lupe) swam away. Photo looks SSE across Bow Lake. Part of the Crowfoot Glacier is in view R of Center beyond the opposite shore.

Lupe, the beaver, Bow Lake & the Crowfoot Glacier.

The beaver eventually swam away farther out into the lake. Lupe never did figure out what made that floating piece of wood so much livelier than any other she’d ever encountered.

Off to the SW, part of Bow Glacier and Bow Glacier Falls were in view. A trail that Lupe took once before on her Summer of 2013 Dingo Vacation goes all the way to the base of Bow Glacier Falls. It would be dark long before Lupe could do that again, but there was still time to follow the trail partway along the N shore of Bow Lake.

Beyond Bow Lake, part of the Bow Glacier and Bow Glacier Falls were in view. Photo looks SW.

Bow Glacier & Bow Glacier Falls using the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.

Too bad there wasn’t time to take the trail all the way to Bow Glacier Falls again, but it would be dark before Lupe could get there. It’s a great, easy, scenic hike with a good trail and very little elevation gain along the way. Lupe highly recommends it!

Num Ti Jah Lodge is at the N end of Bow Lake. The trail to Bow Glacier Falls starts here. Photo looks N.

This hefty, wooden bridge crosses a small creek entering Bow Lake near Num Ti Jah Lodge. Photo looks SSE.

Bow Glacier flows down from the Wapta Icefield. Another small lake exists out of sight below Bow Glacier above the falls. Neither the small upper lake, nor the glacier are visible from the base of Bow Glacier Falls. However, a distant view of both, plus part of the enormous Wapta Icefield can be seen from **Cirque Peak (9,820 ft.)**. Photo looks SW.

Lupe and SPHP only took the trail to Bow Glacier Falls along the N shore of Bow Lake for 20 minutes. Lupe hadn’t even made it to the end of the lake yet when the time came to turn around. Darkness was coming, maybe rain, too. The sky was clouding up.

Lupe on the trail to Bow Glacier Falls. She would have to turn around in another 10 minutes due to oncoming darkness. Crowfoot Mountain is on the L.

Clouds were rolling in and starting to hide the mountains. The sky looked increasingly like rain was a possibility. Photo looks SSW using the telephoto lens toward a peak S of Bow Glacier.

Bow Glacier & Bow Glacier Falls through the telephoto lens from the point of Lupe’s farthest advance along the trail.

The upper portion of Bow Glacier Falls with the telephoto lens cranked up.

On the way back to the Num Ti Jah Lodge, a gentle steady rain did start falling. The lodge was lit up and looked inviting when Lupe returned. The soggy Carolina Dog couldn’t go in, though. She had to return to the G6.

Num Ti Jah Lodge was lit up and looked inviting when Lupe returned in the rain from the Bow Glacier Falls trail. The soggy Carolina Dog couldn’t go in, though. Back to the G6!

Around 8:30 PM, SPHP parked the G6 for the final time. The steady rain was coming down harder. The temperature was only 38°F. Maybe Lupe was going to get snowed in overnight in the Canadian Rockies? It sure seemed like a possibility.

Lupe had only made 250 miles today, but that was OK. She’d spent a lovely day in the Canadian Rockies. Maybe it wasn’t the most spectacular day she’d ever spent here, but she’d seen many beautiful sights, gone to some favorite places, and had several pleasant, relaxing outings.

Lupe’s only regret was that with supplies running desperately low, SPHP hadn’t allowed her to secure a great new supply of fresh mountain sheep mutton!

Sigh … Carolina Dogs try to be man’s best friend. They really do. Humans are hard to understand, though. Sometimes they don’t have any sense at all.Note: The Parker Ridge trailhead is located at a pullout right along the southbound side of Icefields Parkway Hwy 93 several miles S of Sunwapta Pass, the border between Banff & Jasper National Parks.

Links :

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Parker Ridge & the Saskatchewan Glacier, The Icefield Centre & the Athabasca Glacier (7-23-13)

Bow Lake & the Trail to Bow Glacier Falls (7-25-13)

Cirque Peak, Banff National Park, Canada (7-24-14)

Parker Ridge Trail, Banff National Park, Canada (7-29-14)

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.

Fairview Mountain & Saddle Mountain, Banff National Park, Canada (8-2-16)

Day 4 of Lupe’s summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska.

Well, Looper, how about we go see Lake Louise again before hitting the trail? Lupe was all for it, which was a good thing, since SPHP would have pretty much insisted on it. The view of snow-clad Mount Victoria (11,375 ft.) from Lake Louise is among the most beautiful and famous scenes in the Canadian Rockies.

The stroll down the trail from the upper parking lot to the boat house where they rent out canoes took only a few minutes. Suddenly, Lupe was back at Lake Louise for the first time since her summer of 2014 Dingo Vacation over 2 years ago. The tranquil, turquoise lake was as gorgeous as ever. Maybe there was a little less snow on Mount Victoria, but it was still an awesome scene.

Lupe arrives near the Lake Louise boat house early on this cool, clear morning.

Mount Victoria from Lake Louise. Photo looks SW.

It was still relatively early (7:11 AM, 39°F). No one was out on the lake yet, although the usual crowd from Chateau Lac Louise was already gathering to admire the scene. Lupe and SPHP ambled over closer to the grand hotel. See that mountain, Loop? That’s Fairview Mountain (8,986 ft.) where you’re going today!

Fairview Mountain, seen here from Lake Louise, was Lupe’s main peakbagging objective for the day. Photo looks SSW.

Lupe posed for a photo from the shore of Lake Louise with Fairview Mountain in the background. A couple minutes later, when she jumped up on a low rock wall for another shot of Mount Victoria, tourists seemed to think it was quite a trick. Lupe basked in love and admiration. Cameras clicked like she was about to hold a press conference.

When Lupe leapt up on this low rock wall for another shot of Mount Victoria beyond Lake Louise, tourists seemed to think she had performed quite a feat.

Before the Carolina Dog could address her new fans with any long-winded speeches, SPHP led her away. After all, she had a mountain to climb! Lupe and SPHP headed for the Saddleback Trail, which splits off of the short path between the boat house and upper Lake Louise parking lot.

The Saddleback Trail begins climbing through a dense forest at a moderate to fairly steep pace. For quite a distance, there’s little to see except trees. After 0.4 km or so, Lupe passed by junctions with the Moraine Lake Highline trail and the Fairview Overlook trail. A sign said the Fairview Overlook trail went 0.7 km to the viewpoint, which presumably looks out over Lake Louise. A 2.3 km loop can be made back to the boat house.

The Fairview Overlook trail sounded like a nice little jaunt, likely rewarded with a great view of Lake Louise, but Lupe was going higher, much higher! Lupe and SPHP pressed on. Lupe had easily gone over half of the 3.7 km from Lake Louise to Saddleback Pass by the time she reached the first big opening in the forest. Now Lupe could see Saddle Mountain up ahead.

On the Saddleback Trail on the way to Saddle Pass. Here Lupe’s broken out of the mature forest to get her first clear view of Saddle Mountain up ahead. Photo looks S.

The slope up to Saddle Pass became steeper. Switchbacks appeared along the trail to help make the climb easier. As Lupe gained elevation, more glorious sights began to appear. Soon she could see the snowy summit of Mount Temple (11,614 ft.) poking up over Saddle Pass.

Mount Temple pokes up above Saddle Pass, an early indication of the glorious scenes in store for Lupe higher up.

As Lupe neared Saddle Pass, the trail gained elevation much more gradually than before. Sheol Mountain (9,117 ft.) and Haddo Peak (10,072 ft.) were in view directly ahead.

The trail climbed much more gently as Lupe neared Saddle Pass. Sheol Mountain (L) and Haddo Peak (R) were now in view.

When Lupe reached Saddle Pass, she came upon a sign clearly marking the side trail that goes the rest of the way up Fairview Mountain. The Saddleback Trail continued over the pass down into Sheol Valley, eventually reaching Paradise Valley far below.

Fairview Mountain from Saddle Pass. Lake Louise is on the other side of the mountain from here. Photo looks NW.

This sign was along the Saddleback Trail as it headed for Sheol Valley a little beyond the side trail to Fairview Mountain. Sheol Valley and Paradise Valley are prime grizzly bear habitat.

Lupe and SPHP left the Saddleback trail to take the side trail up Fairview Mountain. The side trail passed through a short section of forest, then began a steep rocky ascent above tree line.

Looking SE down on Saddle Mountain (L) from the spur trail up Fairview Mountain. Saddle Pass and the intersection of the Saddleback Trail & Fairview Mountain Trail are seen at the lower R.

There was a fair amount of loose rock on the steep, narrow trail, but Lupe had no problem climbing up. She had plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the views while SPHP frequently paused for air. Lupe followed the trail all the way to the summit of Fairview Mountain. Magnificent views were in every direction, but Mount Victoria was the first splendor to attract the eye.

Lupe reaches the summit of Fairview Mountain! Mount Victoria is in view beyond her. Photo looks SW.

Lupe up at the NE end of the Fairview Mountain summit. Photo looks NE at peaks of the Canadian Rockies on the other side of the Bow River valley.

Despite the splendid mountain scenery all around, a different view caught and held Lupe’s attention. A chipmunk was only a few paces away right here at the very top of Fairview Mountain!

While SPHP gazed at scenery, this chipmunk kept Lupe entertained up on Fairview Mountain! Mount Victoria in the background. Photo looks SW.

Apparently the chipmunk appreciated a grand view, too, and was able to earn a living up on Fairview Mountain panhandling from visitors. **Haddo Peak (10,072 ft.)** (L), **Mount Aberdeen (10,358 ft.)** (Center – look straight down to see the chipmunk), and **Mount Lefroy (11,293 ft.)** (R) are in view here.

Lupe and the chipmunk stare each other down.

The nimble chipmunk was a world class, lightning fast, scrambler. Lupe stared helplessly at the enticing Dingo treat. Meanwhile, the chipmunk pondered how to get safely past Lupe to plead for a handout. During the impasse, SPHP admired the planet from this terrific vantage point, occasionally interrupting Lupe’s reverie to demand that she pose for the camera.

**Mount Daly (10,328 ft.)** (Center) with the Bath Glacier below it. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.

**Mount Hector (11,135 ft.)**. Photo looks N using the telephoto lens.

Looking down on Saddle Mountain (lower L). The Bow River valley is seen beyond it. Sheol Valley leading down into Paradise Valley is in view at the lower R. Photo looks SE.

Haddo Peak (L), Mount Aberdeen (Center), Mount Lefroy (R of Center), and part of Mount Victoria (R). Photo looks SW.

Mount Victoria with a little help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.

A closer look at Haddo Peak (L), Mount Aberdeen and the Aberdeen Glacier (Center), and Mount Lefroy (R). Photo looks SW.

Mount Temple (Center) is seen beyond Sheol Mountain (R). Photo looks S.

The N face of Mount Temple. Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.

Mount Aberdeen and the Aberdeen glacier (L) and Mount Lefroy (R). Photo looks SW.

For 20 minutes, Lupe and SPHP were alone at the top of Fairview Mountain. After that, a steady stream of climbers came and went. Lupe and SPHP met Krystin, a civil engineer from Calgary, who had once scrambled up Mount Temple. SPHP was mightily impressed, but Krystin said lots of people do it, although certain moves are required going up a band of cliffs.

Scrambling up Mount Temple didn’t sound like anything Lupe and SPHP could tackle. Lupe settled for having her picture taken with Krystin.

Krystin & Lupe on Fairview Mountain with Mount Temple in the background on the L. Krystin, a civil engineer from Calgary, had once scrambled up Mount Temple. Photo looks S.

People came and went. SPHP chatted with Krystin and a few others. The chipmunk stuffed its cheeks with peanuts, raisins and granola offered by the crowd, unmolested by Lupe. Conditions were perfect for hanging around enjoying the stupendous views!

Looking down on part of Lake Louise. Photo looks NW.

Mount Victoria again. The Plain of Six Glaciers trail on the NW side of the valley below leads up to the base of Mount Victoria and a view of the Death Trap. Lupe took the Plain of Six Glaciers trail on both her summer of 2013 and 2014 Dingo Vacations. It is another trail in the area very much worth exploring, and sports a tea house along the way. Photo looks SW.

The summits of Mount Aberdeen (L) and Mount Lefroy (R) using the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.

A final look at Mount Victoria from Fairview Mountain. Photo looks SW.

After more than 2 wonderful hours on Fairview Mountain, it was time for Lupe to get moving again. SPHP intended to simply follow the spur trail up Fairview Mountain all the way back down to Saddle Pass. Somehow though, before getting even 0.25 of the way down, SPHP realized Lupe was off the intended trail and on some kind of steep shortcut.

Lots of others had come this way, too, but the shortcut didn’t really save any time. The very steep “trail” eventually evaporated in a jumble of boulders. When Lupe and SPHP finally reached the Saddleback Trail again, Lupe had to take it back up to Saddle Pass. Lupe wasn’t ready to return to Lake Louise quite yet! She was going to climb Saddle Mountain, too.

SPHP looked for a side trail off the Saddleback Trail leading to Saddle Mountain, but found none, despite there being one on the maps. Lupe and SPHP finally just headed into the forest toward the mountain. As Lupe climbed Saddle Mountain’s W ridge, she did come to a faint, braided trail among the rocks.

Lupe climbing the W ridge of Saddle Mountain. Although she found a faint trail, most of the way up was simply an easy scramble among rocks and boulders. Photo looks E.

The summit ridge on Saddle Mountain was hundreds of feet long NE/SW with high points toward each end. Lupe arrived first up at the SW end where there was a big cairn. Although Saddle Mountain isn’t nearly as high as Fairview Mountain, it did offer beautiful views farther up Paradise Valley.

Lupe arrives on top of Saddle Mountain. For some indiscernible reason the American Dingo had a sly look on her face. Beyond her are Mount Temple (L), a view farther up Paradise Valley, and part of Sheol Mountain (R). Photo looks SSW.

The upper end of Sheol Valley (Center) with the top of Mount Victoria looming over the ridge. The junction of the Saddleback trail and Fairview Mountain trail in Saddle Pass is seen to the R of Lupe. Sheol Mountain is on the (L), with Haddo Peak (L of Center). Photo looks WSW from Saddle Mountain.

Looking NNE along the summit ridge of Saddle Mountain. Mount Hector is seen in the distance on the (L).

Fairview Mountain as seen from Saddle Mountain. The Saddleback Trail is seen far below leading to Saddle Pass toward the L. The very steep “trail” Lupe took down Fairview Mountain is seen faintly leading straight down toward the switchbacks on the Saddleback Trail right above Lupe. Parts of the Fairview Mountain trail are seen even more faintly zig-zagging down toward the forest on the L. Photo looks NW.

Since the high point near the NE end of the summit ridge appeared to be slightly higher than the one near the cairn at the SW end, Lupe had to go over there to reach the true summit of Saddle Mountain. By the time she got there, Lupe and SPHP were no longer entirely alone. Another climber had appeared back at the cairn.

Lupe at the true summit of Saddle Mountain. Photo looks SW at Sheol Mountain (L) and Haddo Peak (R).

Haddo Peak (L) and Mount Victoria (R) from the true summit of Saddle Mountain. Photo looks WSW.

The little turquoise blue gem at the base of Mount Temple is Lake Annette. Lupe had taken the Paradise Valley trail to Lake Annette on 7-22-13 during her summer of 2013 Dingo Vacation. Photo looks S.

Mount Temple, Lake Annette and Paradise Valley from Saddle Mountain. Photo looks S.

Mount Victoria from Saddle Mountain using the telephoto lens. Photo looks WSW.

Summit of Mount Temple using the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.

The other climber was gone by the time Lupe returned to the cairn at the SW high point. Lupe and SPHP spent a fabulous 30 minutes in solitude on Saddle Mountain. Then it was time to begin the return trip to Lake Louise.

Chateau Lake Louise from Saddle Mountain. Icefield Parkway Hwy 93 winds its way N past Mount Hector in the distance. Photo looks N.

It was almost dinner time for the American Dingo by the time she was back at the G6 (5:27 PM, 78°F). Instead of eating right away, though, Lupe and SPHP left Lake Louise heading N on Hwy 1 to Icefields Parkway Hwy 93.

Lupe arrived at the picnic ground on the E shore of lovely Bow Lake in time to have her evening meal there. By then the sky had clouded up. Although the mountaintops were no longer in view, the gloomy sky soon caused everyone else to depart. Lupe and SPHP had Bow Lake to themselves.

Tomorrow, Lupe would continue N to more adventures in the Canadian Rockies, hoping for a break in the clouds. In the meantime, though, Lupe dined and relaxed listening to gentle waves breaking on the shore of Bow Lake.

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Mount Bourgeau, Banff National Park, Canada (8-1-16)

Day 3 of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation.

The trailhead for Mount Bourgeau (9,616 ft.) was empty when Lupe arrived (7:09 AM, 41°F). That didn’t last long. Another vehicle pulled in within 2 minutes, and 5 or 6 more pulled in within 10 minutes. Lupe was anxious to get started. SPHP agreed. SPHP helped Lupe up the metal grate stairway, opened the gate, and let Lupe down in the forest on the other side.

Mount Bourgeau as seen from Trans-Canada Hwy No. 1 a few miles W of Banff. The trail to the top comes up from Harvey Pass on the opposite side. Photo looks WSW.

There wouldn’t be much to see except forest for quite a long way. The trail wouldn’t get out in the open until Lupe was close to Bourgeau Lake, more than 2,000 feet higher than the trailhead. On the way, Lupe would get occasional glimpses of nearby mountains, pass by a creek and a waterfall, but that would be about it.

In the forest on the first part of the trail to Bourgeau Lake, Harvey Pass, and ultimately the summit of Mt. Bourgeau.

Lupe and SPHP hurried along the trail to stay ahead of the crowd that would soon be coming. The trail gained elevation at a relentless, but moderate pace. SPHP grew concerned about the weather. The sky was clouding up. Fortunately, after a while it gradually cleared again enough to alleviate any real worries.

If successful, this would be Lupe’s 2nd trip up Mount Bourgeau. She had climbed it more than two years ago on 7-22-14 during her 2014 Dingo Vacation. That time SPHP had forgotten the camera, a mistake not realized until Lupe was already far from the G6, too far to go back for it.

If that hadn’t happened, Lupe would probably have been exploring a new trail to a different mountain today. However, the views from Mount Bourgeau had been too grand not to have some photos of Lupe up there. So now, 2 years later, Lupe was back! And this time, SPHP made 100% certain to bring the camera.

Lupe pressed on. Despite the unchanging appearance of the forest, she was making progress. First, traffic noise from Trans-Canada Hwy No. 1 faded away. Then she could hear a rushing creek far below to the N. She eventually crossed a nice wooden bridge over another creek.

When Lupe reached the big waterfall cascading down a headwall, SPHP knew the trail was about to get steeper. The good news was that Lupe didn’t have much farther to go to reach Bourgeau Lake.

Lupe approaches the waterfall cascading down the headwall. After crossing the creek below the falls, the trail would become steeper.

At the base of the falls on the stream that comes down from Bourgeau Lake.

There was no bridge across the creek below the falls. However, rocks were grouped up in wire cages, forming platforms that stood well above the water level. Crossing the creek was no problem at all. Once past the falls, the trail steepened. Long switchbacks kept the rate of climb from becoming too difficult. Lupe had plenty of time to sniff around off trail during SPHP’s air and water breaks.

Lupe had already covered the vast majority of the distance from the trailhead to Bourgeau Lake. As soon as she was up over the headwall, the trail would level out, the views would open up, and Lupe would see the cliffs of the NW face of Mount Bourgeau, below which Bourgeau Lake is hidden in a small section of forest.

Above the headwall, the trail leveled out and the views opened up. This photo looks WSW toward a 2nd headwall the trail passes over beyond Bourgeau Lake on its way to Harvey Pass.

Looking WNW from the trail above the first headwall.

Lupe on the trail. She is getting close to reaching Bourgeau Lake, still hidden by the forest ahead. Photo looks SW.

Lupe and SPHP reached the level trail above the headwall. The forest gave way to more open territory where the views were every bit as wonderful as SPHP remembered. From now on, Lupe would see increasingly spectacular country all the rest of the way up to the summit of Mount Bourgeau.

It wasn’t much farther to Bourgeau Lake, tucked away in a corner at the base of towering cliffs to the S and W. A small forested area kept the lake hidden from view until Lupe was almost upon it. The main trail doesn’t go quite all the way to the lake. Upon re-entering the forest, Lupe and SPHP took a minor side trail leading to the NE shore of Bourgeau Lake.

Lupe reaches Bourgeau Lake, her first major objective. Photo looks W.

On her way up Mount Bourgeau, Lupe would eventually go around the back side of the cliffs on the R, before climbing along the top of the ridge on the L high above Bourgeau Lake.

At the outlet stream from Bourgeau Lake. Photo looks NE.

At Bourgeau Lake, Lupe had already gone well over half the distance along the trail to the top of Mount Bourgeau, but more than half of the elevation gain required was still ahead. Lupe stayed at Bourgeau Lake only a short while. Lupe and SPHP returned to the main trail to continue the trek.

The trail wound SW through the forest a little to the NW of Bourgeau Lake, which was no longer in view. Before long, the trail turned NW and started climbing again. Lupe left the forest behind as she gained elevation. The trail now climbed steeply traversing a long slope of loose rock toward the top of a 2nd headwall. Well to the left of the trail, a creek tumbled noisily down a series of small waterfalls.

By the time Lupe reached the top of the 2nd headwall, the trail had turned W. A small lake could be seen ahead. Beyond the lake, the trail continued up yet another smaller rise.

Lupe reaches the top of the 2nd headwall. A small lake lies ahead. The trail can be seen passing to the R of the lake. Lupe was essentially above tree line at this point. Only a few stunted trees and bushes remained in this area. Photo looks W.

Lupe followed the trail past the N shore of the small lake, and then up the next rise beyond it. Although there were a few stunted trees and bushes around, Lupe was effectively at or above tree line.

Looking back E from the NW shore of the very pretty small lake above the 2nd headwall.

Lupe reaches the top of the rise beyond the small lake above the 2nd headwall. Photo looks E.

From the top of the rise beyond the small lake, Lupe could see a big grassy area containing a pond fed by small streams. High rock walls sheltered this area on the N, W and SW. However, the trail did not continue W toward the pond. Instead, it turned S, gradually steepening as it went up a long slope. Lupe’s 2nd major objective, Harvey Pass, was at the top of the slope.

Lupe reaches the N end of Harvey Pass. Photo looks N back down toward the stream-fed pond.

Lupe and SPHP followed the trail on up to Harvey Pass. Another pond was nestled in a low spot up at the pass.

Lupe at Harvey Pass. Photo looks S across the pond.

Reaching Harvey Pass was an important milestone. From the S end of the pass, Lupe got her first expansive view of the territory SW of Mount Bourgeau. Lupe could even see Mount Assiniboine (11,864 ft.), sometimes called the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies, although the top of the peak was lost in the clouds.

Mt. Assiniboini, with its summit in the clouds, is seen on the L from Harvey Pass. Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.

Near the S end of Harvey Pass, the trail to Mount Bourgeau splits off and angles SE up a grassy slope. As the trail reaches the top of the near ridge, it turns more to the E. From here, much of Lupe’s route on the final leg up to the summit could be seen ahead.

Much of the last leg of the route from Harvey Pass up Mount Bourgeau is seen ahead. Photo looks ESE.

As Lupe and SPHP climbed along the trail from Harvey Pass the rest of the way up Mount Bourgeau, the views got better and better. The trail was often steep, but easy to follow. The general route was always clear, even though parts of the trail were braided. Caution was occasionally required. The trail sometimes passed very close to the edge of the cliffs to the N.

Lupe at one of SPHP's first rest stops on the way up Mount Bourgeau from Harvey Pass. Photo looks SW. — Lupe at one of SPHP’s first rest stops on the way up Mount Bourgeau from Harvey Pass. Photo looks SW.

Looking NE from the trail above Harvey Pass. The valley where the closest trees are seen is the same valley Bourgeau Lake is in. The lake can't be seen from here, because is it tucked in beneath the cliffs on the near side of the valley. — Looking NE from the trail above Harvey Pass. The valley where the closest trees are seen is the same valley Bourgeau Lake is in. The lake can’t be seen from here, because is it tucked in beneath the cliffs on the near side of the valley.

Making progress! Lupe on the trail with Mount Bourgeau up ahead. Photo looks E.

Looking down on Harvey Pass (where the light blue pond is) from Mt. Bourgeau. SPHP believes the high point on the horizon L of Center may be Mount Ball (10,807 ft.). Photo looks WNW. — Looking down on Harvey Pass (where the light blue pond is) from Mt. Bourgeau. SPHP believes the high point on the horizon L of Center may be **Mount Ball (10,807 ft.)**. Photo looks WNW.

Oh, looks like Lupe is going to make it! She's looking good and the summit of Mount Bourgeau is dead ahead. Photo looks E. — Oh, looks like Lupe is going to make it! She’s looking good and the summit of Mount Bourgeau is dead ahead. Photo looks E.

Lupe takes a break. She didn't really need one, but she sometimes takes them anyway when SPHP does. Photo looks W. — Lupe takes a break. She didn’t really need one, but she sometimes takes them anyway when SPHP does. Photo looks W.

Lupe reached the summit of Mount Bourgeau. A few people who had passed her on the way up, while she was checking out Bourgeau Lake or waiting for SPHP along the trail, were already at the top of the mountain. More people kept arriving every 5 minutes or so. Soon there was quite a crowd near the summit cairn. Fortunately, the overall summit area is quite large. There was plenty of room for everyone.

Several hardy people arrived at the top of Mount Bourgeau wearing shorts. They generally regretted their choice of attire. The temperature was in the low 40’s °F with an often brisk SW breeze.

Lupe easily reached the summit of Mount Bourgeau. There were only a few people on top when she first arrived, but more started arriving every 5 minutes or so until there was a small crowd. Photo looks S.

The views from Mount Bourgeau were spectacular. Scenes of the Canadian Rockies like those from airline magazines were in every direction. While everyone else was milling around near the summit cairn, Lupe and SPHP wandered around looking at the splendid views.

Looking NNW toward Mount Brett (9,790 ft.) (L) and Pilot Mountain (9,580 ft.) (L of Center). — Looking NNW toward **Mount Brett (9,790 ft.)** (L) and **Pilot Mountain (9,580 ft.)** (L of Center).

Looking WNW. Just above Lupe's head, part of the small lake she passed by above the 2nd headwall can be seen far below. — Looking WNW. Just above Lupe’s head, part of the small lake she passed by above the 2nd headwall can be seen far below.

Looking SSE. Mt. Assiniboine is in the distance, still in the clouds, just R of Center. Part of the Sunshine Village area is seen in the forested area along the R side of this photo.

When the area near the summit cairn was briefly vacated by the crowd, Lupe went over to it for her official summit of Mount Bourgeau photo.

There were so many wonderful views from Mount Bourgeau, it was easy to just keep clicking away taking pictures.

View to the WNW using the telephoto lens.

Looking ENE at Banff and the Bow River Valley.

Lupe and SPHP took a long break up on Mount Bourgeau. Lupe was ready for Taste of the Wild and water. SPHP had pudding and fruit cups. During the break, SPHP kept hoping for a clear view of Mount Assiniboine, but the summit remained shrouded by clouds.

The top of Mt. Assiniboine (L of Center) remained stuck in the clouds. Photo looks S.

Lupe checked out the white shed at the top of Mount Bourgeau. When Lupe had been here before on 7-22-14, there had been a couple of marmots living under this shed. The marmots had done a great job keeping Lupe entertained. Sadly, there was no sign of any marmots this time.

When Lupe was on Mount Bourgeau in July, 2014, she had been kept entertained by a couple of marmots living under this shed. Sadly, there was no trace of the marmots now. Photo looks S.

Lupe may have been disappointed that the marmots were gone, but she didn’t have time to get bored. Plenty of people were paying attention to Lupe. She was suddenly quite popular. She got petted and loved and talked to by lots of kind strangers. Lupe basked in the attention.

A couple of Chinese guys were among the first to pay attention to Lupe. The one who could speak English said he lived in Beijing!

The summit remained a busy place much of the time Lupe was on Mount Bourgeau.

A friendly girl wanted to pose with Lupe. She was part of a group from Europe who were here on a guided tour. Lupe was busy making friends from all over the world!

Not all of the friends Lupe made on Mount Bourgeau were human. After Lupe had been at the summit for an hour or so, along came a dog named Marshall. Lupe and Marshall had a good time wrestling. When they got tired of that, they posed for a “canines only” photo at the summit cairn.

Lupe and Marshall go at it. They had a good time wrestling. Marshall was only 2 years old, but was bigger than Lupe. Of course, the rambunctious Carolina Dog had no problem holding her own against Marshall, though it was a spirited encounter.

Lupe and Marshall at the Mount Bourgeau summit cairn.

Lupe and SPHP remained on Mount Bourgeau for over 1.5 hours. During that time, many people came and went. Gradually the crowd began to thin out, although there were still occasional new arrivals. Eventually, it was time to think about heading back down. Lupe and SPHP took one last tour around the summit area.

Looking WNW. Parts of the trail Lupe would be taking back down are visible far below. One section leads down to the small lake, the other is on the scree slope below the lake near the lower R corner.

Finally, it was time for Lupe to say good-bye to Mount Bourgeau. She would return by the same route she came up. The scenery was just as fabulous the 2nd time around!

On the trail shortly after leaving the summit. Photo looks WNW.

On the way down to Harvey Pass, Lupe met two amazing young girls still hiking up with their parents. They were less than 30 minutes away from the top of the mountain, a climb of over 4,900 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead. Jasmine was just 8 years old. Her sister, Angelica, was only 6. They were both still climbing under their own power! Angelica was quite taken with Lupe.

When Lupe reached Harvey Pass again, the weather was beautiful. It was much warmer than up on top of Mount Bourgeau, and with hardly any wind. Best of all, there was finally a clear view of Mount Assiniboine, too! Lupe and SPHP dawdled for half an hour at Harvey Pass, enjoying the day and the glorious surroundings.

At Harvey Pass again on the way back to the G6. Lupe and SPHP hung out here enjoying the day for half an hour before continuing on. Photo looks NNW.

Mount Assiniboini was finally out of the clouds! Photo looks S from Harvey Pass using the telephoto lens. — Mount Assiniboine was finally out of the clouds! Photo looks S from Harvey Pass using the telephoto lens.

Looking NW from Harvey Pass down on the stream-fed pond.

Lupe at the N end of Harvey Pass with Mount Assiniboine in the distance. Photo looks S.

A final look at Mt. Assiniboini from Harvey Pass.

Lupe finally said good-bye to Harvey Pass, too. The scenery continued to be wonderful all the way back down past Bourgeau Lake. After that, Lupe entered the forest again, as the trail switchbacked down the first headwall. The rest of the way back was a long, pleasant stroll downhill to the trailhead and the G6 (6:54 PM, 65°F).

A day in the Canadian Rockies at Mount Bourgeau is hard to beat, but Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation was just getting going!

Looking back at the trail up to Harvey Pass. Photo looks SSE.

The small lake above the 2nd headwall. Photo looks E.

Bourgeau Lake as seen while coming down the 2nd headwall. The NW face of Mount Bourgeau towers above the lake. Photo looks ESE.

Note: The Mount Bourgeau trailhead is located on the SW (Eastbound) side of Trans-Canada Hwy No. 1. It is perhaps a 10 minute drive W of the town of Banff. For westbound traffic there is a sign for Mount Bourgeau (or Bourgeau Lake?) along Hwy 1 a little past the exit to Sunshine Meadows. The left turn to the TH is 2 km past the sign. (Watch for eastbound traffic after crossing the forested median.) There is no sign at the actual turning point. The TH is very close to Hwy 1, but hidden in the forest.

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