Alberta – The (Mostly) True Adventures of Lupe

A Canadian Rockies Waterfall Tour on the Long Drive North, Alberta & British Columbia, Canada (7-25-23 & 7-26-23)

Part 2 of Day 3 & Day 4 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!

7-25-23, 4:35 PM, 52ºF, Wilcox campground, Jasper National Park – After closing the side door behind Lupe’s perch, SPHP walked around the RAV4 and hopped into the driver’s seat.

Get all the water we need, SPHP?

Yup. We’re ready to roll, Looper!

Wilcox Pass was awesome, SPHP! What’s next?

Mainly the long drive N, Loop. Need to keep making tracks, if we want to spend as much time as possible in the Yukon & Alaska. You can look at the scenery or snooze on your pink blanket while I drive.

Not that late. It’ll still be light out for a long time, SPHP. Aren’t we going to stop at some of the big Canadian Rockies waterfalls along the way like we usually do? Doesn’t take very long. Most of them are practically right along the highway.

Fully intend to, Loopster. No sense in missing out on your traditional Canadian Rockies waterfall tour. In fact, we probably won’t go too much farther today. We’ll concentrate on making tracks tomorrow once we get past Rearguard Falls.

Sounds good, SPHP, but I’ve got a request. After seeing Tangle Ridge again from up at Wilcox Pass, it reminded me of Tangle Falls. We usually don’t stop there. Can we this time? It isn’t much farther, is it?

Sure! We can stop at Tangle Falls. Think it’s only something like 9 km NW of the Icefields Centre. We’ll be there before you know it, Looper.

7-25-23, 4:48 PM, Icefields Parkway No. 93, Tangle Falls pullout –

Careful, Loop! There’s a ton of traffic. I better leash you up.

Tangle Falls was already partly in sight right across the highway, but to get a really decent look at it, Lupe would have to cross the road. Easily done with a little patience, although room was limited along the steep shoulder on the other side.

**Tangle Falls**, Jasper National Park. Photo looks NE.

Sorry, Loop. Not enough room here to get you in the picture. Want to hike up to the base of the lower falls, like we’ve done before? Can easily get you in there.

Do you even have to ask, SPHP? Of course!

At the **base of Tangle Falls**. Photo looks ESE.

The **lower falls** and crystal clear pool below it. Photo looks SE.

Lupe scrambled around on the rocks at the base of the lower falls amid a fine spray of cool water. Unfortunately, since Tangle Falls is actually a series of waterfalls instead of a single dramatic plunge, the middle and upper falls weren’t in view from the base of the lowest one.

However, while the American Dingo watched, something happened that she’d never seen before here.

Did you see that, SPHP? They found a way up!

Sure enough, L (NW) of the lower falls, 2 young people and a black lab had scrambled up to the next level, and were now out of sight.

Let’s try that, too! C’mon, SPHP!

Caution was required along a near vertical rock wall, but the trickiest part wasn’t all that tall. A route up with only momentary exposure did exist, and that was all there was to it. Entirely worth it, too!

The upper Tangle Falls were undisputedly the best.

Clearly this was it as far as being able to go any higher, but just getting to the base of the upper falls was awesome. Lupe hung around for a little while, enjoying the magnificence of the multiple cascading showers.

So much for making tracks today, though! Upon returning to the RAV4 at the Tangle Falls pullout, 2 young women approached SPHP asking what direction Lupe was going? When SPHP said N, that was the wrong way. They’d done the entire Wilcox Pass trail clear down to Tangle Falls, and needed a ride back to the trailhead at the Wilcox campground.

No worries! It wasn’t that far back. SPHP made room for them. Soon enough, the young ladies were giving Lupe a farewell pat.

Deja vu all over again! Once again, the Carolina Dog headed N. This time the RAV4 went right on by Tangle Falls.

7:25-23, 6:20 PM – Even though skies were rather darkly overcast, SPHP had to wait for a parking spot to open up at Sunwapta Falls. Throngs of people were on the bridge with the best overall views, and many more were right down by the fence near the lip of the mighty roaring torrent. Lupe had to wait her turn to get to see anything at either place.

**Sunwapta Falls** from the pawbridge over the gorge. Photo looks ENE.

Sunwapta Falls is mighty impressive, SPHP, but I seem to recall a lower falls that isn’t nearly this crowded that we went to once.

That’s right, Loopster. We went and saw the lower falls during your first ever Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies. Only about an hour round trip. Shall we? It’s quite a waterfall, too, if I remember right.

The American Dingo did want to see lower Sunwapta Falls again, but didn’t get very far before it started to rain. When persevering another 15 minutes didn’t help, SPHP was done.

Setting off on the **trail to lower Sunwapta Falls** before the rain set in.

Sorry, Loop. Just raining harder. No telling how long it’ll last. We might as well call it before you’re completely soaked.

7-25-23, 7:50 PM, Athabasca River – Naturally, the rain ended when Lupe got back to the RAV4. Shucks! Getting to be about dinner time, anyway. Instead of another foray along the trail to lower Sunwapta Falls, SPHP had driven N to Lupe’s favorite picnic ground along the Athabasca River.

How does chicken and dumplings sound, Looper?

I’m famished, SPHP. Heat ’em up!

Eagerly awaiting chicken and dumplings by the **Athabasca River**. Photo looks WSW.

After dinner, Lupe looked for squirrels in the forest. Didn’t find any, but even merely searching was fun. SPHP threw a squeaker ball for her to chase until it rolled into a mud puddle. During occasional rain showers, SPHP worked on the trip journal in the RAV4 while Lupe snoozed or stared out the window.

In late July, even in southern Canada, it stayed light a long time.

Evening along the **Athabasca River**. Photo looks WNW.

7-26-23, 8:45 AM, 53ºF, Athabasca River – A dangerously daring squirrel had kept Lupe entertained for a couple of hours, and a last romp up and down the river bank was now about over.

A cloudy morning along the **Athabasca River**. Photo looks S.

Back at the picnic ground. Photo looks NW.

Ready for some more Canadian Rockies waterfalls, Loopster? Say yes!

Oh, you know I love this place, SPHP, but I suppose we need to hit the road.

Yes, but not for long, Loop. Our next stop is only 6 or 7 miles N.

7-26-23, 9:00 AM – The parking lot was filling up fast when Lupe arrived at Athabasca Falls. Swarms of tourists were already milling around at the various viewpoints – another wait your turn situation.

Combining the power of the Sunwapta and Athabasca Rivers, which merge only 2 or 3 miles downstream of Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls was an even mightier torrent.

**Athabasca River** above the **falls** (far R). **Mount Kerkeslin** (L of Center). Photo looks SE.

Mighty **Athabasca Falls**. Photo looks NE.

Over countless eons, Athabasca Falls carved narrow chutes into the solid rock below the falls. A path down one abandoned chute led to views of both the gorge currently channeling the flow, and the region below it where the Athabasca River spreads out again.

**Athabasca Falls** plunges into a narrow gorge. Photo looks ESE.

The current course from above. Photo looks WNW.

A glimpse of the gorge currently in use. Photo looks SE.

The **Athabasca River** where it spreads out again below the falls. Photo looks NNW.

Athabasca Falls was it for Jasper National Park. Lupe would see two more big waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies today, but they were both on the Fraser River in British Columbia, and a bit of a drive now. After fueling up the RAV4 in Jasper, the American Dingo was free to snooze on her pink blanket while SPHP drove WNW through occasional drizzle on Yellowhead Hwy No. 16.

7-26-23, 10:20 AM, 54ºF – The mountains may have been hidden in the clouds, but that wasn’t going to prevent Lupe from enjoying the beauty of Overlander Falls in Mount Robson Provincial Park. Only 10 minutes on a well-worn path through the forest with a few switchbacks near the end got the Carolina Dog down to a giant, swirling, blue-green pool just below the falls.

Setting out on the **Overlander Falls trail**.

**Overlander Falls** in **Mount Robson Provincial Park**, British Columbia.

Overlander Falls wasn’t very tall, but the Fraser River was already an impressively powerful stream at this point.

7-26-23, 10:59 AM, 57ºF – Rearguard Falls Provincial Park wasn’t much farther. Rearguard Falls wasn’t even as tall as Overlander Falls, almost just a big rapids, but was definitely worth the short hike on another easy path leading down to it. The trail ended at a series of boardwalk steps and platforms with railings. There had been a few people at Overlander Falls, but Lupe had Rearguard Falls all to herself this morning.

Signage up by the highway at the start of the Rearguard Falls trail.

**Rearguard Falls** from the upper view deck.

On the **lower deck** right next to the falls.

Once Rearguard Falls was in the rearview mirror, this really did become a travel day. Stops were few and far between. The American Dingo got to spend a little time at the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Park in McBride, and also at a favorite rest area currently undergoing renovation along the Goat River, but that was about it until mid-afternoon.

At the **Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Park** next to the Fraser River in **McBride**.

Beneath the Yellowhead Hwy No. 16 bridge over the **Goat River**.

Shortly after passing the Ancient Forest, SPHP stopped for a hitchhiker who was trudging along carrying a heavy guitar case. Lupe met Asheim, who had finished a 3 month stint planting trees for a logging company. Asheim had been walking for 5 hours, and was deeply grateful for a lift to Prince George.

7-26-23, 4:29 PM, 72ºF – Turned out that Asheim’s ultimate destination was his native, spectacularly mountainous, land of Kashmir, a bit out of the way for the Carolina Dog and SPHP to completely accommodate. After dropping Asheim off in Prince George, SPHP fueled up the RAV4, then invested in fried chicken and OJ at Save on Foods.

Lupe wasn’t keen on the OJ, but quite happy to munch away on some fried chicken as she hit the road again.

The darkly overcast sky had finally brightened on the way into Prince George, and conditions kept improving during the long drive WNW on Yellowhead Hwy No. 16. Brief stops to sniff the air and stretch at the Culculz Lake and Dry Williams Lake rest areas were it for breaks.

7-26-23, 8:44 PM – Crossing the bridge over the Bulkley River, the sun was already near the horizon. A R turn after the bridge, and SPHP parked the RAV4.

Sweet! Would have been better if we’d made it here a little sooner, but at least we’ve got 10 minutes before sunset. C’mon Loopster!

Where are we, SPHP?

Steelhead Park in Houston. Time to stop and sniff the roses, or whatever they planted this year!

Arriving at **Steelhead Park** shortly before sunset.

Steelhead Park has been a favorite ever since Lupe’s first visit in 2016. Back then the park had been at the height of its glory. The flowers on display were no longer quite as spectacular, and Lupe was disappointed to see that the fountain still hadn’t been repaired yet. Even so, Steelhead Park was still very beautiful, and this evening’s stroll through it was a perfect way to end the day.

By the sadly still defunct **Steelhead Park fountain**.

**Steelhead Park** still boasts some **gorgeous flowers**, though!

All too soon, the sun was down and light was fading.

Still a long way to the Yukon Territory and Alaska, but that was OK. The American Dingo had gotten far enough to be within striking distance of her next great adventure.

At **Steelhead Park**, Houston, British Columbia, Canada (7-26-23)

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Tangle Falls to Tangle Ridge, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (8-7-19)

Days 1-3 of Lupe’s 2019 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon & Alaska!

8-5-19, 8:10 AM, Black Hills, SD – Late, late, late! Days late, but the Most High Exalted Dingo of the Arctic Sisterhood was finally underway! Hitting I90, the G6 rapidly gathered speed. Thousands of miles to go. Time to make tracks! Lupe would have opportunities for adventures along the way, but she couldn’t dilly-dally too much. Summer ends early in the Arctic!

Bright-eyed and alert, the Carolina Dog was ready for action! Barking at cows, horses, suspicious haystacks and outbuildings would be about it, though, for a while. Stops were infrequent and brief as the G6 cruised N & W along a familiar route.

*Back in Wyoming! A sure sign of good times ahead!* At the Moorcroft, WY I90 rest area, Lupe’s first chance to stretch after setting out on a brand new Dingo Vacation.

5:30 PM, Kings Hill Pass, Little Belt Mountains, Montana – Skies had been crisp and clear all day, but the air was smokey at Kings Hill Pass. No matter! This was the day’s only real chance to get out and explore. Lupe wasn’t about to miss out! She had her choice of a relatively easy ascent of either Kings Hill (8,008 ft.) or Porphyry Peak (8,192 ft.).

Kings Hill Pass is a favorite stop on the way to Canada, so Loopster had already been to both multiple times. It had been a couple of years since she’d been to Porphyry Peak. Why not? The road trek to the lookout tower at the summit was under 2 miles. Squirrels along the way were the highlight. Smoke from distant fires marred the views from the top.

8:28 PM, Hwy 89, Al Buck Memorial Park – Last stop of the day. Trees and picnic tables, plus a spring that gushed out of the base of a hillside. Lupe helped herself to a drink. After sniffing around a bit and a bite to eat, time to call it a night.

Getting refreshed at Al Buck Memorial Park N of the Little Belt Mountains.

8-6-19 – The next day was even less exciting. Mile after mile rolled by. Plenty of big fields, but hardly any cows or horses.

At 10:55 AM, Lupe went through Canadian customs, a snoozer of an event if ever there was one. A stop at a picnic ground N of Carmangay overlooking the sluggish Little Bow River was pleasant enough, but didn’t last long. Calgary was the usual traffic-clogged madhouse. Even the Canadian Rockies were a bit of a disappointment. Heavily overcast, drippy and cool, it felt like summer was already long gone.

By evening Lupe had made it to lovely Bow Lake in Banff National Park, departure point for several fabulous past adventures. However, the mood was subdued and forlorn.

8-7-19 – No change. Breakfast at Bow Lake was a foggy affair. After 2 long days on the road, a real adventure was in order, but it didn’t look like Loop was in luck. Might as well keep driving N.

Going over Bow Summit on Icefields Parkway Hwy No. 93 a short while later, the situation appeared much more promising. Fog lingered down in the Mistaya River valley, but pale blue skies were overhead!

Heading into the Mistaya River valley after crossing Bow Summit. Photo looks NNW.

The weather continued to improve. Going to be a gorgeous day after all! SPHP stopped at the Coleman Creek picnic ground to get the pack ready, then accompanied Lupe to the North Saskatchewan River for a quick look around.

By the **North Saskatchewan River**. Photo looks SSE.

The beautiful river enhanced by the sun’s warmth was inspiring!

Oh, it’s a day made for adventure, SPHP! We’re here in the fabulous Canadian Rockies. Isn’t there something we can do?

Absolutely, Loopster! Remember the Canadians we followed up Mount Jimmy Simpson last year? One of the places they recommended was Tangle Ridge. It’s not much farther, and supposed to be a great day hike. Want to check it out?

Sounds terrific! Let’s do it! Anything to get out of the G6 for a while.

Going up and over Sunwapta Pass, Lupe went by the starting points of many great adventures she’d had in years past. Trailheads for Panther Falls, Nigel Pass, Parker Ridge, Wilcox Pass, and the Athabasca Glacier were all right along Icefields Parkway Hwy No. 93 or close to it.

Once past the Athabasca Glacier, SPHP started looking for Tangle Falls. The cascade came into sight on the R (NE) side of the highway about 7 km later. A pullout was on the opposite side of the road. SPHP parked the G6, and Lupe headed over to check out the falls. (10:32 AM, 52ºF)

**Tangle Falls** in Jasper National Park. Photo looks ENE.

Tangle Falls consisted of a series of waterfalls rather than one great big one, but the overall effect was still quite impressive. Being right next to the highway, Tangle Falls was a busy place. However, while there was a sign for the falls right along the road, there didn’t seem to be one for any trail to Tangle Ridge (9,843 ft.).

After admiring the falls for a few minutes, Lupe set out in search of a trail. SE of Tangle Falls (uphill) on the same side of the highway she soon discovered an abandoned jeep or ATV route on top of an embankment. A small sign here said 7.5 km to Wilcox Pass. This had to be it! Access to Tangle Ridge was somewhere off this trail.

At the start of the Wilcox Pass trail near Tangle Falls. Photo looks SE.

7.5 km to Wilcox Pass, but the Tangle Ridge route would leave this trail long before Lupe got that far.

Paralleling Icefield Parkway Hwy 93, the Wilcox Pass trail went uphill heading SE. The trail began above the highway, and climbed fast enough to steadily increase the gap as both Tangle Falls and Tangle Creek were left behind. Although Lupe had been to Wilcox Pass before, she’d always started from the other end of the Wilcox Pass trail which begins near the Wilcox campground. She’d never been here before.

Near Tangle Falls the Wilcox Pass trail starts out as an abandoned jeep or ATV route. Photo looks SE.

The trail soon curved E (L) away from the highway and narrowed to a typical single track. For a short distance the trail was fairly level, but once it turned NE (L again), Lupe found herself on an increasingly steep ascent in a dense forest.

Heading up into the forest. Photo looks NE.

After a good climb, the trail emerged from the trees nearly leveling out as it traversed a steep open slope filled with wildflowers. This meadow wasn’t large, but already provided views hinting at what might be in store higher up.

At the first opening, a steep flower-filled meadow with views hinting at what was to come. Photo looks N.

**Mount Athabasca** (L) and **Mount Andromeda** (R). Photo looks SSE.

Beyond the steep meadow, the trail re-entered the forest. Almost right away, Lupe caught a glimpse of Tangle Creek far down in a valley with Tangle Ridge looming high above it.

First glimpse of **Tangle Ridge**. Photo looks N.

The Wilcox Pass trail continued higher in spurts winding generally E or NE with level or even short downhill sections in between. Tangle Creek was out of sight in a valley to the N, but could sometimes be heard. 15 minutes after catching that first glimpse of Tangle Ridge, Lupe reached Tangle Creek.

By **Tangle Creek** close to where the Wilcox Pass trail first reaches it. Photo looks ESE.

The topo map showed a massive arm of Tangle Ridge coming S down to Tangle Creek from the summit. Somewhere along in here Lupe needed to leave the Wilcox Pass trail and cross over to the N side of the creek, but exactly where to do that wasn’t clear. Was there a spur trail, or maybe even a bridge?

The trail continued E along the S side of Tangle Creek, so Lupe followed it a little farther. N of the stream a huge forested slope was in sight, but that was about it. However, Lupe did come to several small cairns next to the trail. Exactly what they signified wasn’t clear. No side trails were evident, nor any bridges across Tangle Creek.

By one of the little cairns that appeared shortly after reaching Tangle Creek. Photo looks E.

Lupe went far enough E to see a tributary entering Tangle Creek from the N. The map showed she shouldn’t go any further. Needing to stay W of that tributary, the Carolina Dog turned around and went back. This time, upon getting close to where the trail first reached Tangle Creek, SPHP noticed a large cairn sitting on an embankment N of the stream.

Hmm. Maybe Lupe ought to cross Tangle Creek right here to go check out that big cairn? The stream was easily fordable, and might even be rock-hopped. SPHP was still pondering when suddenly a hiker appeared near the big cairn. He proceeded down to Tangle Creek, crossed it, then stopped to chat with SPHP.

The hiker was a young man from Edmonton. He’d already been up to Tangle Ridge – a long, steep climb, but well worth it. The views up top were stunning! He provided some excellent advise:

Cross Tangle Creek here. From the big cairn, follow a faint trail going NE marked by several smaller cairns. Should wind up close to the W edge of a big ravine that a tributary of Tangle Creek comes down from the N. The trail will improve as it climbs steadily along or close to the edge of the ravine, before eventually fading away again above tree line. By then the route is obvious – just keep going up!

With that, after thanks from SPHP, the hiker disappeared down the Wilcox Pass trail.

So we cross Tangle Creek here, SPHP?

Yup. Think we were about to figure it all out on our own, Loop, but that was some great beta. No doubt about it now. Sounds pretty simple!

Onward, then! SPHP, ho!

Loop about to cross **Tangle Creek**. The big cairn *(not pictured off the R edge)* was visible from here up on an embankment on the opposite side of the creek. Photo looks NW.

Lupe easily forded the stream, while SPHP managed to rock-hop it. Up at the big cairn, the faint trail didn’t amount to much at all, but the American Dingo sniffed it out, and SPHP did notice a few little cairns along the way. The route was nearly level as it paralleled Tangle Creek, but soon it turned NE starting to gain elevation.

Before long, Lupe was at the W edge of the ravine overlooking Tangle Creek’s tributary from the N. At first she wasn’t all that high above the tributary, maybe 20 or 30 feet, but as the trail turned N following the ravine, it began a steep ascent. Soon the ravine was a deep valley, with the creek far below the precipitous sharp edge the trail ran along.

Heading up the W edge of the deep ravine. Photo looks NNE.

Mount Wilcox (9,462 ft.) came into view back to the SE as Lupe gained elevation.

**Mount Wilcox** (Center). Photo looks SE.

The hiker from Edmonton was right! The trail was now quite distinct and easy to follow. Once in a while it veered NW off into the forest, but it seldom strayed far from the edge of the huge ravine.

Onward and upward! The ascent was relentlessly steep, a problem now compounded by the appearance of hordes of mosquitoes. Lupe wanted to stop and take refuge under small trees or bushes, but the bloodthirsty insects found her wherever she tried to hide. SPHP urged Loop onward, since movement helped to stay ahead of the swarm, but frequently had to stop to gasp for breath, causing the American Dingo to seek shelter again during each pause.

Tangle Ridge was 1,000 meters, roughly 3,300 feet, higher than where Lupe crossed Tangle Creek. The forest seemed to go on forever, but at last tree line was reached. The trail now angled NW away from the ravine out onto open terrain where there were a few rock outcroppings. The mosquitoes remained bad, but the views to the S were already tremendous!

Tree line. Lupe hides out under the small tree (L of Center). **Mount Wilcox** (L) and **Mount Andromeda** (Center) with **Mount Athabasca** between them. Photo looks SSE.

**Nigel Peak** (L of Center), **Mount Wilcox** (R) and **Mount Athabasca** (far R). Photo looks SE.

**Mount Wilcox** (L), **Mount Athabasca** (Center) and **Mount Andromeda** (R). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

The trail faded away, and thankfully the mosquitoes disappeared, too, as Lupe got above the last of the vegetation. The Carolina Dog had already gained the vast majority of the elevation required to reach the top of Tangle Ridge (9,843 ft.), but there was still a considerable trudge higher yet to go on a barren scree slope. Lupe perked up and roamed as she pleased. Any route higher would do.

Approaching the end of the greenery. Photo looks N.

Another look back. **Mount Wilcox** (L) and **Mount Andromeda** (Center) with **Mount Athabasca** between them. **Sunwapta River valley** (Center). **Snow Dome** (R) and part of **Mount Kitchener** (R edge). Photo looks SSE.

Not far from the top now. Another part of **Tangle Ridge** (L) and **Nigel Peak** (R). Photo looks SE.

Near the top of Tangle Ridge, Loopster started coming to snowbanks. She found a big one draped over the summit next to an assortment of communications equipment.

Getting close to the top. Photo looks W.

The communications equipment comes into sight. Photo looks NW.

**Mount Athabasca** (L) and **Mount Andromeda** (R) from the summit. Photo looks SSE.

At the **true summit of Tangle Ridge**. Photo looks SE.

**Tangle Ridge** summit region. **Nigel Peak** (R). Photo looks SE.

What a tremendous vantage point Tangle Ridge (9,843 ft.) was! In all directions Lupe enjoyed visions of glory – a sea of mighty mountains, many snow or glacier-clad, stretching away as far as the eye could see!

Sunwapta Peak (10,892 ft.) was almost due N. Far beyond it toward the L was another prominent peak – Mount Henry MacLeod (10,876 ft.)? SPHP wasn’t sure, but was more confident that a distant high ridge to the R was Poboktan Mountain (10,892 ft.).

**Sunwapta Peak** (Center). **Mount Henry MacLeod** (far L)? **Poboktan Mountain** (R of Sunwapta) in the distance. Photo looks N.

**Mount Henry MacLeod** (Center)? Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

**Sunwapta Peak** (L) and **Poboktan Mountain** (Center). Photo looks NNE.

A dramatic lower ridge extended NW from the Tangle Ridge summit. Straight out from this ridge were some wild-looking peaks, but SPHP didn’t know any of them. Looking slightly to the R (NNW), Lupe had a commanding view of a long stretch of the Sunwapta River valley.

Looking down along **Tangle Ridge’s NW ridge** (R). **Diadem Peak (11,155 ft.)** (far L). Photo looks NW.

**Sunwapta River valley** (Center). Photo looks NNW.

Another look at **Tangle Ridge’s NW ridge**. Photo looks NW.

Zoomed in on the wild-looking unknown peaks. Photo looks NW.

To the E the mountains were a bit lower and less dramatic. A small lake was visible down in a deep canyon, but SPHP didn’t recognize any of the surrounding mysterious peaks.

More familiar territory was to the SE where Wilcox Lake nestled below Nigel Peak (10,535 ft.). Wilcox Pass, a favorite spot Lupe had been to several times before for a fabulous view of the Athabasca Glacier, was also in sight along with Mount Wilcox (9,462 ft.).

**Wilcox Pass** (Center). **Nigel Peak** and **Wilcox Lake** (L). **Mount Wilcox** and snow-clad **Mount Athabasca** (R). Photo looks SE.

**Nigel Peak** (Center) and **Wilcox Lake**. Photo looks SE.

**Nigel Peak** and **Wilcox Lake**. Photo looks SE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.

Only the toe of the Athabasca Glacier was visible from Tangle Ridge, but many surrounding peaks were familiar. Mount Athabasca (11,453 ft.), Mount Andromeda (11,286 ft.), Snow Dome (11,352 ft.) and Mount Kitchener (11,499 ft.) were all Lupe favorites.

**Mount Athabasca** (L) and **Mount Andromeda** (R). The **toe of the Athabasca Glacier** is visible at (Center). **Mount Wilcox** (lower L). Photo looks SSE.

**Mount Athabasca** (Center) and **Mount Wilcox** (lower L). Photo looks SSE with help from the telephoto lens.

Zoomed in on **Mount Andromeda** (L). Photo looks S.

**Mount Kitchener** (Center). Photo looks SSW.

Some of the most spectacular views from Tangle Ridge were of a series of tremendous peaks off to the W. SPHP couldn’t identify any of them. For a long time Lupe and SPHP sat together facing this awesome panorama. Studying maps later on yielded at least some answers.

Most impressive of all, Mount Alberta (11,870 ft.) stood farthest W. Somewhat closer toward the R (N) were Mount Woolley (11,286 ft.) and Diadem Peak (11,155 ft.). Mushroom Peak (10,499 ft.) situated in front of Diadem blended into the scene.

**Mount Alberta** (far L), **Mount Woolley** (L) and **Diadem Peak** (Center). Photo looks W.

**Diadem Peak** (L) with **Mushroom Peak** in front of it. Photo looks NW.

Little Alberta (9,711 ft.) and Mount Cromwell (10,958 ft.) stood L (S) of Mount Alberta. Next to the S came the massive snowy plateau of Stutfield Peak (11,319 ft.). Beyond and S of Stutfield were North Twin (12,247 ft.), highest of all, but only the top of which could be seen, and the dramatic steep ramp of South Twin (11,749 ft.).

**Mount Cromwell** (far L), **Little Alberta** (L), **Alberta Peak** (L of Center), **Mount Woolley** (Center L), and **Diadem Peak** (Center). Photo looks WNW.

**South Twin** (L), **North Twin** (Center) and **Stutfield Peak** (R). Photo looks SW.

**Stutfield Peak**. Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

**South Twin** (L of Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.

Conditions weren’t bad at all. Temperatures in the low 50’s ºF, with a light SW wind. Lupe and SPHP made many rounds of the summit area, gazing repeatedly upon the fabulous views in all directions.

On **Tangle Ridge** high in the **Canadian Rockies**.

Late afternoon. A wonderful hour and 45 minutes on Tangle Ridge had slipped away all too soon. Facing famous Wilcox Pass far below, and all the glorious surrounding peaks, Lupe started S back down the long scree slope. What an unforgettable day in the Canadian Rockies this had turned out to be! (End 7:57 PM, 67ºF)