{"id":6517,"date":"2016-10-13T08:10:43","date_gmt":"2016-10-13T14:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=6517"},"modified":"2023-12-18T23:17:34","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T06:17:34","slug":"fairview-mountain-saddle-mountain-banff-national-park-canada-8-2-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=6517","title":{"rendered":"Fairview Mountain & Saddle Mountain, Banff National Park, Canada (8-2-16)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 4 of Lupe’s summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska.<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, Looper, how about we go see Lake Louise again before hitting the trail?<\/em>\u00a0 Lupe was all for it, which was a good thing, since SPHP would have pretty much insisted on it.\u00a0 The view of snow-clad Mount Victoria<\/a><\/span> (11,375 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0from Lake Louise is among the most beautiful and famous scenes in the Canadian Rockies.<\/p>\n

The stroll down the trail from the upper parking lot to the boat house where they rent out canoes took only a few minutes.\u00a0 Suddenly, Lupe was back at Lake Louise for the first time since her summer of 2014 Dingo Vacation over 2 years ago.\u00a0 The tranquil, turquoise lake was as gorgeous as ever.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Maybe there was a little less snow on Mount Victoria, but it was still an awesome scene.<\/p>\n

\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe arrives near the Lake Louise boat house early on this cool, clear morning.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Mount Victoria from Lake Louise. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was still relatively early (7:11 AM, 39\u00b0F).\u00a0 No one was out on the lake yet, although the usual crowd from Chateau Lac Louise<\/strong><\/a><\/span> was already gathering to admire the scene.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP\u00a0ambled over\u00a0closer to\u00a0the grand hotel.\u00a0 See that mountain, Loop?\u00a0 That’s Fairview Mountain<\/a><\/span> (8,986 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0where you’re going today!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Fairview Mountain, seen here from Lake Louise, was Lupe’s main peakbagging objective for the day. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe posed\u00a0for a photo\u00a0from the shore of Lake Louise with Fairview Mountain in the background.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Lupe basked in love and admiration.\u00a0 Cameras clicked like she was about to hold a press conference.<\/p>\n

\"\"
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before the Carolina Dog could\u00a0address her new\u00a0fans with\u00a0any long-winded speeches, SPHP led her away.\u00a0\u00a0After all, she had a mountain to climb!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP headed for the Saddleback Trail, which\u00a0splits off of\u00a0the short\u00a0path between the boat house and upper Lake Louise parking lot.<\/p>\n

The Saddleback Trail\u00a0begins\u00a0climbing through\u00a0a dense forest\u00a0at a moderate to fairly steep pace.\u00a0 For quite a distance, there’s little to see except trees.\u00a0 After 0.4 km or so, Lupe passed by junctions with the Moraine Lake Highline trail\u00a0and the Fairview Overlook trail.\u00a0\u00a0A sign said the Fairview Overlook trail went 0.7 km to the viewpoint, which presumably looks out over Lake Louise.\u00a0 A 2.3 km loop can be made back to the boat house.<\/p>\n

The Fairview Overlook trail sounded like a nice little jaunt, likely\u00a0rewarded with a\u00a0great view of Lake Louise, but Lupe was going higher, much higher!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP pressed on.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Now Lupe could see Saddle Mountain up ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The slope up to Saddle Pass became steeper.\u00a0 Switchbacks appeared along the trail to help make the climb easier.\u00a0 As Lupe gained elevation, more glorious sights began to appear.\u00a0 Soon she could see the snowy summit of Mount Temple<\/a><\/span> (11,614 ft.) <\/span><\/strong>poking up over Saddle Pass.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Temple pokes up above Saddle Pass, an early indication of the glorious scenes in store for Lupe higher up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As Lupe neared Saddle Pass, the\u00a0trail gained elevation\u00a0much more gradually than before.\u00a0 Sheol Mountain<\/a><\/span> (9,117 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0and Haddo Peak<\/a><\/span> (10,072 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0were in view directly ahead.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The trail climbed much more gently as Lupe neared Saddle Pass. Sheol Mountain (L) and Haddo Peak (R) were now in view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Lupe reached Saddle Pass, she\u00a0came upon\u00a0a sign clearly marking\u00a0the side trail that goes the rest of the way up Fairview Mountain.\u00a0 The Saddleback Trail continued over the pass down into Sheol Valley, eventually reaching Paradise Valley far below.<\/p>\n

\"Fairview<\/a>
Fairview Mountain from Saddle Pass. Lake Louise is on the other side of the mountain from here. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe and SPHP left the Saddleback trail to take the side trail up Fairview Mountain.\u00a0 The side trail passed through a short section of forest, then began a steep rocky ascent above tree line.<\/p>\n

\"\"
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was a fair amount of loose rock on the steep, narrow trail, but Lupe had no problem climbing up.\u00a0 She had plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the views while SPHP frequently paused for air.\u00a0\u00a0Lupe followed the trail all the way to the summit of Fairview Mountain.\u00a0 Magnificent views were in every direction, but Mount Victoria was the first splendor to attract the eye.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Lupe reaches the summit of Fairview Mountain! Mount Victoria is in view beyond her. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite the splendid mountain scenery all around, a different view caught and held Lupe’s attention.\u00a0 A chipmunk was only a few paces away right here at the very top of Fairview Mountain!<\/p>\n

\"\"
While SPHP gazed at scenery, this chipmunk kept Lupe entertained up on Fairview Mountain! Mount Victoria in the background. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Apparently the chipmunk appreciated a grand view, too, and was able to earn a living up on Fairview Mountain panhandling from visitors. Haddo Peak<\/span><\/a> (10,072 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L), Mount Aberdeen<\/span><\/a> (10,358 ft.<\/span>)<\/strong> (Center – look straight down to see the chipmunk), and Mount Lefroy<\/span><\/a> (11,293 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) are in view here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Lupe and the chipmunk stare each other down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The nimble chipmunk was a world class, lightning fast, scrambler.\u00a0 Lupe stared helplessly at the enticing Dingo treat.\u00a0 Meanwhile, the chipmunk pondered how to get safely past Lupe to plead for a handout.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Mount Daly<\/span><\/a> (10,328 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (Center) with the Bath Glacier below it. Photo looks NW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Mount Hector<\/span><\/a> (11,135 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks N using the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Looking<\/a>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Haddo<\/a>
Haddo Peak (L), Mount Aberdeen (Center), Mount Lefroy (R of Center), and part of Mount Victoria (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Mount Victoria. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Mount Victoria with a little help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
A closer look at Haddo Peak (L), Mount Aberdeen and the Aberdeen Glacier (Center), and Mount Lefroy (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Mount<\/a>
Mount Temple<\/a><\/span> (11,614 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is seen beyond Lupe on the L. Photo looks S from Fairview Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Temple (Center) is seen beyond Sheol Mountain (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The<\/a>
The N face of Mount Temple. Photo looks S using the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Aberdeen and the Aberdeen glacier (L) and Mount Lefroy (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For 20 minutes, Lupe and SPHP were alone at the top of Fairview Mountain.\u00a0 After that, a steady stream of climbers came and went.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP met Krystin, a civil\u00a0engineer from Calgary, who had once scrambled up Mount Temple.\u00a0 SPHP was mightily impressed, but Krystin said lots of people do it, although certain moves are required going up a band of cliffs.<\/p>\n

Scrambling up Mount Temple didn’t sound like anything Lupe and SPHP could tackle.\u00a0 Lupe settled for having her picture taken with Krystin.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People came and went.\u00a0 SPHP chatted with Krystin and a few others.\u00a0 The chipmunk stuffed its cheeks with peanuts, raisins and granola offered by the crowd, unmolested by Lupe.\u00a0 Conditions were perfect for hanging around enjoying the stupendous views!<\/p>\n

\"Looking<\/a>
Looking down on part of Lake Louise. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The<\/a>
The summits of Mount Aberdeen (L) and Mount Lefroy (R) using the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A final look at Mount Victoria from Fairview Mountain. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After more than 2 wonderful hours on Fairview Mountain, it was time for Lupe to get moving again.\u00a0 SPHP intended to simply follow the spur trail up Fairview Mountain all the way back down to Saddle Pass.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Lots of others had come this way, too, but the shortcut didn’t really save any time.\u00a0 The very steep\u00a0“trail” eventually evaporated in a jumble of boulders.\u00a0 When Lupe and SPHP finally reached the Saddleback Trail again, Lupe had to take it back up to Saddle Pass.\u00a0 Lupe wasn’t ready to return to Lake Louise quite yet!\u00a0 She was going to climb Saddle Mountain, too.<\/p>\n

SPHP looked for a side trail off the Saddleback Trail leading to Saddle Mountain, but found none, despite there being one on the maps.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP finally just headed into the forest toward the mountain.\u00a0 As Lupe climbed Saddle Mountain’s W ridge, she did come to a faint, braided trail among the rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The summit ridge on Saddle Mountain was hundreds of feet long NE\/SW with high points toward each end.\u00a0 Lupe arrived first up at the SW end where there was a big cairn.\u00a0 Although Saddle Mountain isn’t nearly as high as Fairview Mountain, it did offer beautiful views farther up Paradise Valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The<\/a>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Looking<\/a>
Looking NNE along the summit ridge of Saddle Mountain. Mount Hector is seen in the distance on the (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since the high point near the\u00a0NE 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.\u00a0 By the time she got there, Lupe and SPHP were no longer entirely\u00a0alone.\u00a0\u00a0Another climber\u00a0had appeared back at the cairn.<\/p>\n

\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe at the true summit of Saddle Mountain. Photo looks SW at Sheol Mountain (L) and Haddo Peak (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Haddo<\/a>
Haddo Peak (L) and Mount Victoria (R) from the true summit of Saddle Mountain. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"The<\/a>
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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Temple, Lake Annette and Paradise Valley from Saddle Mountain. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Mount Victoria from Saddle Mountain using the telephoto lens. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Summit of Mount Temple using the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The other\u00a0climber was gone by the time Lupe returned to the cairn at the SW high point.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP spent a fabulous 30 minutes\u00a0in solitude\u00a0on Saddle Mountain.\u00a0 Then it was time to begin the return trip to Lake Louise.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Chateau Lake Louise from Saddle Mountain. Icefield Parkway Hwy 93 winds its way N past Mount Hector in the distance. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was almost dinner time for the American Dingo by the time she was back at the G6 (5:27 PM, 78\u00b0F).\u00a0 Instead of eating right away, though, Lupe and SPHP left Lake Louise heading N on Hwy 1 to Icefields Parkway Hwy 93.<\/p>\n

Lupe\u00a0arrived at\u00a0the picnic ground on the E shore of lovely Bow Lake in time to have her evening meal there.\u00a0 By then the sky had clouded up.\u00a0 Although the mountaintops were no longer in view, the gloomy sky soon caused everyone else to depart.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP had Bow Lake to themselves.<\/p>\n

Tomorrow, Lupe would continue N to more adventures in the Canadian Rockies, hoping for a break in the clouds.\u00a0 In the meantime, though, Lupe dined and relaxed listening\u00a0to gentle waves breaking on the shore of Bow Lake.<\/p>\n

\"Lupe<\/a>
Lupe at Bow Lake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from Lupe’s 2016 Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, <\/span><\/em>Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free to new Lupe adventures<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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?\u00a0 Lupe was all for it, which was a good thing, since SPHP would have pretty much insisted on it.\u00a0 The view of snow-clad Mount Victoria … Continue reading Fairview Mountain & Saddle Mountain, Banff National Park, Canada (8-2-16)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6497,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[726],"tags":[105,32,31,106,26,685,40,104,11,301,686],"class_list":["post-6517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2016-canadian-rockies-yukon-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-banff-national-park","tag-canadian-rockies","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-fairview-mountain","tag-lake-louise","tag-lupe","tag-peakbagging","tag-saddle-mountain","tag-saddleback-trail"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/IMG_1581.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6517","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6517"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6517\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49522,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6517\/revisions\/49522"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6517"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6517"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}