A few weeks ago I was leisurely browsing the parks Canada website. To my amazement, I noticed an opening for two bus passes to Lake O’Hara. Without any hesitation, I booked the seats for the bus and started researching where to hike once I got there. Booking the bus usually sells out a minute after they post it to the website, so I am incredibly surprised no one else had snatched these up before me. Emi and I left Calgary bright and early to make it to the Lake O'Hara parking lot by 8:00 am. Our bus was leaving at 8:30 and we wanted to make sure we were on it. The road up to Lake O'Hara is closed to the public. They monitor the amount of guests very closely and that's why it can be a challenge to get a spot on the bus. That being said, you are allowed to hike in, but that will cost you an 11 km hike along the road (one way). We decided to hike the Opabin Circuit, which I believe is one of the more popular hikes off Lake O'Hara. We headed counter clockwise taking the West Opabin trail along Mary Lakes and then up onto a ridge. We then turned left towards the Opabin Prospect. This is the look out in the photo above and it literally took my breath away! It's one thing to see it in a photo, but its an entirely different thing to experience it in person. From here, we continued our circuit past Cascade Lakes. There were incredible views in every direction. The trail is easy to follow and is very well marked with lots of signage. This is a very fragile alpine environment so all hikers are asked to stay on the trail. Even if its muddy and snowy you are asked to plow right through which lessens the risk of trail erosion. Its extremely important that we protect this environment and therefore the responsibility of all guests to respect these rules. We ventured on past Hungabee Lake and eventually made it all the way to Opabin Lake, which was still quite snowed in. This area is high in the mountains and winter usually lasts quite a bit longer. For this reason, Emi and I had lots of snow and mud to trek through. The views of winter, spring and summer gelled into one and we were granted with amazing views. Next up... the trek back down. We ended up taking the trail between Moor Lake and Hungabee Lake to the East Opabin Trail. This trail will take you right back to the shores of Lake O'Hara. Its a beautiful trail that follows the valley until descending into the tree's. Then its a downhill sprint to the lake shore.
Emi and I would have loved to take the trail along the Yukness Ledges to Lake Oesa, but that trail was not recommenced due to the amount of snow. If I am ever lucky enough to return,I will definitely be trying that route! Lake O'Hara is known as the Crown Jewel of the Rockies, and after being here in the summer I can see why. I hope you all get the chance to visit this amazing place at least once in your life. If you want more information on Lake O'Hara and how to get there head to the Parks Canada website where they have more info of their lottery system for getting passes. As always, Happy Trails.
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Of all the paths you take in life make sure a few of them are dirt. John Muir Archives
September 2017
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