On this Canada Day long weekend, there are many things to love about our great country, and one of them is the Rocky Mountains at our doorstep.
Tom and I can count the number of Alberta hikes we've done on one hand (it's actually pretty sad when you think about it). We can now bump that tally up to six, as we joined Andy and Joyce in checking off Sentinel Pass from the list.
Sentinel Pass is 5.8km (one-way) hike that begins at Moraine Lake. It started with a 2km uphill climb of switchbacks. All in all, the elevation gain on the hike is about 725m (2400ft).
Wildflowers in bloom.
Wildflowers were in bloom all along the bath. Red indian paintbrush, white wild daisy, and pink and blue unidentifiable species!
Exiting out of the wooded switchbacks, we entered the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This was a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains and looming glaciers. The path evened out into a relatively flat stretch, and we sped along the trail.
Glacier in Valley of the Ten Peaks.
We reached the base of the pass, and were able to snap a quick photo with some of the ten peaks in the valley behind us.
Tom and I at the base of Sentinel Pass.
We completely lucked out with the weather on this hike. It was sunny all day, there was a cool breeze (in some instances, it was a COLD breeze), and there was not a hint of rain.
Base of Sentinel Pass.
As we turned our attention away from the Valley of Ten Peaks, we took in the switchbacks we needed to navigate to get to the top. For the most part, the switcbacks weren't too bad. There was a small steep section with some loose scree that was very slippery, and we even tromped through a bit of residual snow, but otherwise it was uneventful.
Jagged switchbacks to Sentinel Pass.
Purple flowers growing from some moss.
One thing that never ceases to amaze me about hiking in Alberta, is the number of people who go out on the trail totally unprepared. We saw all sorts of people on the trail... Hiking in jeans, no backpacks, no water, no food, inadequate footwear... I drank almost three liters of water while we were on the trail. I have no idea how anyone could do it without any!
When we reached the top of Sentinel Pass, we could take in the view where we had come from. Not too shabby!
A view from Sentinel Pass.
We ate our lunches with a throng of other hikers (about two dozen or so), before packing it in and heading back.
A view from Sentinel Pass into Paradise Valley.
Although we hiked up, and headed back the same way we came-- a second option was for us to park a car at a second trailhead, and hike down the opposing side of Sentinel Pass into Paradise Valley. Maybe next time?
Sentinel Pass.
Our last stop was back at the trailhead at Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake is the most photographed lake in Canada-- and it was the first time that I've seen in it person! The colour of the water isn't really done justice by this photo, but I can understand why this is such a favourite for tourists.
Docked canoes on Moraine Lake.
Cheers, and Happy Canada Day!
