Jill2

Hi all -
I'm fine-tuning our trip for late July, 2 adults and 2 older teens in good shape. We have time for only one hike in the Lake Louise area are considering either 1) Plain of Six Glacier or 2) Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass. Does anyone have any preferences between these two?

It'd be great to have different scenery than the other hikes we plan to do in the Rockies(Paget Lookout in Field, Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows in Jasper and possibly Sulfur Skyline in Miette Hot Springs).

Any help is very much appreciated. Thanks!! Jill

bob_brown

You might want to look at the elevation gained. Cavell Meadows is not quite as steep as the Sulpher Skyline trail which goes up more than 2,000 feet in very short order. I have found that any trail that gains more than 1,000 feet per mile on a sustained basis is quite a workout, even when I was able to run for miles to get into condition.

Cavell Meadows gives you a good look at the Angel Glacier while I think the Sulpher trip give you a more expansive view.

The Plain of Six Glaciers is usually popular and has the option of the Beehive extension to make a really full day of hiking out of it.

The Larch Valley Sentinal Pass trail is highly popular and spectacular as well. My main caveat there is the degree of bear activity in that region.

In terms of scenery, none of them will disappoint. I really am not going to recommend one over the other other than to say that your choice is a winner regardless of the ones you ultimately select.

icithecat

I love the Larch Valley / Sentinal pass, but I hear Bobs warning.
Are you sea level fit, or alpine fit. The trail starts out with a series of switchbacks up to the valley. Many make the valley, but fewer make the pass. The Whiskyjacks will steal food from your hand if you are not careful.
Also, one year I was snowed on in the valley in the second week of August, so dress appropriately.

bob_brown

Let me throw in a gratuitous suggestion.
If you are in decent physical condition, the Iceline Trail in Yoho is also a very spectacular one that takes you up above tree line for expansive views of the Yoho Valley and beyond.

It is the type of trail that starts off steep, but levels off a little as you walk along the rubble of the Emerald Glacier. I think there is a little ice left, but not much.

As for snow in August, yes indeed, it does happen. So does sleet.

We were hiking from Whiskey Jack Hostel, the start of the Iceline, to Twin Falls Chalet. After we reached the tree line, a sleet storm blew in with a medium degree of ferocity. I always have my GoreTex jacket and a baseball style cap. I pulled the hood up over my head and the bill of the cap protected my face.

We stopped for an energy snack before we started our descent into the trees and Celeste Lake. Behind us we heard voices coming a slight depression. Soon 5 figures came into view: mother, father, daughter, and two sons. The boys were complaining loudly because the sleet was stinging their unprotected ears and faces. Momma was on their case big time: "If I've told you once ....."

Moral: Don't underestimate what mountain weather can do.

DaveS

We are going with two teen boys later this month as well. Last trip we did both the hikes you mention (boys were 9 & 11 then), personally prefer the Larch Valley/Sentinal pass. More spectacular/fewer people. This time we are doing Mt. Fairview and considering Sentinal Pass over to Paradise Valley. Anyone familiar with the trail condition on far side of Sentinal Pass? I've read from just take your time to treacherous. I understand they will allow groups of four rather than six now (due to bear activity)- anyone confirm this? We paired up with another group of four last time up to Larch Valley, but doubt anyone will want to continue over to Paradise Valley.

Jill2

Thanks so very much for all the great information. Looks like we'll do the Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass hike (after checking with the rangers office for any bear warnings). Maybe catch Plain of Six Glacier on our next trip!
Thank you!!! - Jill

Judy_in_Calgary

DaveS, try asking your question at the Club Tread forum:

http://www.clubtread.com/