When to visit the Rockies?
 

I know that it's likely to be crowded when we're able to go (July), so I'm wondering if early or late in the month might be better-- or does it not make much difference? Wondering the same as far as hopefully getting good (non-rainy) weather. Thanks very much

I think it depends on what you want to do after you get there. Places like Lake Louise, Banff, and Jasper are full of people in July because the weather is usually much warmer than in June.

If you plan on any serious hiking, high altitude lakes, 6,000 feet or higher, are often frozen until the second week. Some snow may be on hidden north-facing slopes, but I have not been stopped by those conditions. The lakes in a half frozen state are often dramatic.

Even though the tourist centers are full of people, there are many areas that are not all that crowded. For example, the parking lot at Johnston Canyon can be full of cars while the Stanley Glacier trail a few miles away in Kootenay NP is virtually empty.

That said, I have found clear days in August and September. This past summer we were in Yoho NP in late August and we had 2 almost perfect days: dry, cool, clear, and only light winds.

By the second week in September conditions start to change. That is one reason why July and early August are the peak months.

There are of course no promises on the weather, but your chances for clear days in July and August are good.

Bob: Thanks for your reply and for your reminder to be more specific.
We're in our early 70's, good health, love to walk/hike for hours (not real strenuous hiking), love gorgeous scenery. Not at all interested in shopping.
Have started looking at brochures and websites and am having lots of difficulty figuring out this trip. We have about 9 days or so, and there seems so much to do! (nice "problem")
Am even having trouble deciding where to stay. Prices seem shockingly expensive. (We like splendid accommodations-- and are able to pay for them-- but my sense is that what one is paying for in those areas is more the locations than the actual wonderfulness of the rooms.)

We were two years ago in the second part of June, and the weather was beautiful - sunny, not cold but not too warm.
We took a tour with Tauck - "The best of Canadian Rockies" - (you can check their site www.tauck.com) and we were very happy with this. The guide was a very nice and helpful person; we had a lot of free time, the best hotels (all Fairmont hotels with splendid views). All meals are included in the price, and you can eat at any restaurant, order what you want from menu, at what hour you want. I highly recommend this tour. The group was also very nice.

I am early 70's also. We enjoyed our hike to Twin Falls Chalet followed by an ascent the following day up the steep route to Waterfall Valley.

There are quite a few hikes, both long and short, in the Rockies that you can take. A lot of it depends on aerobic fitness and mobility.

Knowing some of the problems that folks in our age range can have in terms of mobility, I will suggest that you acquire a good hiking guide to the area.

The hiking guide I always take with me is The Canadian Rockies Trail guide by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson. One of the best hiking guides in English ever published, it describes hikes in all 4 of the contiguous national parks as well as some trails in the related areas such as Peter Lougheed Park, which is also in the Rockies. Be sure to get the 7th edition, which is an improvement (if such was possible) over the earlier editions.

The book is very valuable because it gives measured distances and, more importantly, elevation changes. You can judge from the trail details whether or not a hike is too strenuous.

If you want a place to relax for a few days, the Mount Engadine Lodge is located south of Canmore and it is in a less used (relatively speaking) part of Banff NP. We enjoyed 4 nights there in late August. The cost might be a little high, but our room in the cabin building was comfortable and the food (included) ranged from very good to excellent. (The deserts are a hazard to triglycerides.)

Also, if you want a comprehensive handbook that has everything else about the Rockies - geology, climate, wildlife, plants, and other features - get Ben Gadd's Canadian Rockies Handbook.

Both of the books I have described are superb - virtually without peer. In fact, I will go so far as to say that Gadd's magnum opus is without parallel, period; some 800 pages of facts and helpful information.

Another excellent book is entitled The Wonder of Yoho, which is my own favorite among the parks of the Rockies.

The following link will take you to Gemtrek bookstore where you can order books about the Canadian Rockies.

http://www.gemtrek.com/guide_books.h...s%20-%20Hiking

Bob: thanks for your fine responses.
Mt Engadine looked great, but I learned (from their site and then confirmed with them by e-mail) that they don't have king beds-- which we need, alas.
I will definitely look for the books. And if any other ideas occur to you for places to stay that would be peaceful and quiet and wonderful, I'd appreciate hearing. We like "upscale" accommodations-- but that absolutely doesn't need to mean fancy or elegant.
Am still also trying to decide exactly when to go-- probably around 3rd week of July....