From Sunshine Village walk south and uphill ...........................
Our destination meadows and three lakes: Rock Isle, Grizzly and Larix. These three lakes are visited often by large numbers, on a sunny day up to a 130 have been recorded, hence the trail is assiduously maintained and there are viewing platforms to soften the impact of human beings on this delicate ecosystem. Don't get us wrong the lakes and meadows are lovely but the mountainous expanse that spreads out from them in all directions is a sight to behold and one which the camera does not always do justice to. In the distance Mt Assiniboine thrusts its
horn ever skywards and as autumn approaches the stands of larch trees are meant to add a brilliant gold to the alpine meadows especially around Grizzly and Larix lakes - but not yet and definitely "come again" scenery for later on in September when the needles of the larch turn golden before dropping to the ground. (The botanical name for larch trees is Larix hence the name of the lake!)
So from the ski lodge walk south and uphill 200m, take the l
eft turn as it ascends gently. Continue past the next junction at 2290 m (7510 ft) in 1.2 km you arrive at the summit of the Greta Divide at this point take the path to the right and after a further 1.6 km Rock Isle Lake overlook allows you to view the scenery of lake and mountains - a little reminiscent of Tarn Howes but without the back drop of Mt Assiniboine! From this point follow the path around the lake affording you magnificent views of the mountains and the meadows as you head down towards Grizzly Lake, not as pretty as Rock Isle Lake but there are old grizzly bear diggings to take your interest. An overlook provides a view of the Simpson River Valley and a little shade from the sun. Larix Lake is pretty but would have been more prettier had the larches turned the autumnal gold th
ey were supposed to at this time of year. The circular path rejoined the path leading back to Rock Isle Lake but we detoured up to Standish viewpoint, we were alone here and vistas were wonderful; 360 degrees of mountain scenery. We decided not to return to Sunshine Village by the path already known, instead we headed northwestwards through meadows just the two of us with silence of the great outdoors and a gentle breeze. We were rewarded with a sight of a family of mule deer resting in the afternoon sunshine. As we approached the subalpine forest there was evidence of fresh grizzly bear diggings for roots and/or ground squirrels but no sign of any bears. We reached the Village in plenty of time to catch the last bus down to the car park at 5.30pm.
A wonderful hike, beautiful scenery and wildlife to boot (they usually take cover when we are around!).
Just picture a mild su
nny day, temperatures plus 23C, majestic mountain scenery with a possibility of wildlife: September 3rd 2010 was just such a day.
nny day, temperatures plus 23C, majestic mountain scenery with a possibility of wildlife: September 3rd 2010 was just such a day. We left Calgary later than expected due to a little lawn watering and arrived in time for the 1pm shuttle to Sunshine Village after a couple of 'construction' zones on Highway 1 and of course our Park pass had run out at the end of August so we had to
wait in line at Banff Park gate to purchase a new one!
We were to be fortunate as we viewed mountain sheep, marmnots galore, some even posing for their photograph to be taken and a family of mule deer enjoying the warmth of a sunny afternoon.
wait in line at Banff Park gate to purchase a new one!We were to be fortunate as we viewed mountain sheep, marmnots galore, some even posing for their photograph to be taken and a family of mule deer enjoying the warmth of a sunny afternoon.
Our destination meadows and three lakes: Rock Isle, Grizzly and Larix. These three lakes are visited often by large numbers, on a sunny day up to a 130 have been recorded, hence the trail is assiduously maintained and there are viewing platforms to soften the impact of human beings on this delicate ecosystem. Don't get us wrong the lakes and meadows are lovely but the mountainous expanse that spreads out from them in all directions is a sight to behold and one which the camera does not always do justice to. In the distance Mt Assiniboine thrusts its
horn ever skywards and as autumn approaches the stands of larch trees are meant to add a brilliant gold to the alpine meadows especially around Grizzly and Larix lakes - but not yet and definitely "come again" scenery for later on in September when the needles of the larch turn golden before dropping to the ground. (The botanical name for larch trees is Larix hence the name of the lake!)
So from the ski lodge walk south and uphill 200m, take the l
eft turn as it ascends gently. Continue past the next junction at 2290 m (7510 ft) in 1.2 km you arrive at the summit of the Greta Divide at this point take the path to the right and after a further 1.6 km Rock Isle Lake overlook allows you to view the scenery of lake and mountains - a little reminiscent of Tarn Howes but without the back drop of Mt Assiniboine! From this point follow the path around the lake affording you magnificent views of the mountains and the meadows as you head down towards Grizzly Lake, not as pretty as Rock Isle Lake but there are old grizzly bear diggings to take your interest. An overlook provides a view of the Simpson River Valley and a little shade from the sun. Larix Lake is pretty but would have been more prettier had the larches turned the autumnal gold th
ey were supposed to at this time of year. The circular path rejoined the path leading back to Rock Isle Lake but we detoured up to Standish viewpoint, we were alone here and vistas were wonderful; 360 degrees of mountain scenery. We decided not to return to Sunshine Village by the path already known, instead we headed northwestwards through meadows just the two of us with silence of the great outdoors and a gentle breeze. We were rewarded with a sight of a family of mule deer resting in the afternoon sunshine. As we approached the subalpine forest there was evidence of fresh grizzly bear diggings for roots and/or ground squirrels but no sign of any bears. We reached the Village in plenty of time to catch the last bus down to the car park at 5.30pm.
A wonderful hike, beautiful scenery and wildlife to boot (they usually take cover when we are around!).
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