This day was the day for the hike in the Lake Louise area [4]. When I had planned the hike, I had only thought of going to Lake Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers. But Glacier National Park had made me nosy and I was keen on doing more. I asked at the Visitor Center about going further somewhere, but she just said "I don't know if there is a trail, but if there is one then just follow it."

Anyway, I went up to Mirror Lake first (50min) where you can see Big Beehive behind the lake. Then I continued to Little Beehive (40min), where you get a pretty good view in many directions.

On the way, I had seen a sign for St. Piran Mountain [5]. I got nosy and just went up (65min). The trail became a bit rocky in the end (very easy scramble). Actually, it was a good choice: not crowded ;-) The hike was worth the effort: a nice view in really all directions.

I went the same way back and headed for Lake Agnes (45min). The teahouse was pretty full. So, I just relaxed a while and went on.

First, to the Big Beehive (35min). You get a nice view on Lake Louise there, but nothing more. From the top of the mountain, the lake shows the typical turquoise color of a glacier-fed lake.

Then I hiked (very easy scramble) to the Devil's Thumb (40min). There was one nasty steep part, where were no rocks but just loose earth and gravel. I mastered that and got on the top over a few rocks. The view on the glaciers was pretty good (20min pause).

Then I headed for the Plain of Six Glaciers (30min to crossing below Devil's Thumb). After an hour, I reached the teahouse (exhausted!) and had a very good apple pie and some tea. After regaining strength, I went up the last 1.5km to the viewpoint for the Plain of Six Glaciers (20min) - it was worth the effort.

Finally, I returned directly to Lake Louise (1.5h).

  

markus-nick.de > traveling > north america > canadian rockies > august 2001 > lake louise (banff NP)