Stanley Glacier, Kootenay National Park

Description:

A wonderful trail zigzags through shrubs and wildflowers in July and August and into fall foliage in September before entering a wide-open valley below Stanley Glacier. Waterfalls, glaciers, and big views are constant on this fantastic hike. There will be an option to hike more challenging terrain to the hanging valley. This extra part of the hike includes across boulders and up and down steep rocky and loose gravel slopes. People who do not want to hike the extra can choose to wait at the end of the official trail and look for fossils! The option to split the group with some waiting and some climbing will only happen if the weather is good (not raining or threatening rain). There will be other people at the end of the official trail as this is a very popular hike.

Meet Place:

Shell Station on Hwy 1, across from COP

Directions:

Stanley Glacier Trailhead, Kootenay National Park: Hwy 1 (Trans Canada) west to Castle Junction. Take Hwy 93 south towards Radium (about 1 hour, 50 minutes drive from Calgary). Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZbVzh1winwjb2nuL8

Distance/Length:

Rated MOD: 11 km + 500 m elevation gain: 5 hours of hiking.

Carpool Option:

When possible, carpooling will be arranged from the Shell station in Calgary