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Hermit Trail to Hermit Meadows – Glacier NP, British Columbia

Short steep hike to an alpine meadow

View from the meadow looking south.

Hermit Meadows – July 2013

Day 1 3.2 km, 820m elevation, 2 hrs 50 min

This was our second foray into backcountry camping. We made one major change from our first trip, purchasing a good three-season tent. Our choice was the Big Agnes Lynx Pass 3, coming in at 4 lbs 10 oz. When we went to the store, they were good enough to set it up for us; we both lay in it to check dimensions and we brought Links’ sleeping mat along with us. We had to make sure there was room for Links. This one purchase alone saved around 5 lbs. I notice in the pictures that I still had a hammer, but it was a much smaller hammer than before. So we had some significant weight-savings over our first trip to Floe Lake in 2011.

Our original plan was to do Yoho Lake Campground in Yoho National Park, starting at Emerald Lake. We had planned to do this trip in 2012, but by the time we reached the end of Emerald Lake, the snow melt water made crossing the alluvial fan impossible.

Yoho trip 2012, a promising start at Emerald Lake.
The first crossing over the alluvial fan, looks doable.
Links is looking game, still got the blue tarp.
More water here.
Laura and Links looking for some dry ground.
We have to go that way. We are all wet, there is no end to the water, time to head for home.

This time, we actually stayed overnight in Field, BC so we could get an early start. We had our permit all ready and headed out fairly early (for us). However, there was a threat of rain all through Banff, Kootenay and Yoho national parks, so we decided to take a risk and keep driving west, where it promised better weather. We arrived in Glacier National Park after about 1 hrs and 45 min of driving. We checked out the visitor centre and a few minutes later had a camping permit for Hermit Meadows.

Hermit Trail is described as follows on the Parks Canada website, “The Hermit Trail has the reputation of being the steepest trail in a park famous for its steep trails!” But we didn’t know that, all we knew was the trail was short but steep and we had a camping permit, we were excited.

Trailhead, Hermit Trail.

We hit the trail at 10:45 am. With all the driving and time at the visitor centre, it was a pretty reasonable start time. The trail descends momentarily before rising viciously for the remainder of the hike. The trail travels initially through thick forest. The trees slowly start to thin out.

Parks Canada and their excellent signage.
Excellent trail conditions.
Trees already thinning out.

The first views of the mountains around us came at just under one hour of hiking, as Mt MacDonald came into view across the valley. Mt MacDonald is famous for the Canadian Pacific Railway Tunnels that pass through it. The tunnels were constructed between 1884 and 1889, and at 21 km (13 miles) long are considered the longest tunnels in the Americas, or a close second.

First view of Mt MacDonald
High alpine vistas opening up.
Reaching the alpine, Links looking warm.

The trees continue to thin out, offering up views in all directions. We stopped for a snack after 1 hr 25 min of hiking. We gave Links a break and took his backpack off; everyone needs a good stretch in the middle of this hike.

Mt MacDonald
The lower slopes of the Hermit Range.
Snack break.

I had two small water bottles for Links and stopped at a stream to refill them. It probably was not necessary, as there was plenty of water available, but you never know.

Filling up Links’ water, there is plenty of the water available on the trail and at the Hermit Meadow.

As we continued up, the trail transitioned from dirt to more rocks and slabs. Parks Canada has done some great trail work; in steep sections, steps made from large rocks are built into the trail. This helps prevent erosion.

Sunshine and steps
Flowers dot the landscape.
Laura approaching the top.

As we skirted a small cliff, we were accosted by a noisy marmot sounding the alarm of intruders (us). We continued on our way up the grassy slope. There was a small, tricky, rocky section to get over, and Parks Canada had placed a thick rope to help you haul yourself up and over.

Landscape changing, less trees, more rocks
The marmot is just right of centre.
Wonder puppy.
Using the rope, Links did not need the rope

Ten minutes later the trail flattened out as we entered Hermit Meadows; this was the first relief from the steep climb we had since we started.

The trail flattens out, a moraine in the distance, evidence of a glacial past.
Hermit Meadows with Mt MacDonald in the background.
View to the south, the tallest peak, left of centre is Youngs Peak (2815m), the Illecillewaet Glacier is just on the left side of the ridge that leads to Youngs Peak.

Hermit Meadows is a large flattish, rocky area. There are several wooden platforms set up for tents. We chose one up a small ridge that offered a view of the meadow below and easy access to water from a small stream. Using a platform makes it impossible to stake your tent. The platforms have hooks placed all around the edge, so that you can attach your tent lines to a secure the tent. The time was 1:35 pm, 2 hrs 50 min since we had left the parking lot.

Home for the day.
Happy hiker Links and Laura taking a break on the platform.

It was a relatively early arrival at the campsite. While the air was not overly warm (we are at an elevation of 2,112 m), the platform was a dark wood that absorbed a lot of heat, so we were all able to enjoy a short nap in the afternoon sun; even Links thought that this was a good idea.

Nap time.
Setting up the tent in my socks.

Later, we went for a short walk around the meadow. Other people did not start appearing until a few hours later. I remember one group passing on through, going to explore the tall peaks beyond. Another group with a dog turned up. I was concerned at first that it was a wolf, since it was off leash. They found a spot away from us, Links never seemed overly fussed.

Lots of water flowing through the meadow.
Lonely tent in a boulder field.
There are two tents among the rocks. Mt Sifton in the background. Up along the ridge, you can make out the green biffy.

We had dinner around 5 pm. The temperature was dropping quickly, fleeces and toques were needed to stay warm.

Amazing view from the kitchen.
Dinner time.
Happy campers.

In the end, there were about four tents set up, not on platforms. My guess is that people did not have permits.

There is a fuzzy, blurry pika, lower centre. We watched it for quite a while.

Day 2

The sun rose bright and flooded the tent with light, signalling the start to our day. We had the stove on and heating water for breakfast and coffee by 7:30 am. Breakfast was another glorious meal of Mountain House dried food.

After breakfast, I made use of the outdoor biffy. Now, most people usually do not discuss the bathroom facilities at a backcountry campground, but I feel I must. This potty afforded some of the most spectacular views anywhere. High alpine cliffs and glaciers in every direction, just about worth the trip just to visit the loo.

No better way to start the day.

After breakfast, we packed up and then went for a short hike up a steep slope. This gave us a great view of Hermit Meadows and Glacier NP. Simply splendid.

View of Hermit Meadows.
Up the ridge.

We headed down and grabbed our packs, loaded up Links and headed off on what should have been a simple retracing of yesterday’s hike, but downhill.

On our way back down.
Looking over the edge.

After about 45 minutes of hiking, Links started to pause and sit down. He had never done this before. While going downhill was not his favourite thing (he is generally happier going up), he had never stopped and sat down before. We were very puzzled at what was up. After this happened a few times, it appeared that Links was in a little bit of distress. So I took his backpack from him to ease his load. This was probably the last time Links carried a pack.

We slowly made our way back to the car, both of us concerned for Links. If you notice, there are no pictures of the end of the hike, as we were focused on Links, not the hike.

We had thought that maybe it was a reaction to apple seeds. We had made a habit of feeding Links parts of our leftover apples that we ate while hiking. Searching the internet (never a good source of medical advice, that is what your local veterinarian is for), we thought the problem was the apple, and decided to not give Links any more of our apples in the future.

Looking back on it now, we believe it was the onset of Links’ arthritis in his front shoulders. He still loves to hike, but over the years, he has had obvious difficulty descending steep terrain (and Hermit Trail is steep). He repeatedly stops and sits down on descents. This has resulted over time in us having to pick our hikes and backpacking adventures to accommodate Links. Our vet believes that Links has arthritis in his shoulders, and has prescribed a doggy anti-inflammatory to reduce the pain. We have progressed from only giving the medication when hiking, to giving it prior to hiking, to now, he gets a dose every day.

Indian Paint brushes along the trail.

It was a great hike and weekend adventure to an amazing place, Hermit Meadows is a must-do destination.

What we learned:

  • Not necessary to bring a hammer
  • Sometimes you have to be flexible in your planning.

bootwreckers

View looking West over the Tonto Platform from the View looking West over the Tonto Platform from the South Kaibab Trail.

This April will be our 10 year anniversary of our first trip to the Grand Canyon.

It is truly one of my happy places, have visited five times and camped below the rim three times.

Looking to get back sometime soon, but good things are worth the wait.

#nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #100yearsofgrand #100yearsofbeauty #100yearsofgrandcanyon
Sunday morning sunrise! There are perks for getti Sunday morning sunrise!

There are perks for getting up early on a Sunday to go grocery shopping, and the mountain sunrises are one of them.

Shot off my phone from the parking in downtown Canmore.

#sunrise #sunrisephotography #sunrise_sunset_photogroup #earth #outside #outdoors #naturephotography #nature #naturelovers #sky #skyphotography #sky_brilliance
No doubt 2020 was a prickly year, and 2021 has sta No doubt 2020 was a prickly year, and 2021 has started out a little rough.

Just like hiking, if we keep going we will see beauty in amongst the prickles, but we need to stay on the trail.

Here's to good times ahead.

From our hike last year Emily hiking among the cactii towards the feature we affectionately named the Thumb, Passage 16 on the Arizona Trail

#teamzpacks #zpacks #zpacksduplex #aztassociation #aztrail #aztrails #hike #loveazt #desertphotography #desert #hikingadventures #hikes #backpacking #camping #getoutside #familytime #traillife #aztassociation , #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside  #rightnow #goparks #aztrails #aztrail #loveazt  #azt #arizonatrailassociation
Looking at a fun trip last summer through Yoho NP Looking at a fun trip last summer through Yoho NP with @sio.mellors 

Lots of waterfalls to see in the park, Laughing Falls is a fun and loud falls right off the main trail located surprisingly, next to Laughing Falls CG.

We stopped by on our way to Twin Falls CG after spending the day hiking the Iceline Trail

Like this photo of Siobhan getting close to the falls for her own picture. 

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #backpacking, #yohonationalpark #yoho #friendsofyoho #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #waterfall #waterfall #waterfallphotography #waterfallsofinstagram
Haiduk Lake, Banff NP. Haiduk Lake is just beyond Haiduk Lake, Banff NP.

Haiduk Lake is just beyond Whistling Pass as you hike from Egypt Lake to Balls Pass Junction.

Very pretty Lake. We were lucky enough to pass by early in the morning as we hiked from Egypt Lake to Floe Lake during our #gdt hike this summer.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #alpine #lifeelevated #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail
#kananaskis #kananaskiscountry
Chasing th Aurora on Friday night at Lake Minnewan Chasing th Aurora on Friday night at Lake Minnewanka in Banff NP.

Sadly it did not come right out to play,  but was obviously a lot of light coming from th North East.

Always fun to be outside in a dark place to see th glory of the night sky.

#outside, #hiking #camping, #backpacking,
#adventure, #adventureoutside, #nature, #landscapephotography, #nobaddays, #adventureholiday, #hikingadventures, #astrophotography, #milkyway #kootenaylife #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark #nationalparks
#parkscanada #northernlights #aurora #auroras #auroramax
Hiking the GDT Day 1. I was almost completely sa Hiking the GDT Day 1. 

I was almost completely satisfied with or trip on the Great Divide Trail when on Day 1 we finished the uphill to Turbine Canyon and popped out of the woods and saw this amazing alpine vista.

I remember remarking to Emily "this is why I hike"

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #alpine #lifeelevated #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail
#kananaskis #kananaskiscountry
Morning from Floe Lake with Floe Peak selection of Morning from Floe Lake with Floe Peak selection off the mirror smooth waters.

Another amazing morning hiking the GDT.

Never get tired of Floe Lake, was my third visit and just a year after my previous visit.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #flowers #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail #goldenhour #goldenhourphotography #mirrorphotography #lake
Golden hour! Morning sun shining off of Tumbling Golden hour!

Morning sun shining off of Tumbling Glacier and the Rockwall. 

Waking up at Tumbling Creek Campground during my Great Divide Hike this summer. 

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #flowers #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail #goldenhour #goldenhourphotography
Flower Field, Tumbling Pass, Kootenay NP. From la Flower Field, Tumbling Pass, Kootenay NP.

From last summer's Great Divide Trail hike. At th top of Tumbling Pass on the Rockwall, treated to a visual feast of colour.

Awesome day, epic hike.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #flowers #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia #gdt #greatdividetrail
As we head into winter, a shot from last spring at As we head into winter, a shot from last spring at the end of winter. The snow was just clearing from the trails, and flowers poking through to greet the warmth.

Heading out over Rockwall Pass, Kootenay NP, with @kbsymington  and @neil.real.deal .

Had some snowfields to cross, good day out on th trail

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #flowers #getoutside #lifeonthetrail #britishcolumbia
Fun photo from Twin Falls Campground in Yoho Natio Fun photo from Twin Falls Campground in Yoho National Park.

As night fell I was able to take some long exposure shots of Twin Falls Creek as it tumbles through the campground.

Fun 3 day trip with @sio.mellors.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #backpacking, #yohonationalpark #yoho #friendsofyoho #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #waterfall #rainbow #spectrum #hikingadventures #longexposure #longexposurephotography #river
Top of Guinns Pass, Kananaskis Country 2016 Guinn Top of Guinns Pass, Kananaskis Country 2016

Guinns Pass connects the valley with Ribbon Lake and Ribbon Creek and the valley with Lillian Lake and Galetea Creek. Stunning views in all directions from the top of the pass.

There is also a scramble up the connecting ridge to the east up to Guinns Peak and onto Mt Kidd South.

Great two days hiking with @emilysjumpinginpuddles

#hikingwithdogs, #hiking, #hikingdogsofinstagram, #outside, #kananaskiscountry, #kananaskis, #spcacanmore, #spcarescue, #snowyowlsleddogtours, #snowyowldogsledtours, #retiredsleddog, #retiredhusky, #backpacking, #tongueouttuesday, #canmore, #canmorealberta, #adventure,
Larch season is coming to an end in the Rockies, b Larch season is coming to an end in the Rockies, but last weekend we were treated to quite a display near Taylor Lake in Banff NP

#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada #larches #fall #autumn
Amazing sunset over Floe Lake. An early evening s Amazing sunset over Floe Lake.

An early evening storm and the setting sun shining up and reflecting off the clouds. Completely surreal. 

August 17th

Kootenay NP

Part of a 10 day hike along the Great Divide Trail, from Upper Kananaskis Lake to Field, BC

#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunstar #sun #lake #sunrise #alpin #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography
Well, my epic 15 day hike became a totally epic 10 Well, my epic 15 day hike became a totally epic 10 day adventure.

Lots of photos, but I will start with a picture of the adult wolf I saw just outside of Egypt Lake Campground.

I was luck to see probably the entire pack, 6 wolves, they were coming out of the woods and crossing the trail to Egypt Lake, and I just happened to be there with my camera.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #banffnationalpark #banffalberta 
 #egyptlake #wolf #wolves #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #wildwolf #wildwolves #gdt #greatdividetrail
Bathtub full of gear and Frosty Paws. Must mean ad Bathtub full of gear and Frosty Paws. Must mean adventure is near.

Leaving Tuesday for 15 days on the Great Divide Trail with daughter Emily. 

Hiking from Kananaskis Lakes to Saskatchewan River Crossing. 

1st stage is 7 days to Floe Lake, looking like th backpack will be around 45lbs, with tent, food and camera.

Should be a grand adventure.

#outside #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, 
#parkscanada #glaciernationalpark #bctourism #earthexperience
#sunrise #alpine #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography #alpinelake #amazingearth #morningmotivation #travelcanada #explorerockies
#travelcanada #mountainstories #explorecanada #theearthoutdoors #paradisecanada #gdt #greatdividetrail
Amazing backpacking trip through Yoho NP with Volc Amazing backpacking trip through Yoho NP with Volcano (@senioradventurepups)

Volcano is turning 13 the first week of August but still crushed the 12km from Laughing Falls CG to view Twin Falls and back to the car via the connector.

Volcano not a big fan of water falls, or me sticking the camera in her face, her expression says it all. But Twin Falls is beautiful and I caught a small rainbow at the bottom.

Had a blast with her, she is always keen to go, jst not as far as before.

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #backpacking, #yohonationalpark #yoho #friendsofyoho #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #waterfall #rainbow #spectrum #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #backpackingwithdogs #retiredhusky #retiredsleddog #alaskanhusky
Milky Way over Brachiopod Mt, Baker Lake, Banff NP Milky Way over Brachiopod Mt, Baker Lake, Banff NP. Super happy to get the reflections on stars in the lake.

Amazing trip to Baker Lake. The resident porcupine chewed a small hole in the fly.

Got up at 2am to take photos of the stars. On the way back, the porcupine was guarding my tent, had to gently shoo it away.

#outside, #outsidethebox, #liveoutdoors, #liveoutsidethebox #naturephotography, #naturelovers,  #retiredhusky, #rescuer
#parkscanada #banffnationalpark #banffalberta #banffcanada
#sunstar #sun #lake #sunrise #alpin #scenery #reflectionphotography #reflections #sceneryphotography
The light favours the early risers. The low angle The light favours the early risers.

The low angle morning rays from the sun makes a rainbow on Helmet Falls, Kootenay NP

#friends, #alberta, #parkscanada #rockwall #backpacking, #kootenaynationalpark #nationalpark, #nationalparks, #mountains #naturephotography #travelcolumbiavalley #travelbcp #waterfall #rainbow #spectrum #helmetfalls
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