Skip to content
Boot Wreckers
Menu
  • Home Page
  • Hiking Day Trips
    • Angels Landing – 2015
    • Aylmer Lookout Banff NP
    • Mt Allan Traverse (Centennial Ridge)
    • Mt Nomad (almost) – Kanananaskis Country
  • Backpacking – Overnights
    • Baker Lake 2020 Banff NP
    • Exploring Waterfalls with Volcano – Yoho NP
    • Fish Lakes – Banff NP, Alberta
    • Floe Lake/Numa Creek, Kootenay NP, British Columbia
    • Floe Lake (Revisited 2019) – Kootenay NP
    • Grand Canyon Corridor Backpacking Trip
    • Hermit Trail to Hermit Meadows – Glacier NP, British Columbia
    • Howard-Douglas Lake – Banff NP (2017)
    • Leman Lake – Banff, NP
    • Mystic Lake – Banff NP
    • Ribbon Lake Kananaskis Prov. Park 2016 – Ribbon Creek Route
    • Ribbon Lake Kananaskis Prov. Park 2017 – South Buller Pass Route
    • Simpson and Healy Pass – Banff NP (2016)
    • Stenton Lake – Alberta Wildlands Prov. Park
  • Backpacking – Multi Day
    • Arizona New Years Adventure 2023
    • Arizona Trail Passages 16 17
    • Arizona Trail Passages 14 15 2023
    • Brazeau Loop – Jasper National Park
    • Colorado River Float Trip 2015
    • Egypt Lake Epic – Banff NP
    • Egypt Lake Exploration 2021- Banff NP
    • Grand Canyon Hermit – South Kaibab
    • Grand Canyon – Tanner/Beamer Trail
    • GR20 – Corsica
    • Great Divide Trail Hike – Section C 2020
    • Great Divide Trail Hike – Section D 2022
    • Great Divide Trail Hike – Section E 2021
    • Green River Canoe Trip 2017
    • Iceline/Twin Falls – Yoho NP 2020
    • Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
    • Mt Assiniboine Lollipop – Banff NP
    • Rockwall North 2020 Kootenay NP
    • Rockwall 2022 – Paint Pots to Numa Creek, Kootenay NP
    • Sawback – Banff NP
  • The Team
  • Contact Us
Menu

Rockwall North 2020 Kootenay NP

Rainbows and wine on a Canadian Classic.

Spring on the Rockwall Trail. Flowers, snow, ice and rocks.

Paint Pots to Helmet Falls CG to Tumbling Falls CG to Paint Pots, July 10 – 12, 2020.

Originally this trip was planned this as a solo hike with Volcano. As the previous winter progressed it became obvious that the distances that were necessary to get from campground to campground were going to be too far for Volcano. I put a call out to ask for people interested in joining me on the hike. Since it was Covid times they would have to secure their own reservations for each campground. As luck would have it Ken and his brother had the weekend free and were able to secure last minute sites at the campgrounds.

Hiking the Rockwall Trail through Kootenay NP is considered back country hiking extraordinaire. The Rockwall rises almost a 1000 m above the valley floor and extends for over 30 km with only one significant break. Hiking the entire Rockwall would take you over four alpine passes and though four campgrounds. I had been to Floe Lake twice at the southern end of the Rockwall (Floe Lake Numa Creek 2011 and Floe Lake Revisited 2019) and had hiked over Numa Pass and out Numa Creek on the 2011 trip. So I was eager to explore more of the Rockwall. This trip was booked as a way to explore the Rockwall and as a relatively easy three day trip good for the beginning of the backpacking season.

The trip was in July but since I was teaching summer school I would not be able to leave Canmore until close to 2 pm. Ken and his brother Neil both had the day off so headed out about 9 am. Neil who has made many trips to the Rockwall highly encouraged boots, traction aids and poles. This created a bit of scrambling for me as normally I hike in shoes and my boots are little past it. My regular poles also do not have baskets on them so they are very useful in deep snow. I found a good pair of adjustable poles in the garage and grabbed my boots and traction aides so was all set to go. While there was some snow on day 2 it was very firm making the poles and boots unnecessary. Once on the trail it was easy to see how just a week or two prior the conditions could have been very different with a lot of deep snow so better safe than sorry.

While I would be hiking with Ken and Neil with the trip being during Covid this was a pseudo-solo trip as I was entirely self sufficient. I carried my own tent, food, stove and medical kit. This really was actually ideal as it was only three days and I was preparing for a much longer trip in the summer on the Great Divide Trail and this would allow me to trial some new equipment. The trip on the Great Divide Trail was planned for 15 days so I had purchased some new equipment in an attempt to cut down on weight. I had a smaller and lighter backpack a Gregory Paragon 58L, a 550 mL titanium mug that would serve also as my pot (I actually had a 1.1 L titanium mug for the GDT hike) a Montbell Down Vest and 100 wt fleece.

What was learned.

  • Navigating across snow can be challenging but the Viewranger App was perfect on this trail, never more than a foot off of where the trail was.
  • Getting up early has its perks, especially if you are a photographer
  • Short days can be fun. Every day on the trail does not have to epic in terms of mileage. Need to pause and remember why you are out there.

Day 1 Paint Pots to Helmet Falls CG

Day 2 Morning at Helmet Falls

Day 2 Helmet Falls CG to Tumbling Falls CG

Day 3 Tumbling Falls CG to Paint Pots

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

bootwreckers

With my trip ending a little early I spent the las With my trip ending a little early I spent the last couple of days doing Trail Magic, full story up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

I stayed the night utilizing the primitive camping area at Picketpost Mt. Arizona sunsets are amazing. 

I did two days of Trail Magic. I purchased 14 pops (known locally as sodas) and bags of chips each day and hung out at two different trailheads for the AZT. The thru hikers coming by were always appreciative of the extra calories with flavour.

After I headed back to Phoenix to begin my trip home.

I love traveling and hiking in Arizona, not sure when I will get back but I will go back soon(ish).

#trailmagic #aztassociation #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Day 3 (and final day) of my hike on the Arizona Tr Day 3 (and final day) of my hike on the Arizona Trail finishing Passage 15, see link in bio.

Had just under 20 miles to hike. Was a great day on trail. After finishing hiking the high desert reentered canyon country which was followed by a quick climb for amazing views from the high point.

The hike ended with what can only be described as a cacophony of flowers. A simply amazing way to finish the hike. 

Now I have to figure out which Passages I can hike next and when....good problem to have.

#nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Just the aurora dancing in the northern skies take Just the aurora dancing in the northern skies taken from my balcony. 

I never tire of seeing the Northern Lights

#northernlights #aurora #auroraborealis #canmore
Day 2 of my Arizona Trail Passages 14 15 hike is u Day 2 of my Arizona Trail Passages 14 15 hike is up on Bootwreckers. 

Big day, 36 km's, but was super fun over varied terrain and some more Trail Magic when I arrived at the beginning of Passage 15 at Freeman Road.

Hiked almost until sundown, but managed to find a slightly sheltered spot to block some of the very fierce desert wind.

Love hiking in Arizona,  next time I will make sure I tape up my heels before I start.

Enjoy.

#nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Arizona Trail Passages 14 15 travel day and Day 1 Arizona Trail Passages 14 15 travel day and Day 1 up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

Was a fantastic trip south to hike Passages 14 and 15 of thr Arizona Trail.

Met lots of great people, enjoyed some Trail Magic and experience the raw beauty of the desert. 

Trip didn't go quite as planned but I am still planning on heading back thr AZT for more adventures.

The last photo is my training partner, Margaux,  and what I was hiking in just the week before the trip. Not so much snow in the desert. 

#nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Day 3 of my New Years adventure in Arizona up on B Day 3 of my New Years adventure in Arizona up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

Hiked the Superstition Ridgeline Trail, 23 km of some very rough terrain.

The views from the ridge were spectacular. The trail is more of a route, then a trail. I got off trail a half a dozen times just on the ascent to the ridge. Sprinkled in for fun where several down climbs where I had to drop my poles before climbing down a small chimney or crack.

There is camping possibilities on the ridge and I do wish I would have camped just before Syphon Draw and enjoyed the sunset. Maybe next time.

This was a very challenging 10.5 hrs on the trail, one of my hardest days ever, but worth every drop of sweat.

Till next time Arizona.

#nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Even in the smoke, there is nothing like hiking in Even in the smoke, there is nothing like hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

On the way to Pinto Lake, going over Sunset Pass with Tuft Peak in the distance.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #alberta, #albertaparks
Day 2 of my New Years Arizona Adventure is posted, Day 2 of my New Years Arizona Adventure is posted, see link in bio.

Fun and easy day exploring the Superstitions with my four new friends. Lots of varied terrain and lots of breaks. Will make up for that on Day 3.

I did run out of superlatives to describe the scenery, in one word it was simply spectacular!

#nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Day 1 of a fun two day trip out to Pinto Lake over Day 1 of a fun two day trip out to Pinto Lake over Sunset Pass.

It was a little smokey but as you can see from the first photo the views were spectacular.....

The little dot in Photo 9 is a Common Loon, and entertained us for several minutes swimming across the lake and diving for fish.

Big thanks to @kbsymington , @sio.mellors , Kylie and Charlie for making it such an awesome trip.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #alberta, #albertaparks
Day 1 of my 2023 New Years Arizona Adventure is up Day 1 of my 2023 New Years Arizona Adventure is up on Bootwreckers,  see link in bio.

Day started off rainy, see photo 2, but the clouds cleared off by 8 am and I finally got my hike started.

The day wasn't without adversity as I slipped chasing my water bottle in a stream and fell in the water. My camera got flooded and stopped working so the rest of the photos were taken on my aging BlackBerry Key 2.

Met up with a group of 4 med students and hiked with them for two days.

Despite the ruined camera was a super fun day on the trail in a new place. 

#nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
It took a while but finally posted the intro to my It took a while but finally posted the intro to my New Years trip to Arizona, see link in bio.

I was greater in Arizona to 18C weather followed quickly by near freezing temperatures and the most rain in the Phoenix area in one day since 1906!

My trip went from Plan A, 4 days on the Arizona Trail,  through Plans B, C and Finally D.

Was a fun if sometimes frustrating adventure.

#nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Day 3 of Rockwall 2022 is up on Bootwreckers, see Day 3 of Rockwall 2022 is up on Bootwreckers,  see link in bio.

Sweet little day up and over Tumbling Pass with and a long view of Tumbling Glacier. 

The weather cooperated with blue skies and no threat of rain so we were able to linger at The Glacier before heading down the long descent to the car.

While a straightforward day there were still some adventures to be had, but you have to read about them on the blog.

Big thanks to my amazing hiking partner, @sio.mellors

Looking forward to our 3 day adventure this summer, which will no doubt generate more stories to tell.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
Day 2 of our Rockwall 2022 trip is posted on Bootw Day 2 of our Rockwall 2022 trip is posted on Bootwreckers, see link in bio. With @sio.mellors

This day was Helmet Falls CG to Tumbling Creek CG.

Day started off beautiful with blue skies which turned to rain after lunch. Somehow through all the rain and thunder Siobhan  never lost her smile.

The day ended with beers and Siobhan giving butt rubs to the doggies in camp.

Photo 1 Siobhan taking in the Rockwall at lunch

Photo 2 Helmet Falls at Golden hour

Photo 3 me and my morning coffee waiting for Siobhan to wake up

Photo 4 on the way up Siobhan with Limestone Peak in th background 

Photo 5 Siobhan at Rockwall Pass (can you tell?)

Photo 6 Siobhan near Wolverine Pass with Rockwall Peak shrouded in clouds

Photo 7 Tumbling Glacier through the clouds

Photo 8 setting up camp

Photo 9 Dinner time

Photo 10 butt rubs

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
New trip posted, three day trip in the Rockwall in New trip posted, three day trip in the Rockwall in Kootenay NP with @sio.mellors. Introduction and Day 1 up on Bootwreckers.

Trip was suppose to be hiking Northover Ridge in Kanananaskis but smoke had us change plans at the last minute.

This would be my third multi day trip on the Rockwall but the first for Siobhan.

Managed to get two camping sites on the Rockwall and instead of smoke we had to deal with the threat of rain.

We did get wet but we had a blast.

Day 1 is from Paint Pots TH to Helmet Falls CG, with a side trip to get up close the the falls. Pretty straightforward day but visiting Helmet Falls is always special.

#parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks
The sixth and final day of our 2022 GDT Section D The sixth and final day of our 2022 GDT Section D hike is up on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

This day took us from a random camp on the Howse Floodplain to the Mustafa Canyon parking lot. This was an adventurous day with bushwhacking, stream crossings and dead fall but a simply glorious end to a wonderful hike on the GDT. 

Again thanks  to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. I am sure we will meet again on a trail someday.

Photo 1 - Morning Colors

Photo 2 - tents on the floodplain

Photo 3 - bushwhacking to start the day

Photo 4 - fields of flowers going to seed

Photo 5 - looking south down the Howse River

Photo 6 - thigh deep water crossing

Photo 7 - big views

Photo 8 - Sara crossing some dead fall

Photo 9 -Mistaya Canyon

Photo 10 - picked up a thru hiker named Roy, enjoying beverages left by Natasha and Kyle from Backpacks and Bikeracks

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Day 5 of our 2022 Great Divide Trail Section D hik Day 5 of our 2022 Great Divide Trail Section D hike is posted on Bootwreckers, see link in bio.

Truly epic day on the trail. Pass through the debris of two avalanches, had lunch by a waterfall, crawled over so much dead fall and hiked on the Howse Flood Plain.

The sunset on the flood plain was one of most magical I have seen.

As always a big thanks to Sara (@sd_kuz) and Lillian (@waterlilizee) for sharing this adventure with me. The Team totally rocked the trail.

#greatdivide #greatdividetrail #gdt #parkscanada #parks #bcparks #trails #longdistancehike #longtrail #outdoors #outside #thruhike #hike #thruhiking #outside #backpacking #waterfalls #waterfall #naturephotography #naturephotography #nationalparks #duplex #sectionhike #sectionhiker
Evening light on Picketpost Mt. #aztrail #aztasso Evening light on Picketpost Mt.

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15. Some photos of Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15.

Some photos of my recent hike down a couple of Passages of the Arizona Trail. 

The trail is so diverse, rolling terrain cut by shallow washes leads to the expanse of the desert then into rugged canyons and tall peaks, all in a space of 92 km (58 miles).

Had a great time, some blisters gave me some concerns but they seem to be doing fine now that they are out of my hiking shoes.

Got lucky with Trail Magic courtesy of Condiments who drove his 4x4 deep into an unarmed wash, was really in the middle of no where, and then again at the start of Passage 15, missed the Trail Angel's name, the wind was so loud.

Like to thank my Trail Angels, Carole for driving me to Oracle to start the trip, with side trip to a Hayden Az, a real ghost town and to Edith for leaving a water cache for me at Passage 15.

Included a video of my time at the high point for Passage 15. My kid likes it when you stop and enjoy the view you earned, thought they would appreciate my effort in the face of 1000 mph winds (ok maybe thats a bit of an exaggeration).

Thanks Arizona and the AZT for providing more memories.

I will be back

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
That sunset says when I wake up it will be time to That sunset says when I wake up it will be time to start my hike on the Arizona Trail, Passages 14 and 15

Love my little motel in Superior, Az, Copper Mt Motel. Has murals painted on all the buildings

Spied the Grand Canyon from the plane 

Adventure awaits 

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Frosty Paws all packed and ready for an adventure. Frosty Paws all packed and ready for an adventure.

Arizona Trail Passages 14 and 15 starting Sunday

Off weekend gooooooo!

#aztrail #aztassociation  #nps, #nationalparks, #slotcanyon, #hiking, #hikingadventures, #familytime, #camping, #campingadventures, #outdoors, #outside, #nature,  #FIndyourpark #landscape #landscapephotography #optoutside #nationalpark #desertphotography #grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonassociation #nationalparkweek #reichallenge #nationalparksweek #rightnow #nationalparktrust #goparks #aztrails
Load More Follow on Instagram

For more photos of these and other Bootwreckers Adventures

© 2023 Boot Wreckers | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme