Mountain Hut Trips:
Yoho National Park

Lake O'Hara Basin: 4 days
Elizabeth Parker Hut

ITINERARY:

Pre-trip

An evening orientation meeting to introduce all group members, and to discuss trail options, check gear and to issue packs. rain gear, etc.

Day 1

We arrive at the Lake O'Hara trailhead in time to board the bus that will take us the fourteen kilometers to the Le Relay day hut and the drop off for all going to the Elizabeth Parker Hut.

Hiking the one kilometre to the hut, you find yourself in a basin ringed by spectacular glaciated peaks. These peaks are close at hand and tower close to 1500 metres over the valley floor. The picturesque log hut, located in a small sub-alpine meadow, will be your refuge for the next three nights as we explore the beauty of this basin.

After establishing ourselves in the hut, our group will do our first exploration on the Linda Lakes and Morning Glory Lake loop under the austre North face of Mount Odaray. This is a short loop, 7 kilometres, will be done at a relaxed pace, as always, so you may fully enjoy the beauty of this very special place.

On arriving back at the hut you may enjoy at hot cup of tea while your guide prepares dinner, after which you may want to enjoy an evening stroll around Lake O'Hara.valley.

Distance 9.5 km. (6 miles)
Maximum Elevation 2035 metres (6500 feet)

Day 2

Today's we spend much of the day high above tree line hiking a spectacular Alpine circuit. From the hut we will ascend the West access trail to the Opabin Plateau and from there branch onto the All Souls Route. This trail takes us through the talus under the spectacular cliffs of Mount Schaffer to Mary Schaffer Lake. The views are stunning. From Mary Scaffer Lake we will follow the Grassi Route to McArthur Lake and return to the hut via the low direct route. The superlatives that one could use to describe the beauty of this route pale when you experience the reality of this area. A hint of the area's beauty might be in its popularity with artists. This is probably the most painted valley in the rockies and aspects of it have been painted by many of the most successful Canadian artists.

Distance 17 km. (11 miles)
Maximum Elevation 2210 metres (7250 feet)

Day 3

Another, and perhaps even more spectacular alpine route, is planned for this day. Proceeding to Lake O'Hara, we will take the trail to Wiwaxy Gap. This is a 'longish' steep section of trail gaining 500 metres in elevation in less than two kilometres -- strenuous by most standards. Long before you reach the gap you emerge above the tree line and are able to trace your path of the previous day. On reaching Wiwaxy Gap you have stunning views to the north and south. Traversing the flank of Mount Huber we will wind our way to Lake Oesa -- a small mountain tarn surrounded by three astonishing peaks all over 11,000 feet which seem to literally hang over the lake. After a short rest to enjoy the lake and lunch we will start on the second alpine route for day as we will take the Yukness Ledges to the Opabin Plateau. The trail here leads across the face on Mount Yukness and presents all hikers with some mild exposure to the elevation differences between themselves and the valley floor. This vantage point allows us to enjoy the upper Opabin valley and glacier. On working our way to the "plateau" we will take the east trail to Lake O'Hara and follow the south shore to the lodge and then on to the hut. Yet another day of stunning beauty. valley.

Distance 10 km. (6 miles)
Maximum Elevation 2538 metres (8300 feet)

Day 4

After our final night in the hut, we will enjoy our last breakfast, pack up and prepare for the walk to the bus pick up point at Le Relay. Odaray Prospect is our destination for this day and we must be off quite early as only six parties a day are allowed to take this hike. The route leads back to Schaffer Lake and then on to McArthur Pass at which point you ascend the flank of Mount Odaray to a prominent prospect or look out where you once again will be treated to unimaginable views of the entire area. Descending from the prospect we will pick up our belongings at the hut and meet the bus at 4:00 pm. We can assure you, you will be saddened our four day venture into some of most beautiful mountains anywhere in the world is over. valley.

Distance 8 km. (5 miles)
Maximum Elevation 2450 metres (8000 feet)

Please Note:

Changes in this itinerary may be necessary due to snow or weather conditions, trail safety or closures, and availability of backcountry camping spots.

2005 TRIP DATES & PRICES

.*Applies to all inclusive package only