Snow in September? It is Alberta after all.
Iceline trail in Yoho National Park in British Columbia is a local favourite for running and hiking. Get your fill of waterfalls, alpine tarns, glacial moraines and more!
From Calgary, it’s a two and a half hour drive so it can be challenging drive there because you pass so many peaks in Kananaskis, Canmore and Banff on the way.
Recently I was in Golden (about an hour from Yoho) and I decided to explore the Iceline Trail. While I had hiked it a few years ago, I needed a new stamp for my Eastern Rockies Trail Passport.
I didn’t see anyone when I started out from the parking area even though the lot was half full. Some cars likely belonged to campers as there are a few campsites in the area.
I bypassed Takakkaw Falls because the skies were not very promising. To start the run, I crossed Yoho Valley Road and ran a few hundred metres before the Yoho Lake Trail sign. My plan was to run/hike the well-travelled Iceline Trail 21K loop. There was snow in the forecast so I didn’t want to stray too far from my car.
In the trees mostly, it was another two kilometres or so before I reached the actual Iceline Trail. I ran pass a few hikers on the climb (boy did I look cool) then I continued fast hiking when I knew they were out of sight.
I stayed right at the main junction and headed excitedly along the Iceline Trail. I didn’t let the moody skies ruin my mood. Dull and overcast days often make for some dynamic photos.
I had the trail to myself – which I absolutely loved. It was easy running, stop take a picture, keep running kind of day. After a busy weekend in Golden, it was just what I needed. I didn’t see any animals save for a porcupine who I nearly hit with my car on Yoho Valley Road.
The weather was holding up pretty good as I rounded another corner along the trail. The clouds were moving quickly, which meant I needed to stop my tourist pace and giddy up.
Just as I was going to say goodbye to the trail and head down to the trees, I spotted a trio in the distance. Once closer we chatted a little about the weather and the route. I hate small talk in real life but I am always the first to start talking to other runners or hikers.
After I left the trio, it began to snow again. Earlier it had snowed lightly now the flakes were getting bigger. I mistakenly left my rain jacket in my car so I was just minutes away from being completely soaked. Tree roots and rocks are not fun to navigate when they are wet.
The last picture I took was of the Warden cabin on the homestretch. I chatted with two young women who were eating their lunch on the porch of the Stanley Mitchell Hut. I had to keep moving because my hands were getting so cold.
By the time I reached my car, I had passed three school groups of young teenagers who were camping for the night. I sure hope the weather cleared up for them. I was miserable for the last few kilometres.
Thankfully no one in the parking lot (that I could see) witnessed my desperation. I couldn’t take my clothes off fast enough at my car. It took a good 10 minutes of gripping my heated steering wheel before I had all the feeling back in my hands.
The ride back to Calgary was just as eventful as the snow continued until about Canmore. First snow always brings out the crazy in motorists. (Sorry about that.)