Golden Larches on the Skoki Circuit: Hiking deep into the Canadian Rockies

Looking down at Redoubt Peak and Ptmargan Lake-photo Paul Zikkka

By mid-September, after the first frost has come and gone, we traditionally get the lingering dogdays of a second summer here in the Canadian Rockies. This means abnormally warm weather during the day, with clear skies and cool nights. What we will discover on the trail are golden larches, fewer hikers, no bugs and hopefully an ink black sky at night studded with a thousand trillion stars. For some of us, it maybe our first time seeing the Milky Way so clearly.

Our first Camp—HIdden Lake photo Paul Zizzka

The Skoki World Class hike takes place in the open high alpine, giving us sweeping views of spectacular mountains while we sit and enjoy the reflections by the many alpine lakes, in a quiet we seldom have in today’s world. The only people we will meet out here will be the hikers who got here the same way we did…by foot. Which makes for meeting great friends.

Hiking amongst the Larches-photo Navarana Smith

This trip is timed for when the Larches should be nearing their prime colours. Some of the highlights will include gourmet dinners by the lake while fish jump and we hear the iconic call of the Common loon . We’ll keep our eyes peeled for Marsh hawks, Bald Eagles and Big Horn Sheep, and will be sure to see a porcupine nibbling on some larch needles.

Cotton grass in the alpine-photo Jane Whitney

Except for the last day, the hiking distances are three hours in length on the Skoki hiking circuit, having us arrive into camp early to enjoy the beautiful place we have arrived.

A side hike from camp-photo Travel Alberta

This trip is limited to six lucky hikers. Trip price includes a professional hiking guide, gourmet meals in the field, group safety gear and tents. We can rent you a sleeping bag, air mattress and backpack, but you’ll need to bring what’s on the clothing and equipment list found here.

The Skoki Backpacking trip is a world class hike, and one not to be missed at this time of year. Find out more information on the Skoki Backpacking Trip at the following www.hikebanff.com/backpacking-hikes

Hidden Lake-photo Brian Keating

 

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Intro to Backpacking Course