46. Parker Ridge

Distance: round trip to saddle 4 k
Elevation gain: 272 m

On August 12, we started our third hike in a row,  a lovely, easy one with beautiful weather, even the wind up on top was pleasant. From the parking lot, we could see the ridge up above.

Following the trail indicated on the sign board would be easy for any traveler.

Again the flowers were mostly finished but on this hike, bright colour came from the foliage of various plants.

 The views were mountainous looking back at any point on the way up.

 Soon we arrived at the saddle along with many others.

First we climbed to the right for a look at the Saskatchewan glacier.I

It was mostly hidden behind the ridge from here. Judging by the number of wind shelters it must get pretty cold and crowded up here sometimes.

Even this high up in the Rockies, one can find many fossils. I can`t imagine this being an ocean.

We descended the right shoulder and went up the left. This gave a full view of the Saskatchewan glacier, lake and streams.

A waterfall flowed from another glacier to the left.

We ate our lunch at the end of this trail enjoying the full delta before us. There was a rock sticking out over the valley and I just had to try to get a little better pose for the camera.

45. Wilcox Pass

Distance: 12 k
Elevation gain: 335 m

On August 11, we left Mosquito Creek Campground early to get a site at Wilcox Creek Campground. There we had our breakfast before starting off.

The trail began at the entrance to the campground and based on the cars parked there, promised to be rather busy. The trail was wide and climbed and quickly rose above the trees to give views of the road and glaciers across.

It continued ascending at a steady rate up into the pass. We assumed this pile of rocks marked the high point and posed as usual.

Ridges to the west blocked the views of the glaciers so we extended the hike by passing over ridge after ridge to get to the west edge and admire the vast Columbia Icefields with various branches including the Athabasca Glacier.

It was way too cold and windy to eat lunch comfortably here we turned back and found a quieter spot.

Still a wonderful view.

We turned around and went back to join the trail through the pass.

44. Molar Pass

Distance: 20.4 k
Elevation gain: 540 m

On August 10, Monday morning we left Calgary early to get a campsite at Mosquito Creek. We crossed the road from the campsite, tested the water temperature in Mosquito Creek,(cold) and set off for Molar Pass.

The trail was easy, often along the creek with bridges for crossing. A couple tall waterfalls from a glacier held our attention as we walked along. Unfortunately for pictures and views the air was very hazy.(smoky)

The season was a little late for flowers so we enjoyed a variety of gorgeous mushrooms instead.

  Eventually we reached more openess and saw the pass ahead of us although we could not be sure of where the path would go.

A few more turns and we were encouraged by seeing the trail traverse the wall at an easy incline.

We entered the pass and surveyed the valley behind us.

The pass was wide and green and as we hiked in further we saw Molar Mountain.

Herm always wants to see what's on the other side so we walked on to the edge.

As with most passes, this one was very windy on top so we sunbathed in the lee of some krumholtz until it was time to go home for supper.