The Icefields Parkway, Alberta Helen Lake and Cirque Peak literally takes you to the roof of the Rocky Mountains with its 2993 meters (9820 ft). It is a tough hike (at least for me!), but the feeling of accomplishment and the views on the top are unprecedented.
The first thing we met after parking our car and getting ready for the hike is this sticky note warning us about two grizzlies frequenting the area. There were several cars on the parking lot indicating other hikers were also on the trail so we decided to keep on!
The 3 first kilometres are mainly through the forest, but the view quickly opens up to reveal Bow Lake and it’s snow covered mountains in the back. After 6 kilometres you reach Helen Lake which still had some ice on the water despite this being in July!
The elevation gain up to Helen Lake is only about 400 meters and fully achievable for everyone. For many this is the end of the hike, and it is well worth hiking up here. But we were heading for Cirque Peak today and after a quick lunch at Helen Lake we continued on.
After Helen Lake the trail gets significantly steeper and a bit rocky and loose. It definitely turned our heart rate up a couple of notches! During this part of the trail we were also surprised by a short period of wind and rain – remember to bring warm clothing even if it seems like a nice and warm day down in town! After a short warm up and snack break we continued on to conquer the last steep hill. At this time the sky cleared up again and we got some great shoots.
The last 30 minutes I have to admit was a bit unnerving as it was steep and loose, I used my hands to get safely to the top. But we made it! The view and the feeling of accomplishment to make it all the way to the top was amazing! This was the tallest peak we had hiked so far in the Rockies with its 2993 meters (9820 ft) above sea level.
On the way down we met this little creature also enjoying the view. This is a hoary marmot and we often see these on our hikes, especially in higher altitudes.
My somewhat subjective hiking rating:
Trail: The trail starts at the parking lot across the road from Bow Lake. The 3 first kilometers are through the forest, but views quickly opens up and after 3 kilometers you have 360 degrees unbeatable views. To continue on to Helen Lake is fairly easy hiking. The last piece from Helen Lake to Cirque Peak is steep and strenuous with the last little piece requiring some scrambling to get to the top.
Worth it? Yes – views are the best you can get in the Rockies. And if you get to Helen Lake and feel you can’t make it all the way to Cirque Peak the hike is still worth it. If you go to Helen Lake you should at least hike to the plateau above the lake as this opens another dimension with only adding 30 minutes of hiking time.
Difficulty: Strenuous + some scrambling
Length: 18.3 km roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1038 m (3405 ft)
Duration: 7 hours
Our next goal is to get above 3000 meters in the Rockies. We were planning on trying it this summer, but the trail we had planned was closed due to grizzlies in the area… What is your next goal?
Thanks for visiting!
Wow! Those are some incredible views from the peak. It definitely would be a bit unnerving knowing that a couple of grizzlies like to hang out in the area. You didn’t mention seeing them so maybe they moved on. Love the photos and trail reports. If I ever get the chance someday these are the kind of places I’d love to trek. Take care and stay safe!
Yes, it was definitely one of the best views so far. Well worth the sweat to get to the top! We did fortunately not see the two announced grizzlies. Thanks for stopping by!
Beautiful scenery! Thanks for sharing!
Agreed! This was a beautiful hike! Thanks for stopping by!
Inger
Beautiful photos ~ the 3rd one being my favorite, although all excellent. Great post ~ what a trek…
Thanks for your comment! So funny to hear you liked the 3rd picture the best – I almost didn’t add it! 🙂 Love the different angle people see things!
It is so funny to find photos that we may not like (and even trash) just to find someone else who loves it. Similar to two people shooting the same scene, yet able to walk away with such a contrast of photos. Cheers!
That is an outstanding hike, Inger! We had taken the hike to the Bow Lake overlook when we were there. Next time, we need to cross the parkway and take that hike! Thanks for posting this!
Thanks for you comment! We actually looked at the Bow Lake overlook hike as well! Can you recommend it?
Most definitely! It is easy, compared to the hike you were on. The view was tremendous! Not Cirque Peak tremendous, but worth the time it takes to hike it.
Thank you for posting, Inger. It brings back a lot of great memories and makes us want to get back up there!
Also, we put your blog in our Blogs We Follow column on our blog! People need to see your blog!
Jim
That’s looks like a rather challenging hike, especially over the loose rocks and let’s not forget about the sign about the bears! Your pictures are spectacular and I would love to complete this hike as well – ah, maybe the next time I go to the Rockies I will add it to my list!
You should for sure add it to you list! One of my favourites so far. A bit challenging, but nothing one cannot overcome:) Thanks for stopping by!
Looks rather challenging but beautiful hike. I know I couldn’t do the loose rock part –I do have a fear of heights when there is no protective barrier around me at all.
Bet it’s not that far from Calgary.
It was beautiful for sure! What a view! There was really no danger of falling far, but some parts a bit uncomfortable with the loose rocks. But it was worth it! Not far from Calgary at all, guess it’s about 3 hours from Calgary.
Beautiful views, Inger. Hiking is such a great way to keep fit. 🙂 Well done on reacihng the top.
I was quite happy myself! I don’t feel comfortable when there is too much scrambling, but we were so close so had to get through it:)
(I posted a comment earlier, but I am not sure whether it went through :()
That looks like it was a fun hike, especially the part through woods. I think I would have been afraid to go up the slope with the loose surface, though.
Must not have come through:/ It was definitely one of the best hikes so far! The loose surface was a bit of a challenge (for me…my husband probably didn’t even notice…) but it was only the last 40 minutes or so so I had to manage since I could see the top! 🙂
Amazing! To be standing on top of the world and looking at breathtaking views all around!Good thing the grizzlies didn’t show up to welcome you with a bear hug!
I was so happy we didn’t see any grizzlies on the trail. I am not sure what I would have done! No complaint about the view from the top:)