Wednesday 8 April 2009

Hiking Trails - Skyline Trail - Day 2

The elevation gain is 550m and an elevation loss of 160m on today’s hike to the Snow Bowl campground.


[24-Wildflowers on Skyline Trail]

The Skyline Trail has been identified as critical Woodland Caribou habitat, a threatened Species-at-Risk in Canada. In an attempt to reduce stressors on this disappearing animal of the Canadian wilderness Parks Canada has banned dogs from all Caribou habitat in Jasper National Park.


[25-Little Shovel Pass]


From the Little Shovel Pass at 2240m, down to the Snow Bowl campground the distance is 1.6 km.



[26-Wildflowers meadow]



[27-Wildflowers in Little Shovel Pass]


Not often seen are wolves and mountain lions who roam these high valleys in search of prey. Grizzly bears can be spotted digging for ground squirrels or munching on plants in trail side meadows and once in awhile woodland caribou are spotted.


[28-Mountain lion]




[29-View southest from Little Shovel Pass]



[30-Forget Me Nots]


When entering the Snowbowl, the trail can be seen snaking its way down through open meadows and into the trees where the Snowbowl campground is hidden.




[31-Down into the Snow Bowl from the Little Shovel Pass]




[32-Moss Campion]



[33-In the Snow Bowl]




[34]




[35]



[36]



[37]



[38]



[39-Waterfall on Skyline Trail]




[40-Hiking along a stream]




[41]



[42-Wildflowers at streamside]



[43-View northeast toward Maligne Valley]


Dropping down to the Snow Bowl campground.



[44-click to enlarge]

The campgrounds are basic ‘backcountry campgrounds’ with a small patch of uneven ground, small common area with two picnic tables, a food suspension cable and an open pit toilet. The use of gas stoves is mandatory as campfires are not permitted.


CONTINUED

Source: ParksCanada
Photo Credits: [24][25][26][27][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44]-brilang CC=nc-sa-flickr, [28]-ahisgett CC=flickr.

15 comments:

Cloudia said...

Thanks for this marvelous hike!
Aloha, Barbara

Rune Eide said...

A magnificent trail - not to mention the picture of the mountain lion.

Some of the pictures reminded me of the Scottish highlands.

Anonymous said...

I called my husband to see this Barbara. It's somewhere we've always wanted to go...trails we've always wanted to follow. I know you've mentioned before to follow dreams. I have some serious questions to ask you about this.I'll email you. Thank you so much for posting it. Those skies!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello Barbara,
it is always pleasant to walk on your blog where Mother Nature is always present.
Spring is here.
Thank you for your comments.
François

Anonymous said...

Damn, that's gorgeous.

Barbara Martin said...

Cloudia, a temperate weather place where higher elevations can be cooler, though with hiking one tends to keep rather warm.

RuneE, the only mountain lion I have ever seen in Banff National Park was on the old highway 1A near Lake Louise, scooting across the pavement into the forest on the other side.

Wherever there are tundra alpine conditions it is often due to the glaciers have melted only a short time ago and the bushes and trees have yet to dig their roots deep into the soil.

Barbara Martin said...

Pam, there are enough campgrounds on this trail that you can take a leisurely hike between each so as not to strain your muscles. There are steep stretches going up the passes, especially up through the Notch which will be covered in two weeks. After a several day hike it is nice to go to the hot springs at Miette Hot Springs for a good soak. I'm a big fan of sulphur springs pools despite the odour. It's an excellent way to unwind after a strenuous day to ensure a relaxing and pleasant sleep without aching muscles.

Barbara Martin said...

François, I hope you had a nice relaxing vacation and it's nice to see you back for a visit. Spring is certainly here, but in Jasper there is still alot of snow and ice.

Jason, I agree and perhaps one day you will think of going for a visit.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for answering the comment here Barabara. I'm experienced difficulties in emailing you. Is that still your email address on your sidebar?

Charles Gramlich said...

This really makes me want to get out and take a good hard hike, not stopping for anything but just going going.

David Cranmer said...

I enjoyed todays hike, Barbara.

Barbara Martin said...

Pam, that has been my email address for many years, though I have sent you a brief note.

Charles, be sure to take refreshments along for when you need them.

David, virtual nature is almost as good as being there in person.

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Barbara,
Just such a lovely land you share here with us. I just returned from my own mountain visit,but as always a virtual visit with your place has me planning again.
Cheers,
Robb

BernardL said...

The stream would be a welcome sight on that hike.

Barbara Martin said...

Robb, I will be over in awhile to read your blog about your trip to see your own wonderful photos.

Bernard, water is an important element in every hike, and this one in particular.