Saddleback Trail

Posted March 25th, 2007 by Chris

Distance:

6.5 km

Difficulty:

Strenuous

Elev. gain:

657 meters

Time required:

2 - 4 hours

Bikes permitted:

Dogs permitted:

Yes

Download GPX | Download KML

Directions to trail head

This trail starts at the south-east side of the lake in front a couple of hundred metres from Chateau Lake Louise.

Hazards on trail

Bears are often present and at times hikers must be in groups of 6 or more to hike in this area. Also if you choose to climb the trail up Fairview Mountain return on the trail do not try to scramble down the northeast side. You might find yourself being rescued.

Hike Description

You start on an asphault trail at waypoint #130 which turns to dirt and begins to climb through the forest. Waypoints #131-#133 are all intersections with other trails. At waypoint #132 is the intersection with the trail to Fairview Lookout. Continue straight ahead to stay on the Saddleback Trail. After about 1 kilometre at waypoint #134 you will emerge from the forest with a view of the valley and the Lake Louise ski area. Continue on to Sheol Valley via the Saddleback Trail which is approximately two kilometres further. From the Sheol Valley there is a trail up Fairview Mountain or you can continue on to hook up to the Paradise Valley Trail. Saddleback trail is well treed and the pass is often full of flowers in mid-summer and surrounded by larch in the fall. The pass also provides great views of Mt. Temple, Fairview and Saddle Mountains. Everytrail provides a view of this area from above.

The GPS track for this hike can be downloaded via the file attached to this post. Go to the "About" page for directions prior to download or use of this data. Please submit your feedback and let me know your thoughts on the hike. If you have the the GPS data for other hikes in Alberta please send it along with a couple pictures to chris[at]hikealberta[dot]com.