Day 4: Valley of the Ten Peaks hike

The weather forecast for the Lake Louise area was sun/cloud and decent temperatures. We decide not to take our rain gear for the first time. We are hoping the weather forecast is accurate, although in these big mountains anything is possible. We got away earlier than usual, but encountered  about a 20 minute delay for road construction just east of Field. We think they were doing some blasting as both sides of the road were temporarily closed. We drive through Lake Louise and then a drive into Moraine Lake. We can't turn left into Moraine Lake entrance (11 kms from the actual lake) for some reason so must do a u-turn and then we turn right.

On arrival at famous Moraine Lake (see below old $20 bill) we must find the first parking spot.

Short walk to the actual lake and the area/trail maps. We picked "Valley of the Ten Peaks" hike as it had more elevation and beautiful scenery. Plus, we get to see Moraine Lake!

Larch Valley / Minnestimma Lakes

Length: 4.3 km one way
Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hour round trip
Elevation gain: 535 m 
Trailhead: Drive 14 km from Lake Louise along the Moraine Lake Road. Begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge.

Description: Hike into a unique larch forest high above Moraine Lake. Views of the Ten Peaks are breathtaking.

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The famous Valley of Ten Peaks surrounding Moraine Lake is seen to its best advantage on this trail. All ten summits, each over 10,000 feet high, loom over the Wenkchemna glacier below. The trail crosses meadows filled with wildflowers during the mid-summer season. This trail is also referred to as the Eiffel Lake trail, but the spectacular mountain views are what really count.

• 9-11 km (6-7 mi) return trip
• 365 m (1200 ft) elevation gain
• Park regulations may require a group size of 4 or more people on this trail due to grizzly bear activity

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Area map at the parking lot. 

Trails Map.

Sign post at the foot of our hike. We will take the Larch Valley/Minnestimma Lakes hike and not turn off for the Eiffel Lake hike. We are at the trail head at 10:25. Tons of tourists already at the lake, but not many taking the more serious hike. 

This is at the beginning of the hike. As you can see there was lots of snow even at the lower elevation. Lana has taken off her jacket as the uphill hiking really warms you up. Plus, it wasn't cold at the lower elevations. 

Moraine Lake picture from the end of the lake where everyone congregates after getting off their bus or out of their car. 

Another picture of Moraine Lake. Stunning setting with many beautiful mountains looming. 

Check out the reflections. 

Great picture of our slushy trail. Very slippery going up the trail and more slippery going down the trail. Snow falling off trees plopping off your head.  

This is a small lake at the very top of the hike. By this time, Lana was fatigued and never joined me to hike to this ending. You could keep going around the lake and there is a trail that takes you to the top of the ridge behind the lake. 

Lana hiking at the top of the hike where it is wide open and no real trees. What was super interesting was walking upon a young couple who were just married and having their pics taken wearing a nice suit and beautiful wedding dress. 

Beautiful panoramic pic by Lana of most of the mountains on the one side of our hike. The day was mostly overcast and at the top slightly chilly. Check out the bench as this was near where we decided to stop for lunch and enjoy the scenery in front of us. 

One of the towering mountains. 

Randy's picture of the Rocky Mountains surrounding our hike into Larch. 

Check out the ridge towards the bottom of the picture. The Rockies are just behind and menacing. 

Lana's fantastic shot of Moraine Lake below through the trees as she is descending on the switchback trail. 

Details of hike:

• lots of switchbacks on the ascent
• around 11:15 arrive at the junction with Eiffel Lake turnoff
• Lana arrives around 11:25 and then within 5 minutes we are hiking uphill
• by 12:08 we have stopped and then I continue for a longer hike uphill to the small lake
• at 12:30 we are having lunch
• towards the top excellent trail comprised of small stones
• 12:40 we have finished our lunch and then hiking back to the lake
• Randy arrives at 13:35 at the bottom of the trailhead which from the junction trail 32 minutes so much quicker hiking down despite the slippery trail
• Randy had a good chat with a guy from Lake Tahoe on the descent
• Randy's stats: 15,500 steps, 9 kms and 120 floors
• Lana's stats: 18,000 steps, 11.5 kms (of course given Lana's zig zag technique of uphill and downhill hiking no wonder!)  :-)
• at the lake it is warmer, sunnier and many tourists, vehicles and cameras!
• Lana detours towards the lake and purchases a hot chocolate for both of us (!7.30 cost)
• Lana was super happy she brought her hiking poles 

We drove back to Field and back to our room. Had our hot bath and then got ready for our trip back to Lake Louise as Lana had a spa appointment for 17:00 @ The Post Hotel Temple Spa. It was for 90 minutes so Lana asked about me getting access to their jacuzzi/steam bath while she was indulging herself. The lady confirmed I could use the facilities for free. Great deal for me! We arrive about 30 minutes before her appointment. I am escorted into the male section and shown the jacuzzi, steam bath, lockers, shower etc. 

I have the place to myself! Naked, huge soft towel and very clean facilities. I like to get hot in the jacuzzi and then steam bath and get cold in the shower. I do this twice and then shower. No rush on anything. Very peaceful and in no rush. By the time I am showered and not as sweaty it is 18:00 so I have about 30 minutes to wait for Lana in the spa.

Today is one of Lana's 'favourite' vacation type days. She enjoyed an exerting and scenic hike, followed by a long and satisfying spa treatment and then dinner out. We decide to eat at The Outpost Pub located on the grounds of the Post Hotel. We had a very comfortable place near the fireplace in a couple of huge arm chairs. Our server was great, but the food was mediocre. A good glass of Italian Pinot Grigio. 

After dinner, we stopped at an outdoor retailer in Lake Louise so Lana could purchase micro-spikes given the snow conditions and slippery trails. Great idea and if she needs them well worth the investment. Next, we stopped at a grocery mart to purchase two strip loin steaks and garlic bread. We purchased a bottle of Syrah earlier to pair with our meal to enjoy after our big hiking day tomorrow.

It is now past 22:00 and Lana is still awake! Somewhat nervous about our big hike tomorrow which involves more than 800 metres elevation. Very steep grade so this can be intimidating to anyone.