Rocky Mountain Backpacking/ Camping - Sunset Pass (8/15/2016)

We will keep a fairly brisk pace with some steep hills. Good physical condition is a recommended prerequisite. Please sign up to the hiking weekly events and try carrying a full backpack if you are unsure about your ability to hike and camp in the backcountry.

> The staging area is 17 km North of the Saskatchewan River Crossing at the junction of highways #11 and 93. We will then hike the steep ascent North parallel to Norman Creek passing many viewpoints including Alexandra River to Sunset Pass (approx. 6 km) near the boundary of Banff Park and David Thompson Country where we will camp Monday night. On Tuesday we will make the long steady hike to the main campsite at Pinto Lake in David Thompson Country for a total of approximately 17 km from our vehicles. On Wednesday we will hike back the way we came downhill to Norman Creek Campsite and stay one more night before heading to the cars (optional return to the cars sooner if necessary). Click HERE for more info about Sunset Pass. We will also do Sunset Lookout hike and many more around Pinto Lake. Here's one description: "After passing by Norman Creek waterfall take the trail to your left towards the lookout. Continue on for another 1.6kms as it slowly climbs through an old spruce and fir forest then veers left towards the top of a cliff ledge located just below you. Be careful here, the cliff ledge is narrow with little standing room. There are also old cables and steel bars you can trip on that have been left from an old fire lookout. Views from here are well worth the effort. The confluence of the North Saskatchewan River and the Alexander River are located on the valley bottom 390ms below you. One would never know the Alexandra river existed as the north Saskatchewan River makes it difficult to view from the highway. Both rivers are braided at this location creating a mesmerizing view of the valley bottom and the Icefields Parkway. The two major glaciated peaks in view are Mount Saskatchewan to your right and Mount Amery straight ahead".
" Once you reach the back side of the meadows the trail enters the forest again and works it's way up past Mount Coleman situated to your left. In another km or so you'll pass by the Banff National Park boundary then the top of the pass and Pinto Lake Lookout. Views from here are absolutely stunning. Pinto Lake lies 415ms below you and reflects a beautiful aqua blue colour. Pinto lake was named after geologist Arthur Coleman's cantankerous pack horse in 1893. Seems Pinto created enough grief to get this lake named after him. The White Ghost Wilderness area and the Cline River Valley are in view straight ahead".

To minimize the load everyone will carry, we will coordinate to share gear as necessary, and assign you to a cooking/ tenting partner.

Please let Mark know whether you have cooking utensils and a tent. You will be contacted by e-mail prior to the event for information about gear you are able to provide and what you need to share. Please note that although we do not expect all participants to bring a tent/ cookstove, if not enough people are able to provide these we may need to bump people to the waitlist.

To assist in the organization of this trip, we may have an optional meeting/conditioning hike in advance.

Carpool payment: for those that do want the EOC to arrange the carpool for you, we have a new communal payment system. Please DO NOT pay your drivers en route. Passengers will pay Mark when they get to the staging area and he will distribute the money to the carpool drivers evenly.

Please pay Mark directly via email transaction, or in person. Alternatively see the methods of payment via our Treasurer Donna.

Click HERE for more info and tips on beginner backpacking and hiking.