EPIC Helen Lake Trail: Gateway to Cirque Peak, Part 1 #canadianrockies

Helen Lake Trail is a stunning hike located in Banff National Park, Alberta. The trail offers breathtaking views of alpine meadows, wildflowers, and the Bow Valley, making it a favorite among hikers. The hike begins near Bow Lake and gradually ascends through forested areas before opening up to expansive meadows. Helen Lake itself is a serene spot, perfect for a break or picnic. For those seeking an extra challenge, the trail extends to Cirque Peak, offering panoramic views of the Wapta Icefield. Candain Rockies Hike. July 20/2023 Summer Hike, Alberta Canada Today we will be summiting Cirque Peak. I have split this hike into 2 videos as I had so much footage, and I wanted to showcase this hike in the best possible way. In this video we will be hiking up to Helen Lake. The trail was 5.7 kilometers (3.5 miles) to the lake with an elevation gain of 494 meters (1620 feet). The trailhead is in Banff National Park, Alberta Canada along the Icefields Parkway, just across from Bow Lake. The trail starts out with a gradual incline but be prepared there are a lot of roots on this portion. You will be in the trees for this portion of the hike. In a couple spots the trail will level out for a brief period. As you climb you will come across numerous little creeks crossing the trail with a few little waterfalls. Soon the trail will become a little bit steeper. The trail will also get rocky in portions. At 2k the trail will start and open up you will start to get some views looking back. At 2.5k you will get even better views, before heading back into the trees. Soon you will come across a burned-out section on the left side of the trail and you can see the mountain above you to your left. Once again, the elevation will increase. And at 3k just to your left will be a great lookout spot. At 3.2k the trail will level out and you will see Dolomite Peak right in front of you. The trail will now take you left, and you will get your first glimpse of Cirque Peak, way off in the distance. Now the trail will be relatively flat for a while and the views will get better looking in all directions. Hike this portion slowly so you can take in the splendor of this trail. Soon you will come across a couple sections full of beautiful wildflowers. At about 4.2k the trail will take you down a little bit. You will then come across a section full of wildflowers to your left and to your right. The aromas here were just popping. You will come across a couple more little creeks crossing the trail. The trail will now take you up a little bit. The trail will open up even more with wonderful 360 views. don’t forget to look behind you. At 4.8k you will arrive at a stunning set of numerous little waterfalls cascading down the creek with Cirque Peak in the background. This is probably the best view I have had this year hiking on a trail, Bill said it perfectly, INDESCRIBABLE. They now have a little bridge crossing the creek which I think is new. After crossing the creek, you will be greeted with a beautiful meadow. It is hard to describe in words how stunning the views were. The trail is relatively flat crossing the meadow. At 5.7k we finally arrived at Helen Lake. WooHoo. We had a nice little break here. I highly recommend this hike up to Helen Lake, anyone can do this portion of the trail. I can’t say the same for the next portion of the trail summiting Cirque Peak. Make sure to subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss the next video. This is my 120th video. Thank you very much for watching. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up. If you would like to see my other hiking videos, subscribe to my channel, LIVE ON ALBERTA. I feature over 115 hiking videos. CHEERS Thank you, Cary Mason #hikingalberta #canadianrockies #travelalberta #banff #hiking Email – [email protected] Instagram –   / carywmason